This procedure covers removal and replacement of the brake caliper bracket on a 2011-2014 Ford F-150 3.5L EcoBoost 4WD, including proper torque specifications and bleeding procedures.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Brake caliper bracket (front or rear as applicable) × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Copper crush washers for banjo bolt (if disconnecting brake hose) × 2 — Use OEM specification
• Brake pads (recommended replacement) × 1 — Use OEM specification

Fluids

• Motorcraft DOT 4 LV Brake Fluid — 0.5 qt

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level, solid ground and engage parking brake
2. Ensure brakes have cooled for at least 30 minutes if vehicle was recently driven
3. Check brake fluid reservoir level and condition before starting work
4. Loosen wheel lug nuts 1/4 turn while vehicle is on ground
5. Raise vehicle with floor jack at manufacturer-specified jacking points
6. Secure vehicle on jack stands rated for vehicle weight - never work under a vehicle supported only by a jack
7. Remove wheel completely and set aside

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove brake caliper from bracket
   Locate the two caliper slide pin bolts on the back of the caliper (typically 13mm). Remove both slide pin bolts while supporting the caliper. Once bolts are removed, carefully lift the caliper off the bracket and rotor. Do NOT allow caliper to hang by the brake hose - use wire or bungee cord to secure caliper to the suspension or frame. The brake hose should have no tension on it.
   ⚠️Never allow the caliper to hang by the brake hose. This can cause internal hose damage and brake failure.
   Torque spec

   Caliper Slide Pin Bolts35 Nm (26 lb-ft)
2. 2

   Remove brake pads and hardware
   Remove the brake pads from the caliper bracket. Note the orientation and position of any anti-rattle clips, shims, or springs for reinstallation. Remove all pad hardware clips from the bracket. Inspect pads for uneven wear which may indicate caliper or bracket problems.
3. 3

   Remove caliper bracket bolts
   Locate the two large caliper bracket mounting bolts (typically 18mm) that secure the bracket to the steering knuckle or axle housing. These bolts are behind the bracket and may be difficult to access. Apply penetrating oil if bolts are corroded. Remove both bracket bolts completely. Note: These bolts are torqued to 120 Nm (88 lb-ft) and may require significant force to break loose.
   ⚠Bracket bolts are very tight (88 lb-ft). Ensure socket is fully seated to avoid rounding bolt heads. Use a breaker bar if necessary.
   Torque spec

   Caliper Bracket Bolts - Front120 Nm (88 lb-ft)
4. 4

   Remove caliper bracket
   With both bolts removed, pull the caliper bracket away from the steering knuckle or axle. The bracket should come free. If bracket is stuck, gently tap with a rubber mallet - do not pry against the rotor surface or mounting surfaces.
5. 5

   Inspect and clean mounting surfaces
   Thoroughly inspect the steering knuckle mounting surface for damage, cracks, or excessive corrosion. Clean both the knuckle mounting surface and the new bracket mounting surface with a wire brush and brake cleaner. Remove all rust, debris, and old threadlocker from bolt holes. Inspect brake rotor for damage - replace if scored, warped, or below minimum thickness specification.
6. 6

   Prepare new caliper bracket
   Clean the new caliper bracket thoroughly. Apply a thin coat of silicone brake grease to the pad contact surfaces (the areas where brake pad ears slide). Do NOT apply grease to mounting bolt holes or threaded areas. Inspect bracket for any shipping damage or defects.
7. 7

   Install new caliper bracket
   Position the new caliper bracket onto the steering knuckle, aligning the bolt holes. Start both caliper bracket bolts by hand to ensure proper thread engagement. Apply medium-strength threadlocker to the bolt threads as recommended. Once both bolts are hand-started, tighten them in an alternating pattern (tighten one partially, then the other, then back to first) to ensure even seating.
   ⚠Use threadlocker on bracket bolts as specified. These bolts must not come loose during operation.
   Torque spec

   Caliper Bracket Bolts - Front120 Nm (88 lb-ft)
8. 8

   Torque caliper bracket bolts
   Using a calibrated torque wrench, tighten both caliper bracket bolts to exactly 120 Nm (88 lb-ft) in an alternating pattern. Verify both bolts are properly torqued. This is a critical safety specification - do not guess or estimate torque.
   ⚠️Proper torque is critical. Under-torquing can allow bracket to loosen causing brake failure. Over-torquing can strip threads or break bolts.
   Torque spec

   Caliper Bracket Bolts - Front120 Nm (88 lb-ft)
9. 9

   Install brake pad hardware and pads
   Install all anti-rattle clips, shims, and springs in their original positions on the caliper bracket. Install new or inspected brake pads into the bracket, ensuring they are properly seated in the hardware clips. Pads should slide smoothly in the bracket - if binding occurs, clean and re-grease contact surfaces.
10. 10

    Compress caliper piston
    Before reinstalling the caliper, the piston must be compressed fully into the caliper bore. Use a C-clamp or brake piston compression tool to slowly push the piston back. Place a cloth over the brake fluid reservoir cap (do NOT remove cap) to catch any fluid overflow. Compress slowly to avoid damage to the piston seal. Watch the brake fluid reservoir - if fluid overflows, you may need to remove some fluid first.
    ⚠Do not compress piston quickly or forcefully. This can damage internal seals and cause brake failure.
11. 11

    Reinstall brake caliper
    Remove the caliper from its support wire or bungee. Clean the caliper slide pin bores in the bracket and apply fresh silicone brake grease to the slide pins. Position the caliper over the brake pads and bracket, aligning the slide pin bolt holes. Install both slide pin bolts and hand-tighten initially.
    ⚠Ensure slide pins move freely in their bores. Seized pins cause uneven pad wear and reduced braking.
    Torque spec

    Caliper Slide Pin Bolts35 Nm (26 lb-ft)
12. 12

    Torque caliper slide pin bolts
    Using a torque wrench, tighten both caliper slide pin bolts to exactly 35 Nm (26 lb-ft). These bolts must allow the caliper to slide freely while remaining secure. Verify the caliper can move slightly on the bracket (floating action) after torquing.
    Torque spec

    Caliper Slide Pin Bolts35 Nm (26 lb-ft)
13. 13

    Bleed brake system
    Attach a clear hose to the brake bleeder screw and place the other end in a container with clean brake fluid. Have an assistant pump the brake pedal 3-5 times and hold pressure. Open the bleeder screw 1/4 turn - fluid and air will flow out. Close bleeder screw before pedal reaches the floor. Repeat until fluid flows with no air bubbles. Tighten bleeder screw to 10 Nm (7 lb-ft) - do NOT overtighten as bleeder screws are easily damaged.
    ⚠️Improper bleeding results in air in brake lines causing soft pedal and brake failure. Ensure no air bubbles remain.
    ⚠Bleeder screws are easily damaged. Torque to exactly 10 Nm (7 lb-ft) - no more.
    Torque spec

    Bleeder Screw10 Nm (7 lb-ft)
14. 14

    Reinstall wheel and torque lug nuts
    Clean the wheel hub surface and wheel mounting surface. Install the wheel and hand-tighten all lug nuts in a star pattern. Lower the vehicle until the wheel just touches the ground (but vehicle weight is still on jack stands). Torque all lug nuts to 140 Nm (103 lb-ft) in a star pattern to ensure even pressure. Fully lower vehicle and remove jack stands.
    ⚠Always torque lug nuts in a star pattern to prevent wheel warping or uneven seating.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts140 Nm (103 lb-ft)
15. 15

    Check brake fluid level and test system
    Check the brake fluid reservoir and add Motorcraft DOT 4 LV brake fluid to the MAX line if needed. Start the engine and pump the brake pedal several times - pedal should be firm. If pedal is soft or goes to the floor, repeat bleeding procedure. Test brakes at low speed in a safe area before normal driving.
    ⚠️Do NOT drive the vehicle at normal speeds until brakes have been tested and verified to function properly at low speed.

Reassembly

1. Torque specifications are critical for brake system safety - verify all torque values were met
2. If replacing both sides, repeat entire procedure for opposite wheel
3. Bed in new brake pads per manufacturer instructions (typically 30 moderate stops from 30 mph with cooling between)
4. Avoid heavy braking for the first 200 miles to allow proper pad bedding

Verification

• Brake pedal should be firm and not travel more than halfway to floor with engine running
• No brake fluid leaks visible at caliper, bracket, or brake hose connections
• All torque specifications verified with calibrated torque wrench
• Wheel rotates freely with no rubbing or dragging sounds
• Test brakes at low speed (under 15 mph) in safe area - vehicle should stop straight with no pulling
• Brake warning light should not be illuminated on instrument cluster
• Pump brake pedal 10-15 times with engine off - pedal should remain firm and not slowly sink
• After test drive, recheck all bolts and torque specifications
• Check brake fluid level after test drive - add if necessary

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