How to Replace the Brake Pads on a Ford F150

The brake pads on the Ford- F-150 truck are vital components of the vehicle's braking system. Ford recommends that you replace the brake pads every 50,000 miles, though wearing of the pads to the point that they require replacement can occur sooner. Listen for an audible alert from the brake wear indicators to tell when you need to replace. At that time, inspect the other components of the braking system to catch any wear or damage that may compromise your truck's braking performance.

Park the Ford F-150 on a flat stretch of ground and apply the parking brake. Pull the hood release lever to open the hood. Go to the engine compartment.

Remove the master cylinder cap and remove half of the brake fluid in the container. You will be depressing the caliper pistons in future steps and doing so will force brake fluid back into the reservoir. Removing some of the fluid prevents an overflow. Use a turkey baster or syringe to remove the fluid.

Loosen the lug nuts on the F-150's wheels with the lug wrench. Moving them 1/4 turn is enough.

Place the floor jack beneath the cross frame under the truck. The cross frame is the section under the truck where the frame meets at an intersection. Lift the front of the truck and place two jack stands beneath it; one under each axle.

Remove the lug nuts and take the front wheels off of the truck.

Reach behind the calipers to locate the caliper slide bolts. Use the 13 mm socket and ratchet to remove the two bolts. Lift the caliper away from the bracket and brake rotor.

Suspend the caliper above the brake assembly with a bungee cord or wire coat hanger.

Slide the two brake pads from the slots on either side of the rotor. Inspect the rotor for any damage or warping. Replace the rotor if significant damage is found.

Apply anti-squeal brake grease to the back shims of the new brake pads. Slide them into the slots of the caliper bracket on either side of the rotor.

Place a worn brake pad over the two caliper pistons that protrude from the inside of the caliper. Bind the worn pad to the piston with a C-clamp. Turn the clamp's handle to force the pistons into the side of the caliper. Remove the C-clamp once both pistons have been depressed within the caliper.

Place the caliper over the new brake pads and screw in the caliper bolts. Tighten the bolts with the 13 mm socket and ratchet.

Replace the wheels onto the hubs and screw on the lug nuts by hand.

Lift the front of the Ford truck with the jack and remove the jack stands from beneath the axles. Lower the front tires to the ground. Tighten the lug nuts with the lug wrench.

Place the floor jack beneath the frame under the bed of the truck and lift the rear end of the vehicle. Place jack stands under each of the rear axles for support.

Remove the lug nuts and rear wheels.

Repeat steps 6 through 12 to replace the rear wheel brake pads.

Lift the back end of the truck and remove the jack stands. Lower the back tires to the ground and tighten the lug nuts with the lug wrench. Return to the engine compartment.

Lift the master cylinder cap from the reservoir and place a funnel into the container. Pour DOT-3 brake fluid into the container until the reservoir reads "full." Remove the funnel and place the cap firmly onto the master cylinder. Close the Ford's hood.