A Ford F-150 pickup truck uses front disk brakes, which incorporate a rotor and caliper for stopping the vehicle. As pressure is applied to the hydraulic system, the caliper squeezes two pads against the rotating friction surface of the rotor. These pads and the rotor itself can wear out and require replacement, which can take the average backyard mechanic about a half hour to complete.
Instructions
- 1
Raise the truck at the front wheel with the floor jack, placing the head onto a frame rail, not the body or suspension. Pump the lever of the jack until the wheel is in the air. Support the jack at the area with a jack stand.
2Remove the wheel by turning the lug nuts counterclockwise, then pulling the wheel from the hub. Store the wheel away from the work area. Inspect the brake assembly for obvious signs of damage, leaking or debris.
3Remove the caliper by turning the twin rear mount bolts in a counterclockwise direction. Unplug the ABS sensor from the wiring harness by pulling the adapter plug from the socket on the caliper. Slide the caliper from the rotor and secure it with zip ties onto the control arm. Do not let the caliper dangle by the brake lines. The brake pads can be gently pried out with a screwdriver and replaced.
4On many two-wheel drive models, the rotor will pull free from the hub without much effort. On four-wheel drive models, a spindle nut in the center of the rotor keeps it in place. Turn the spindle nut counterclockwise to remove it, then slide the rotor off. Late models could have internal wheel bearings, making replacement expensive.
5Replace the rotor and secure the spindle nut in clockwise direction, if applicable. Slide the caliper back into position and secure the rear mount bolts clockwise. Plug the ABS sensor into the caliper's socket, if applicable.
6Replace the wheel by turning the lug nuts clockwise, in an alternating direction. Remove the jack stand and lower the truck. Repeat the entire procedure on the opposite brake.
