The Focus is an entry-level small car from Ford Motors. The Focus made its worldwide debut during the 2000 model year. The original 2000 offering was plagued by recalls. Ford managed to quickly address the initial design deficiencies, and later Focus models fared much better as far as reliability. Over the years, most Focus trim levels were supplied with standard front-disk brakes and rear-drum brakes; however, rear disk brakes were available as an option on many models. The rear-disk-brake design incorporates a mechanical emergency brake mechanism into the brake hydraulic piston. Because of this, the rear-brake service procedure requires that the pistons be screwed rather than pushed back in to the cylinders. Focus owners can easily do their own disk-brake servicing so long as they are aware of the correct procedures for the front and rear brakes.
Instructions
- 1
Park the car on a firm and level surface. Put automatic transmissions in park and manual transmissions in first or reverse gear. When servicing a front brake, set the emergency brake and securely block both rear wheels. When servicing a rear brake, do not set the emergency brake but securely block both front wheels. Loosen the lug nuts about one full turn each. Jack up the car and support it securely on a safety stand. Completely remove the lug nuts and pull off the wheel.
2Remove the protective rubber caps from the heads of the two caliper bolts and remove the bolts. Grip the caliper assembly and roll it back and forth a few times to spread the brake pads slightly. Then lift the caliper assembly off the disk. Take care not to stretch or damage the rubber brake hose. Hang the caliper out of the way on the nearby suspension spring, using a wire hook or piece of cord.
3Pry the outside brake pad wire-retaining clip off the outside of the caliper bracket with a screwdriver. Take care not to damage the clip. Slide the pads and shims out of the caliper bracket.
4Retract the caliper piston. When servicing front brakes, hook a large C-clamp over the back of the caliper and place the spindle end against the piston face. Tighten the C-clamp to push the piston back into the cylinder. Be careful not to damage the piston seal.
When servicing rear brakes, hook a large C-clamp over the back of the caliper bracket and place the spindle end against the piston face. Tighten the C-clamp against the piston to put firm pressure on the piston face, but do not try to force the piston back. Grip the outside of the piston with large Channellock pliers and rotate the piston clockwise to screw it back into the cylinder. Keep the backward pressure on the piston by retightening the C-clamp after every few turns of the piston. Be careful not to damage the piston seal.
5Grasp the disk and pull it off the hub. If the disk is seized to the hub, firmly tap the center part of the disk with a rubber or plastic mallet to loosen it. If you plan on reusing the disk, do not hit the disk outer rim or the braking surface area.
6Reverse the steps to reassemble the brake, using the new brake disk. Thoroughly clean the hub and caliper bolts with brake-cleaning fluid before installing the new disk. Lubricate them well with brake grease before reinserting them into the caliper mounts. Start the car and pump the brakes a few times to extend the retracted brake piston to the proper position. Lower the car. Test the brakes before driving normally.
