How to Install Rotors on a 1999 Ford F150

The brake rotors on the 1999 Ford F150 are some of the most important components of the braking system. The brake rotors turn together with the wheels, and when the brake pedal is pressed in, the brake pads compress onto the flat surface on the brake rotors. When the brake pads are completely compressed onto the flat surface of the brake rotors, the F-150 comes to a stop. Most automotive repair shops recommend having the rotors turned or replaced when replacing the brake pads.

Instructions

Park the 1999 Ford F150 in a safe work area. Make sure that the surface is level.

Loosen all of the lug nuts from the front wheels with the lug wrench.

Slide the hydraulic jack under the front cross frame and jack the front end of the F-150 up. Locate the two front jacking points behind the front tires and place the jack stands under each point. Slowly lower the F-150 to the top of the jack stands. Leave the jack in place.

Finish loosening and remove the lug nuts from the front wheels. Pull the wheels off the hubs and place the wheels flat on the ground, near the truck.

Locate and remove the brake caliper on the front driver's side of the F-150. Slide the screwdriver into the top of the brake caliper, between the outer brake pad and the brake rotor. Pry the outer brake pad back and forth to loosen it up enough to slide off the rotor.

Locate the two mounting bolts in the rear of the caliper. Unscrew these two mounting bolts with the 1/2-inch-drive ratchet and a socket. Slide the caliper off the rotor, using your hands.

Hang the brake caliper to the closest suspension component, using the bungee cord. Pull the outer brake pad out and slide the C-clamp onto the brake caliper. Position the C-clamp towards the caliper cylinder. Slowly compress the caliper cylinder with the C-clamp, until the cylinder is positioned inside the brake caliper. Remove the C-clamp and put the outer brake pad back in.

Remove the bolts from the center cap of the brake rotor with the 1/2-inch-drive ratchet and a socket. The locking nut and the jam nut that hold the brake rotor on are behind the center cap. Pull the center cap off and set it to the side.

Locate the cotter pin that holds the jam nut in place. Straighten the bottom of the cotter pin out with the pliers, then pull the cotter pin out with the pliers and set it in a safe place for reuse.

Unscrew and remove the jam nut with the 1/2-inch-drive ratchet, 1/2-inch-drive extension and a large socket. Turn the jam nut counter-clockwise to loosen and remove.

Loosen and remove the inner locking nut with the 1/2-inch-drive ratchet, 1/2-inch-drive extension and a large socket. Turn the locking nut counter-clockwise to loosen and remove.

Pull the brake rotor straight off the hub with your hands and set it to the side. Position the new brake rotor onto the hub and push it completely onto the hub.

Screw the locking nut completely down with the ratchet, extension and socket until the nut will turn no more. Back off the nut one quarter of a turn, then screw the jam completely against the locking nut and put the cotter pin back in place. Bend the bottom of the cotter pin so that it will not come out, then put the center cap back onto the front of the brake rotor and tighten the bolts with the ratchet and socket.

Put the brake caliper back on the brake rotor and tighten the two rear mounting bolts back down tight. Follow these same steps for replacing the rotor on the front passenger's side of the F-150.

Put the wheel back on the hub and screw the lug nuts on. Tighten the lug nuts down with the lug wrench until the tire begins to turn, then jack up the front of the F-150 and remove the jack stands. Lower the truck to the ground.

Crank the F-150 and pump the brake pedal in and out five times to compress the brake pads to the appropriate distance from the new brake rotor. Turn the engine off.