Tools You'll Need:
* Jack and jack stands: Essential for safely lifting the truck. Never work under a vehicle supported only by a jack.
* Wheel chocks: To prevent the truck from rolling.
* Lug wrench: To remove the wheel.
* Socket wrench set: Including metric and potentially SAE sizes.
* Torque wrench: Crucial for tightening bolts to the correct specification.
* C-clamp or caliper compression tool: To compress the brake caliper piston.
* Wrench for caliper mounting bolts: Usually 14mm or 15mm.
* Wrench for brake line bleeder screw: Usually 8mm or 10mm.
* Brake cleaner: To clean parts before reassembly.
* New brake pads and rotors: Get the correct parts for your F-150's year and model.
* Gloves: To keep your hands clean.
* Safety glasses: To protect your eyes.
* A container to catch brake fluid: Brake fluid is corrosive.
* New brake fluid (DOT 3 or DOT 4): You may need to top off or bleed the system after changing the pads and rotors.
Steps:
1. Safety First: Park on a level surface, engage the parking brake, chock the rear wheels, and use jack stands to securely lift the front of the truck.
2. Remove the Wheel: Loosen the lug nuts before lifting the truck. Remove the wheel and set it aside.
3. Remove the Caliper:
* Locate the caliper mounting bolts.
* Use the appropriate wrench to remove the bolts.
* Carefully remove the caliper, supporting it to avoid stressing the brake hose. You may need to use a bungee cord or wire to hold it out of the way. Be cautious not to let the caliper hang by the brake line.
4. Compress the Caliper Piston: Use a C-clamp or caliper compression tool to push the piston back into the caliper. This will create space for the new, thicker brake pads. You may need to bleed the brakes if you push the piston all the way and some fluid spills.
5. Remove the Brake Pads: The old brake pads should now be easily removable.
6. Remove the Rotor: Typically, you'll need to remove a few mounting bolts securing the rotor to the wheel hub. Some rotors are held on only by the caliper, and can be simply pulled off once the caliper is removed. Consult your repair manual for specifics.
7. Install the New Rotor: Clean the hub thoroughly before installing the new rotor.
8. Install the New Brake Pads: Make sure the pads are seated correctly in the caliper.
9. Reinstall the Caliper: Carefully install the caliper, ensuring the pads are correctly seated against the rotor. Tighten the mounting bolts to the correct torque specification (check your repair manual).
10. Reinstall the Wheel: Tighten the lug nuts by hand, then lower the truck to the ground and tighten them using your lug wrench to the correct torque specification.
11. Bleed the Brakes (If Necessary): If you pushed the caliper piston all the way back in, some air might have entered the brake system. Bleeding the brakes will remove this air. This involves opening the bleeder valve on the caliper while an assistant pumps the brake pedal.
12. Test the Brakes: Before driving, carefully test the brakes several times to ensure they are working properly.
Important Notes:
* Consult your F-150's repair manual: This is crucial for specific instructions, torque specifications, and part numbers.
* Brake fluid is corrosive: Wear gloves and eye protection and avoid spilling it on your paint.
* Always use the correct parts: Using incorrect parts can lead to brake failure.
* Torque specifications are critical: Using the wrong torque can damage your brakes or other components.
This guide provides a general overview. Failure to follow proper procedures could result in brake failure, which is extremely dangerous. If you are unsure about any step, consult a qualified mechanic.
