Before you begin:
* Safety First: Jack up the vehicle securely on jack stands, never work under a vehicle supported only by a jack. Engage the parking brake. Wear safety glasses and gloves.
* Gather Tools & Parts: You'll need a jack, jack stands, wheel chocks, lug wrench, socket wrench set (metric), brake caliper wrench or C-clamp, pliers, wire brush, brake cleaner, torque wrench, new brake pads, possibly new rotors (inspect them carefully – if scored or warped, they need replacing), and new caliper pins and boots (recommended, especially if they're rusty or damaged). A shop manual is highly recommended.
* Identify your brake system: Knowing if your Explorer has rear drum brakes or disc brakes will significantly change the procedure. Most likely it has disc brakes in the front and possibly drum brakes in the rear.
General Steps (Front Disc Brakes - most common):
1. Secure the Vehicle: Chock the wheels, engage the parking brake, and safely jack up the vehicle. Place it securely on jack stands.
2. Remove the Wheel: Remove the lug nuts and carefully take off the wheel.
3. Inspect the Components: Examine the brake pads, rotors, calipers, and caliper pins. Note their condition.
4. Remove the Caliper: Use a caliper bracket tool or a C-clamp to compress the caliper piston. You may need to turn the piston slowly and evenly to avoid damaging the seals. Once compressed, carefully remove the caliper and set it aside – support it with a wire or bungee cord to prevent it from hanging by the brake hose.
5. Remove the Brake Pads: Remove the old brake pads. Clean the caliper bracket with a wire brush.
6. Inspect and Replace Rotors (if necessary): If the rotors are scored, warped, or excessively worn, they must be replaced.
7. Install New Brake Pads: Install the new brake pads into the caliper bracket.
8. Reinstall the Caliper: Carefully reinstall the caliper over the new pads. Ensure that the caliper slides freely in its bracket. If needed, lubricate the caliper pins and bushings with high-temperature brake grease.
9. Reinstall the Wheel: Reinstall the wheel and tighten the lug nuts to the manufacturer's specified torque (check your repair manual).
10. Repeat for Other Wheels: Repeat steps 1-9 for the other front wheel and then the rear wheels (if they are also disc brakes). Rear drum brake replacement is a different procedure entirely and more complex.
General Steps (Rear Drum Brakes - if applicable):
Replacing rear drum brakes is significantly more involved and requires specialized tools like a drum brake spring compressor. This is best left to experienced mechanics or those with a thorough understanding of drum brake systems.
After Completing the Brake Job:
* Pump the Brakes: After reinstalling all wheels, pump the brake pedal several times to build up pressure and ensure the brakes are functioning correctly.
* Test Drive: Take a short test drive to make sure the brakes work properly. If you notice anything unusual (spongy pedal, pulling to one side, squealing), immediately stop and investigate.
* Bleed the Brakes (Possibly): Depending on how much work you did, it might be necessary to bleed the brakes to remove any air trapped in the lines. This requires a brake bleeder and a helper. Consult your repair manual.
Disclaimer: This is a simplified overview. Improper brake repair can lead to serious injury or death. If you are not comfortable performing this task, take your vehicle to a qualified mechanic. Always consult your vehicle's repair manual for specific instructions and torque specifications.
