The front wheel disc brakes in the Ford Explorer are a vast improvement to the drum brakes used on previous Ford models. Disc brakes have superior stopping power compared with drum brakes, and are extremely easier to replace for the do-it-yourself mechanic. A usual brake job for the front tires of a Ford Explorer takes about an hour. Replacement is typically required every three to five years, depending on the quality and type of brakes used on the vehicle, as well as how often you drive and where.
Loosen the lug nuts on the front tires of the SUV. Set the vehicle in park.
Situate the floor jack under the front axle of the vehicle. Raise the SUV until the front tires are at least two inches off the ground. Set the jack stands underneath the same axle as the jack.
Remove the brake caliper mounting bracket (the crescent shaped bracket behind the tire) from the rotor using the socket wrench. Hang it from the wheel well with the bungee to prevent any strain on the brake line.
Pull the brake restraint clips from the mounting bracket. There are two clips that hold in each brake pad. Pull the brake pads out.
Compress the brake caliper cylinder with the c-clamp by clamping the stationary end of it to the rear of the bracket and the movable end to the cylinder. Compress the cylinder until it is flush with the bracket.
Insert the new brake pads into the slots where the old pads were. Set the clips in to hold them. Make sure that the black brake material of the pads is facing inward, toward the rotor.
Bolt the mounting bracket back onto the rotor and re-attach the tire to the vehicle. Lower the Explorer and tighten all the lug nuts with the tire iron.
