Brake Rotors - Rear Pair

Replace rear brake rotors on a 2011-2014 Ford F-150 3.5L EcoBoost 4WD, including caliper removal, rotor replacement, and proper torque specifications.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Rear brake rotors × 2 — Use OEM or equivalent matching original rotor diameter and thickness
• Rotor set screws (if reusing old screws) × 2 — T30 Torx M6x10mm

Fluids

• Motorcraft DOT 4 LV Brake Fluid — 0.25 qt

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level, solid surface and set parking brake firmly
2. Place wheel chocks in front of both front wheels
3. Loosen rear wheel lug nuts 1/4 turn while vehicle is on ground (do not remove)
4. Lift rear of vehicle using floor jack at rear differential or frame lift points
5. Place jack stands under frame rails at designated lift points on both sides
6. Lower vehicle onto jack stands and verify stability before proceeding
7. Remove rear wheels completely and set aside

Procedure

1. 1

   Inspect brake system and check fluid level
   Before beginning, visually inspect the brake caliper, brake lines, and hardware for any signs of damage, leaks, or excessive wear. Check brake fluid level in master cylinder reservoir and note level. Compressing pistons later will raise fluid level, so remove some fluid if reservoir is full to prevent overflow.
2. 2

   Remove caliper slide pin bolts
   Locate the two caliper slide pin bolts on the rear of the caliper assembly (accessible from behind). Using an 18mm socket, remove both caliper slide pin bolts completely. These bolts allow the caliper to pivot and slide on the bracket.
   ⚠Note the condition of slide pin bolt boots. Replace if torn or damaged to prevent corrosion and seizing.
   Torque spec

   Caliper Slide Pin Bolts35 Nm (26 lb-ft)
3. 3

   Remove and support caliper
   Carefully pivot the caliper up and away from the rotor. The caliper will still be attached by the brake hose. Use wire or a bungee cord to hang the caliper from the suspension or frame. Ensure no tension or stress is placed on the brake hose. Do not let caliper hang freely.
   ⚠️Do not disconnect the brake hose unless absolutely necessary. If disconnected, system will require bleeding and additional brake fluid.
4. 4

   Remove rotor set screws
   Using a T30 Torx bit, remove the rotor set screw(s) that secure the rotor to the hub. These screws are often corroded and may require penetrating oil and careful extraction. If screw strips, it may need to be drilled out (set screws are not structurally critical; they only retain rotor during assembly).
   ℹ️Apply penetrating oil and allow to soak if screws are seized. Use proper fitting T30 bit to avoid stripping.
   Torque spec

   Rotor Set Screws8 Nm (6 lb-ft)
5. 5

   Remove old rotor
   Pull the rotor straight off the hub. If rotor is stuck due to corrosion, tap around the rotor face and edges with a rubber mallet. Do not strike the rotor directly with a steel hammer as this can damage hub components. If severely corroded, thread bolts into the threaded holes on the rotor face (if equipped) to press rotor off hub.
6. 6

   Clean hub surface and inspect
   Using a wire brush or abrasive pad, thoroughly clean the hub mounting surface, removing all rust, corrosion, and debris. The hub face must be clean and smooth to ensure the rotor seats flat. Inspect hub for damage, excessive wear, or play in wheel bearing. Any roughness or pitting should be addressed before installing new rotor.
   ⚠Uneven hub surface will cause rotor runout, leading to brake pulsation and vibration. Ensure hub face is completely clean and flat.
7. 7

   Prepare and install new rotor
   Remove new rotor from packaging. Spray entire rotor surface liberally with brake cleaner to remove protective coating oil. Wipe clean with lint-free cloth and repeat until no residue remains. Apply thin coat of anti-seize to hub mating surface (not rotor friction surface). Slide new rotor onto hub, ensuring it sits flush against hub face.
   ⚠️Any oil or coating left on rotor friction surfaces will severely reduce braking effectiveness and can cause loss of control.
8. 8

   Install rotor set screws
   Install rotor set screw(s) through rotor into hub and torque to specification using T30 Torx bit and torque wrench. Set screws only retain rotor during service; wheel lug clamping force holds rotor in operation.
   Torque spec

   Rotor Set Screws8 Nm (6 lb-ft)
9. 9

   Compress caliper piston
   Before reinstalling caliper, the piston must be compressed fully into caliper bore to accommodate new rotor thickness (if rotors are thicker than worn originals). Use C-clamp or brake piston compression tool against the back of piston and caliper body. Compress slowly and evenly. Monitor brake fluid reservoir to ensure it does not overflow as piston is compressed.
   ⚠Remove some brake fluid from reservoir before compressing piston if reservoir is near full level.
10. 10

    Reinstall caliper
    Remove caliper from support wire. Inspect slide pins and clean if necessary. Apply silicone brake grease to slide pin shafts (not threads). Position caliper over new rotor and align slide pin bolt holes with caliper bracket. Install both caliper slide pin bolts and hand-thread to prevent cross-threading.
    ⚠Use only silicone-based brake grease on slide pins. Do not use petroleum-based grease which can damage rubber components.
    Torque spec

    Caliper Slide Pin Bolts35 Nm (26 lb-ft)
11. 11

    Torque caliper slide pin bolts
    Using torque wrench and 18mm socket, torque both caliper slide pin bolts to specification in a crisscross pattern. Verify both bolts are properly seated and torqued.
    Torque spec

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

    Repeat for opposite side
    Repeat steps 2 through 11 for the opposite rear wheel to replace the second rear rotor. Always replace rotors in axle pairs to maintain balanced braking.
13. 13

    Reinstall wheels
    Clean wheel mounting surfaces on hub. Install rear wheels, threading lug nuts by hand initially to ensure proper seating. Using torque wrench and 19mm socket, torque lug nuts to specification in a star pattern (cross pattern) in multiple passes to ensure even clamping force.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts140 Nm (103 lb-ft)
14. 14

    Lower vehicle and final torque
    Carefully raise vehicle slightly off jack stands using floor jack. Remove jack stands and lower vehicle completely to ground. With vehicle weight on wheels, perform final torque on all lug nuts in star pattern to specification.
    Torque spec

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

    Restore brake pedal and check fluid
    Before moving vehicle, pump brake pedal slowly several times until firm pedal is achieved. This repositions caliper pistons against new rotors. Check brake fluid level in master cylinder and top off with DOT 4 LV brake fluid if necessary to bring to MAX line. Do not overfill.
    ⚠️DO NOT DRIVE VEHICLE until firm brake pedal is achieved. If pedal remains soft after pumping, there may be air in system requiring professional bleeding.

Reassembly

1. All torque specifications must be achieved using a calibrated torque wrench
2. Lug nuts must be torqued in star pattern with vehicle on ground for final torque
3. Brake fluid must be topped off to proper level with correct DOT 4 LV specification
4. All tools and materials must be removed from wheel wells and under vehicle before operation

Verification

• Pump brake pedal until firm before starting engine. Pedal should be firm and hold pressure
• Start engine and verify brake pedal remains firm with engine running (power assist active)
• Check all lug nuts for proper torque after driving 50 miles
• Test brakes at low speed in safe area to verify proper operation before normal driving
• Perform bed-in procedure: 15-20 gradual stops from 30 mph with 30 seconds between stops to properly seat pads to new rotors
• After bed-in, verify no vibration, pulsation, or unusual noises during braking
• Inspect for any brake fluid leaks around calipers and check fluid level after first test drive
• If brake warning light illuminates, pedal feels soft, or braking performance is abnormal, DO NOT DRIVE and seek professional service immediately

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