How to Replace the Disc Brakes in an F-250

The Ford F-250 truck uses disc brakes with calipers and pads on all four wheels. This super-duty truck also uses calipers and pads much larger than most standard vehicles. If your truck's brakes need changing, you need to replace the brake pads on at least both sides of one end; changing the brakes for all four wheels together is recommended.

Instructions

Siphon out 2/3s of the brake fluid from the master cylinder reservoir in the engine and properly dispose of it; your local ordinances may vary. Use a clean, unused turkey baster or similar siphon tool to remove the fluid.

Raise the truck's front or rear end--whichever one you're changing the brakes for--and support it on jack stands, then remove both wheels on that end. Block the wheels on the other end with wheel chocks. If you're changing the brakes for all four wheels, raise the entire truck on at least four stands.

Compress the caliper pistons back into their bores with a C-clamp; the calipers on the F-250 have two pistons each, which are accessible through the arches on the caliper.

Remove the two mounting bolts at the opposite ends of the caliper using a socket or flare-nut wrench. Check the condition of the bolts and replace them if the threads are damaged.

Pull the caliper off its mounting bracket and hang it near the strut or shock absorber using a coat hanger or other strong wire (you may need more than one wire given the size of the caliper). Make sure the caliper isnt hanging by or stretching the brake hose.

Detach the V-springs at the top of the mounting bracket that hold the brake pads in place; squeeze the springs and remove them from their holes in the pads.

Remove the outer and inner brake pads from the mounting bracket.

Pry the anti-rattle clips out of the caliper bracket using a small screwdriver and check the clips for cracks. Reinstall the clips, making sure they seat fully into the bracket.

Apply an anti-squeal compound to the backing plates of the replacement brake pads; make sure you follow the instructions on the tube of your specific compound.

Install the replacement inner and outer brake pads into the caliper mounting bracket. Both pads must properly seat within the bracket and the anti-rattle clips.

Install the V-springs into the brake pads, inserting them into the holes at the top of the pads backing plates.

Pull out the slide pins from the mounting bracket, lubricate them with high-temperature grease and re-insert them.

Reinstall the caliper over the mounting bracket and pads and secure the mounting bolts.

Reconnect the wheels and lower the truck after changing the brakes for both wheels. Repeat the above steps for the other end of the truck if needed.

Add brake fluid to the master cylinder reservoir to the fill level; most F-250 trucks will require DOT3 heavy-duty brake fluid.