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How To Replace Ford Brake Pads

Brake pads are an essential component of your Ford vehicle's braking system, providing the friction needed to slow down and stop your car. Over time, brake pads wear out and need to be replaced to maintain optimal braking performance. This article will guide car buyers and enthusiasts through the process of replacing Ford brake pads, ensuring a safe and efficient driving experience.

Signs of Worn Ford Brake Pads

Before diving into the replacement process, it's crucial to recognize the signs that indicate it's time for new brake pads. Common symptoms of worn-out brake pads include:

  • Braking causes squeaking or squealing noises
  • Brake pedal vibrates
  • Braking efficiency suddenly reduces
  • Brake pad warning light illuminates on the dashboard

Measuring Brake Pad Thickness

To determine if your Ford brake pads need replacement, measure their thickness using a brake pad gauge or a ruler. Consult your vehicle's owner's manual for the minimum recommended thickness, which is typically around 3 millimeters (1/8 inch). If the pads are below this threshold, it's time for a replacement.

Gathering the Necessary Tools and Materials

Before starting the replacement process, gather the following tools and materials:

  • A jack and jack stands
  • A C-clamp or brake caliper tool
  • A wire brush
  • A socket set and ratchet
  • Brake pad grease or anti-squeal compound
  • Brake cleaner
  • New brake pads
  • A torque wrench
  • A lug wrench or impact wrench

Replacing Ford Brake Pads

  • Lifting the Vehicle Safely

Park your Ford on a level surface and engage the parking brake. Using the lug wrench, loosen the lug nuts on the wheel you'll be working on but do not remove them completely. Carefully raise the vehicle using the jack and support it with jack stands. Remove the lug nuts and take off the wheel.

  • Removing the Caliper

Locate the brake caliper, which is the component that houses the brake pads. Identify the caliper mounting bolts and remove them using the appropriate socket and ratchet. Carefully slide the caliper off the brake rotor, ensuring it does not damage the brake hose connected to it. If necessary, use a bungee cord or zip-ties to hang the caliper, avoiding strain on the brake hose.

  • Replacing the Brake Pads

Remove the old brake pads from the caliper bracket. Clean the caliper bracket and mounting hardware with a wire brush and brake cleaner. Apply brake pad grease or anti-squeal compound to the back of the new brake pads, avoiding contact with the friction material. Install the new pads onto the caliper bracket.

  • Compressing the Caliper Piston

Using a C-clamp or brake caliper tool, carefully compress the caliper piston back into its bore. This step is crucial for accommodating the increased thickness of the new brake pads. Ensure the piston is fully retracted before proceeding.

  • Reassembling the Braking System

Reinstall the caliper onto the caliper bracket, ensuring it fits snugly over the new brake pads and rotor. Tighten the caliper mounting bolts to the manufacturer's recommended torque specification, found in the owner's manual or a repair guide.

  • Reinstalling the Wheel and Lowering the Vehicle

Reattach the wheel, tightening the lug nuts by hand. Carefully lower the vehicle, removing the jack stands. Use a torque wrench to tighten the lug nuts to the manufacturer's recommended torque specification. Repeat the brake pad replacement process for the remaining wheels, if necessary.

Bedding in the New Brake Pads

After installing new brake pads, it's crucial to perform a bedding-in procedure. This process ensures proper mating between the brake pads and rotors, optimizing braking performance and minimizing noise. Follow these steps for bedding in your new Ford brake pads:

  • Accelerate to a moderate speed (approximately 30-40 mph) and apply the brakes firmly, but not to the point of triggering the ABS system or locking up the wheels.
  • Slow down to around 10 mph without coming to a complete stop.
  • Repeat the process 8-10 times, allowing a brief cooling period between each braking event.
  • Avoid aggressive braking for the first 100 miles of driving to ensure optimal performance and longevity.

Replacing Ford brake pads is a crucial maintenance task that ensures the safety and performance of your vehicle. By following the steps outlined in this guide, car buyers and enthusiasts can confidently tackle this job and enjoy the benefits of a well-functioning braking system. Remember to read your vehicle's owner's manual or a repair guide for specific instructions and torque specifications tailored to your Ford model.

Department Number
Sales 631-759-4974
Service 631-552-5578
Parts 631-565-7275
Sales
Day Open Closed
Monday 10:00AM 7:00PM
Tuesday 10:00AM 7:00PM
Wednesday 10:00AM 7:00PM
Thursday 10:00AM 7:00PM
Friday 10:00AM 7:00PM
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Sunday 11:00AM 5:00PM

Although every reasonable effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained on this site, absolute accuracy cannot be guaranteed. This site, and all information and materials appearing on it, are presented to the user "as is" without warranty of any kind, either express or implied. All vehicles are subject to prior sale. Prices include all costs to be paid by a consumer, except for licensing costs, registration fees, and taxes. ‡Vehicles shown at different locations are not currently in our inventory (Not in Stock) but can be made available to you at our location within a reasonable date from the time of your request, not to exceed one week.

Although every reasonable effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information contained on this site, absolute accuracy cannot be guaranteed. This site, and all information and materials appearing on it, are presented to the user "as is" without warranty of any kind, either express or implied. All vehicles are subject to prior sale. Prices include all costs to be paid by a consumer, except for licensing costs, registration fees, and taxes.