How to Replace the Front Disc Brakes on a Ford E-250
by John Rose
Regardless of whether you have cheap brake pads on your Ford E-250 or the so-called lifetime brakes, there will be some point in time where you will have to change the front disc brakes. Brakes have a built-in piece of metal that is there to warn you when the brakes are nearing the end of their useful life by emitting a squealing sound. However, you should not depend on that to tell you when they need to be changed. Your brakes should be inspected on a regular basis, such as every two to three months.
Step 1
Park the van on a level surface and place wheel chocks behind the rear wheels.
Step 2
Raise the front of the van on the side that you will start on first with a jack.
Step 3
Remove the wheel then place a jack stand under the frame near the jacking point. Position the jack stand as close to the frame as possible.
Step 4
Detach the caliper with the proper-sized socket and ratchet. The guide pins are located on the backside of the caliper.
Step 5
Remove the brake pads from the caliper by sliding them out of the front of the caliper.
Step 6
Push the caliper piston back into the caliper housing using one of the old brake pads as a surface and twist the screw into the C-clamp until the piston seats itself.
Step 7
Install the new brake pads by sliding them into the front of the caliper, locking them into place with the clips attached to the pad.
Step 8
Place the caliper back into the caliper support and lock it into place by tightening the caliper guide pins with the proper-sized socket and ratchet.
Step 9
Remount the wheel and remove the jack stand.
Step 10
Lower the van to the ground and repeat the process on the other wheel.
Step 11
Depress the brake pedal five to six times before you drive the van to be sure the piston seats itself properly against the brake pads.
Things You'll Need
- Replacement brake pads
- Wire ties
- C-clamp
- Automobile jack
- Jack stand
- Metric socket set
- Wheel chocks
Warnings
- Wear safety glasses to prevent eye injuries.
Writer Bio
John Rose has been writing professionally since 1981. Now contributing to various online publications, he specializes in auto repair, home maintenance and similar topics. Rose studied English at Frostburg State University.
