Disc brakes provide the necessary stopping power for a vehicle by squeezing brake pads against the brake rotors. The caliper pistons are forced closed by brake fluid when the brake pedal is depressed. Over time, and as a result of use, the surface of the brake pads will wear thin, causing the brakes to function at a level less than they were designed to operate. Changing the brake pads at the sign of wear will enable the braking system to function properly when needed.
Ford brake pads have wear indicators that cause a "squeal" when the pads have been worn to the point that they require replacement. You can have your Ford's brakes repaired by a professional, or you can swap the old pads for new ones yourself.
Instructions
1. Loosen the lug nuts on the wheel with the socket of the tire iron.
2. Lift the Ford with the jack. Place the jack beneath the frame of the vehicle, not a fender or other less-secure part of the vehicle.
3. Place jack stands beneath the frame of the vehicle.
4. Remove the lug nuts and pull the wheel from the wheel bolts.
5. Turn the steering wheel away from the side you are working on first. For the left brake, turn the steering wheel to the right.
6. Remove the two caliper bolts with the 7-millimeter Allen wrench. The caliper straddles the rotor. The caliper bolts are on the right side of the left brake; left side of the right brake.
7. Open the brake fluid bleed valve with the 10-millimeter wrench. The valve is located near the upper part of the two caliper bolts. Two full turns will adequately open the valve. Place a drip pan beneath the brake.
8. Remove the two brake pads clipped to the caliper sides. Use a flat screwdriver to pry the metal clips on the back of the pads away from the caliper.
9. Place the C-clamp over the caliper piston and the outside edge of the caliper. Screw the C-clamp to push the piston against the side of the caliper. The piston is the rubber-coated ring that extends from the inside of the caliper.
10. Apply brake grease to the area of the caliper piston now sitting flush with the side of the caliper.
11. Snap on the new brake pads to either side of the caliper. The thin metal clips will connect to the sides of the caliper by hand.
12. Return the caliper to the rotor. Replace the caliper bolts with the Allen wrench. Close the brake fluid bleed valve with the 10-millimeter wrench.
13. Turn the steering wheel so that the wheel is pointed forward. Place the wheel onto the wheel bolts. Screw on the lug nuts by hand.
14. Remove the jack stands and lower the Ford to the ground. Use the tire iron to tighten the lug nuts.
15. Press the brake pedal repeatedly. After pressing the pedal three times, the fluid that was displaced by opening the bleed valve and squeezing back the piston will be returned to the caliper.
Tags: brake pads, caliper bolts, bleed valve, brake fluid, caliper piston
