It is a good idea to replace the brake rotors when changing the brake pads on a Ford F-350. However, you do not need to change the rotors every time you change the brakes. Examine the surface of the rotor disc. If there is visible damage, and you have never resurfaced the rotors, change them, along with the brake pads. If you have resurfaced them before, then you will probably need new rotors for the F-350. Replacing the rotors is only one additional step, unless your Ford F-350 is the two-wheel drive model.
Open the engine compartment, and remove 2/3 of the brake fluid from the brake master cylinder, using a turkey baster as a syringe. Put the brake fluid in the drain pan for later disposal. Place the wheel chocks behind the rear wheels.
Jack the F-350 up, using the automobile jack, and place a jack stand near the jacking point. Raise the jack stand up to the frame of the truck.
Remove the wheel of the truck with the lug wrench. Remove the brake caliper, using the ratchet and socket to remove the retaining bolts. You can access the bolts on the back of the caliper. Secure the caliper to the strut, using the wire tie. If the caliper hangs, it will damage the brake line.
If your truck is a four-wheel drive model, pull the rotor off the wheel assembly. If your Ford F-350 is the two-wheel drive model, remove the grease cap from the wheel hub, using the regular screwdriver as a pry tool to pop the cap off. Remove the cotter pin, using the pliers to pull it out of the wheel shaft. Remove the retaining nut and spindle nut with a wrench. Remove the bearing retainer ring, using the screwdriver, and pull the wheel bearing off. Pull the wheel rotor assembly off by hand.
Put the new rotor on the wheel assembly. Place the wheel bearing on the shaft, followed by the bearing retainer. Replace the spindle nut, and tighten it with the wrench. Thread the retaining nut on the shaft, and tighten it against the spindle nut with the wrench. Put a new cotter pin through the shaft hole, and spread it apart with the pliers. Tap the grease cap onto the wheel with the rubber mallet.
Cut the wire tie away from the brake caliper with the pliers. Remove the old brake pads from the caliper, along with the anti-rattle clips. Put new anti-rattle clips in the caliper; they are provided with the new brake pads. Install the brake pads on the caliper by putting them in place.
Place the caliper back into the mounting bracket on the wheel assembly. Tighten the retaining bolts with the socket and ratchet. Replace the wheel on the truck, and tighten it with the lug wrench. Remove the jack stand from under the Ford, and lower the truck back to the ground. Repeat the process on the other wheel.
