How To Change Ford Brake Pads

Regular car maintenance is essential for keeping your Ford running smoothly and safely. One important aspect of this is replacing your brake pads when they become worn. While this may sound like a daunting task, with the right tools and a bit of know-how, it can be done at home, saving you money on labor costs. In this article, we will provide you with a step-by-step guide on how to change Ford brake pads.

Step 1: Gather Your Tools and Materials

Before you start, you'll need to make sure you have all the necessary tools and materials. You'll need a set of replacement brake pads that are specifically designed for your Ford, a lug wrench, a C-clamp or brake piston tool, a socket wrench set, a can of brake cleaner, and a torque wrench.

Step 2: Prepare Your Vehicle

Make sure your Ford is parked on a level surface and the emergency brake is engaged. Firstly, use a lug wrench to loosen the lug nuts on the wheel that requires brake pad replacement, but avoid removing them at this stage. After that, utilize a jack to raise the Ford until the tire no longer touches the ground. As an additional safety measure, position a jack stand close to the jacking point under the car.

Step 3: Remove the Old Brake Pads

Now it's time to remove the old brake pads. First, locate the caliper, which is the part that holds the brake pads in place. It will be located on the top of the rotor, and will be held in place by two bolts. Use a socket wrench set to remove these bolts and carefully lift the caliper off the rotor. Don't let it hang by the brake line, as this can cause damage. Instead, secure it to the suspension with a wire hanger or bungee cord.

Next, remove the old brake pads from the caliper by pulling them out. Depending on your Ford's model, you may also need to remove any retaining clips or springs.

Step 4: Install the New Brake Pads

Now it's time to install the new brake pads. First, use a C-clamp or brake piston tool to push the caliper piston back into the caliper. This will make room for the new, thicker brake pads. Then, place the new brake pads into the caliper, making sure they fit snugly. If your Ford requires retaining clips or springs, install those now as well.

Step 5: Reassemble and Test

Before you put everything back together, spray the rotor and caliper with brake cleaner to remove any dirt or debris. Then, carefully place the caliper back onto the rotor and tighten the bolts using a socket wrench set. Finally, tighten the lug nuts on the wheel and remove the jack stand. Lower the car to the ground and use a torque wrench to tighten the lug nuts to the manufacturer's specifications.

Repeat these steps for the other wheels, and you're done! You've successfully changed your Ford's brake pads.

Regularly replacing your brake pads is an essential part of keeping your Ford running safely and smoothly. While it may seem intimidating at first, changing your brake pads is a task that can be done at home with the right tools and a bit of know-how. By following these steps, you can save money on labor costs and ensure that your Ford's brakes are in top condition.