The disc brakes on your Ford F-150 consist of the brake calipers and rotors, as well as the brake pads. Ford recommends regular inspection of the braking system to repair any damage or replace any components as soon as possible. The brake pads should be replaced every 5,000 miles or when the squeal from the brake pad wear indicators is heard. During brake pad replacement, check the rotors for damage and replace them if necessary.
Open your Ford truck's hood and remove the master cylinder cap. The master cylinder contains brake fluid. The cap is located at the back of the engine compartment near the truck's firewall. Lay the cap loosely over the opening of the container to relieve pressure for when the caliper pistons are opened while keeping debris out of the fluid.
Loosen the lug nuts on the wheels with a 21 mm socket and breaker bar.
Place a lifting jack beneath the cross-frame to lift the truck. The cross-frame is the sturdy intersection of the frame. The fenders are not strong enough to support the jack or bear the weight of the truck during lifting.
Place jack stands beneath the frame of your F-150 for support.
Remove the lug nuts and take the wheel off of the wheel bolts. Lay the tire flat on the ground near the brake. The overturned wheel serves as a useful seat while replacing the brake pads.
Remove the two caliper bolts on the back side of the caliper with a 13 mm wrench.
Pull the caliper off the rotor.
Pry the brake pads from the inside of the caliper with a flat head screwdriver.
Place a worn brake pad against the two rubber-coated pistons protruding from the inside of the caliper. Place a C-clamp over the spent brake pad and the backside of the caliper.
Twist the threaded arm of the C-clamp to force the pistons inside the caliper. Remove the C-clamp and discard the worn brake pad.
Place a thin layer of brake grease on the area where the caliper pistons emerge.
Position the new brake pads onto the side of the caliper. Press firmly on the pads, forcing the metal clips on the backs of the pads to snap onto the walls of the caliper.
Place the caliper with the new brake pads back onto the caliper bracket. Screw in the caliper bolts with the 13 mm wrench.
Replace the wheels onto the Ford's wheel bolts and screw on the lug nuts.
Lift the truck once more to remove the jack stands. Lower the truck's tires to the ground and tighten the lug nuts with the 21 mm socket and breaker bar.
Press and hold the brake pedal three times.
Remove the master cylinder cap and assess the brake fluid level. Place a funnel into the reservoir opening and fill the container with DOT-3 brake fluid if necessary. Replace the master cylinder cap and close your Ford F-150's hood.
