The 1997 Ford F-150 uses front rotor disk brakes to stop the truck, applying pads hydraulically to the rotor surface and bringing the truck to a halt. These rotors can wear thin or be damaged by debris, and will require resurfacing or replacement. The average backyard mechanic can replace the rotor on a F-150 in about 30 minutes per brake.
Instructions
- 1
Lift the truck at the front wheel and remove it to gain access to the brake assembly. Place the floor jack underneath the frame rail and pump the lever until the wheel is in the air. Turn all of the lug nuts counterclockwise with the lug wrench, and pull the wheel away from the hub. Set the wheel and lug nuts in a safe location and secure the frame rail with a jack stand.
2Remove the caliper and pads to expose the rotor and disassemble the brakes. The caliper has two large mount bolts in the rear that can be turned counterclockwise and removed. The caliper will slide off the rotor, taking the pads with it. Secure the caliper to the control arm of the truck with ties or string; don't allow the caliper to dangle by the brake lines. The pads can be removed from the caliper pistons by gently prying them up with a screwdriver, and some aftermarket models could have clips. The rotor is now exposed.
3Remove the rotor from the brake assembly. The spindle nut, in the center of the rotor holding it to the axle, can be turned counterclockwise with an adjustable wrench. As it loosens, the rotor will come free of the hub. Some rotors could stick because of age or wear, and can be levered off with a large screwdriver. Pull the rotor free of the hub and replace it with a new unit.
4Repeat the entire procedure on the opposite brake assembly.
