If you are experiencing troubles with your 1997 Ford F150 four-wheel drive vehicle, you may find the problem is rather easy to identify. However, as with many automotive problems, you may need the services of a professional mechanic to actually fix it. Some basic repairs may require only a few tools, such as screwdrivers, a socket wrench set and perhaps a floor jack and jack stands. Investing money in basic car repair tools can save time and money in the long run by allowing you to become more self-reliant and depend less on mechanics.
Listen to your F150 as you depress the brake pedal when coming to a stop. If you hear metal-on-metal grinding noises coming from the wheels, then your brake pads are worn down, grinding and possibly damaging the rotors. This also presents a safety issue and you should address this problem as soon as possible.
Park the truck on a level surface and raise it using a floor jack and jack stands. Make sure the jack stands are securely in place under the frame. Chock the rear wheels as an extra safety measure to prevent the truck from rolling off the stands.
Remove the wheels using a tire wrench or socket wrench.
Use a torque wrench to unscrew the two caliper mounting bolts, which are located on the top and bottom of the caliper braking unit. Completely remove the lower caliper mounting bolt, however, leave the top one loosely connected to the caliper and rotor. Rotate the caliper so that the brake pads are exposed.
Inspect the rotors for signs of deterioration such as grooves, uneven surface areas or rust. If the rotors are damaged, cracked or show any other signs of deterioration, remove the top caliper mounting bolt and remove the caliper completely. Unscrew the rotor mounting bolts and take them to an auto-parts store for resurfacing. If the rotors are in good shape, continue to the next step.
Bend and shape a wire coat hanger, to support the caliper frame that is now rotated upward.
Slide the inner and outer brake pads out from the caliper retaining bracket.
Use one of the old brake pads and a C-clamp to push the caliper piston back into the caliper. Use a brush to clean the caliper brackets and the caliper slides, which can be pulled out from the bottom and top of the caliper. Lubricate the caliper slides and reinstall them into the caliper bracket. Also apply anti-squeal lubricant to the back of the brake pads.
Install the new brake pads and lower the caliper top component. Tighten the caliper mounting bolts between 21 and 26 foot-pounds. Reinstall the tires and lower the vehicle from the jack stands. Pump the brakes several times to bleed the system of any air that may have gotten into it during the replacement process.
