Safety First:
* Engage the parking brake firmly. This is crucial to prevent the vehicle from rolling.
* Use jack stands. Never work under a vehicle supported only by a jack.
* Wear safety glasses and gloves.
* Have the proper tools. (See below)
Tools You'll Need:
* Jack and jack stands
* Lug wrench
* Wheel chocks
* Socket wrench set (metric)
* Ratcheting wrenches
* Brake caliper pliers (for disc brakes)
* C-clamp (for drum brakes)
* Pliers
* Wire brush
* Brake cleaner
* New brake pads (or shoes and hardware kit for drums)
* New rotors (if needed, for disc brakes)
* New drums (if needed, for drum brakes)
* Torque wrench (to tighten lug nuts to the correct specification)
* Possibly a drum brake spring compressor tool (for drum brakes)
Procedure (Disc Brakes):
1. Secure the vehicle: Chock the front wheels, engage the parking brake, and safely jack up the rear of the truck. Secure it with jack stands.
2. Remove the wheel: Remove the lug nuts and take off the wheel.
3. Inspect the caliper: Examine the caliper for leaks, damage, or binding.
4. Compress the caliper piston: Use brake caliper pliers to compress the caliper piston. This creates space for the new, thicker pads. You may need to crack open the bleeder valve to allow fluid to escape.
5. Remove the brake pads: Remove the retaining pins or clips holding the brake pads in place, and carefully remove the old pads.
6. Inspect the rotor: Check the rotor for scoring, wear, or excessive rust. Replace if necessary.
7. Install new pads: Install the new brake pads, ensuring they slide smoothly into their slots.
8. Reinstall the caliper: Reinstall the caliper and secure it properly.
9. Reinstall the wheel: Put the wheel back on and tighten the lug nuts snugly.
10. Lower the vehicle: Carefully lower the vehicle to the ground.
11. Torque lug nuts: Tighten the lug nuts to the manufacturer's specified torque using a torque wrench.
12. Bleed the brakes (Optional but recommended): Bleeding the brakes is often recommended after any brake work, even if you only replace the pads. This removes any air that may have entered the system. Consult your owner's manual or a repair guide for proper bleeding procedure.
Procedure (Drum Brakes):
1. Follow steps 1 & 2 from the disc brake procedure.
2. Remove the brake drum: This may require some force; use a rubber mallet if necessary.
3. Remove the brake shoes: You'll likely need to use a C-clamp and possibly a spring compressor tool to release the spring tension holding the brake shoes in place. Take careful note of how everything is assembled before disassembling.
4. Inspect the components: Inspect the brake shoes, wheel cylinder, and drum for wear or damage. Replace as needed.
5. Install new shoes and hardware: Install the new shoes and hardware, paying close attention to the orientation and positioning of all components. Reassemble everything according to how you disassembled it.
6. Reinstall the drum: Gently tap the drum back onto the axle.
7. Follow steps 9-12 from the disc brake procedure.
Important Notes:
* Bleeding the brakes: After any brake work, it's good practice to bleed the brakes to remove any air that might have gotten into the system.
* Professional help: If you're not comfortable performing this repair yourself, take your vehicle to a qualified mechanic. Improper brake repair can be dangerous.
* Consult your repair manual: This guide provides a general overview. Your vehicle's repair manual will contain detailed instructions and torque specifications specific to your 2005 Ford F-150.
This information is for guidance only and does not substitute for professional automotive repair advice. Always prioritize safety and consult a professional if you're uncertain about any step.
