This procedure covers the removal and replacement of the brake caliper bracket on a 2011-2014 Ford F-150 with 5.0L V8 engine, including proper bleeding and torque specifications.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Brake caliper bracket (specify front left or right) × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Brake pads (if replacing) × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Brake rotor hardware kit (anti-rattle clips) × 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. Loosen wheel lug nuts while vehicle is on ground (do not remove)
3. Raise vehicle with floor jack at manufacturer-specified jacking point
4. Support vehicle securely with jack stands rated for vehicle weight
5. Remove wheel completely and set aside
6. Inspect brake system for any signs of damage, leaks, or excessive wear before proceeding
7. Gather all tools and new parts within easy reach

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove brake caliper
   Using a 13mm socket, remove the two caliper slide pin bolts that secure the caliper to the bracket. Carefully lift the caliper off the rotor and pads. Do NOT disconnect the brake hose. Hang the caliper from the suspension using a caliper hanger or strong wire to prevent stress on the brake hose. Ensure the caliper is secure and will not fall.
2. 2

   Remove brake pads and hardware
   Remove the brake pads from the caliper bracket. Note the position and orientation of any anti-rattle clips or shims for proper reinstallation. Remove all hardware clips from the bracket. Take photos if needed to ensure correct reassembly.
3. 3

   Remove caliper bracket
   Using an 18mm wrench or socket, remove the two caliper bracket bolts that secure the bracket to the steering knuckle. These bolts are torqued to high specification and may require significant force to break loose. Remove the bracket completely and set aside. Inspect the mounting surface on the knuckle for corrosion or damage.
4. 4

   Clean mounting surfaces
   Use a wire brush to thoroughly clean the caliper bracket mounting surfaces on the steering knuckle, removing all rust, corrosion, and old threadlocker. Clean the rotor mounting surface if replacing the rotor. Spray brake cleaner on all surfaces and wipe clean with a lint-free cloth. Ensure mounting surfaces are completely clean and dry.
5. 5

   Prepare new caliper bracket
   Inspect the new caliper bracket for any shipping damage. Clean the bracket with brake cleaner. Verify that the brake pad slide surfaces are smooth and free of defects. Apply a thin layer of medium-strength threadlocker to the threads of the new caliper bracket bolts (or reuse existing bolts if specified by manufacturer).
6. 6

   Install caliper bracket
   Position the new caliper bracket onto the steering knuckle, aligning the mounting holes. Start both bracket bolts by hand to ensure proper thread engagement. Tighten the bolts evenly in an alternating pattern, then torque to specification using a calibrated torque wrench. Verify both bolts are properly torqued.
   Torque spec

   Caliper Bracket Bolts - Front120 Nm (88 lb-ft)
7. 7

   Install brake hardware and pads
   Install new anti-rattle clips and hardware into the caliper bracket, ensuring they are fully seated. Install the brake pads into the bracket in the correct orientation (inner and outer pads may be different). Ensure pads move freely in the bracket slides but are retained by the clips.
8. 8

   Compress caliper piston
   Before reinstalling the caliper, the piston must be compressed to accommodate new pads. Open the brake fluid reservoir cap to allow fluid displacement. Use a C-clamp or brake piston compressor to slowly compress the piston fully into the caliper bore. Monitor the reservoir to ensure it does not overflow; remove fluid if necessary using a turkey baster or fluid extractor. Close the reservoir cap when finished.
   ⚠Brake fluid will overflow from the reservoir if piston is compressed too quickly. Have rags ready and work slowly.
9. 9

   Reinstall brake caliper
   Remove the caliper from its hanger and carefully position it over the brake pads and rotor. Align the caliper with the bracket slide pin bolt holes. Clean the slide pin bolts and apply a thin coat of silicone brake grease to the smooth portion (not the threads). Install both slide pin bolts and torque to specification.
   Torque spec

   Caliper Slide Pin Bolts35 Nm (26 lb-ft)
10. 10

    Bleed brake system
    Attach a clear hose to the brake bleeder screw and place the other end in a catch container with fresh brake fluid. Have an assistant pump the brake pedal 3-4 times and hold pressure. Open the bleeder screw approximately one turn using an 8mm wrench. Fluid and air will flow out. Close the bleeder screw before the pedal reaches the floor. Repeat until no air bubbles appear in the fluid. Torque bleeder screw to specification. Top off brake fluid reservoir to the MAX line with DOT 4 LV brake fluid.
    ⚠Never allow the brake fluid reservoir to run empty during bleeding or air will enter the system. Check level frequently.
    Torque spec

    Bleeder Screw10 Nm (7 lb-ft)
11. 11

    Reinstall wheel
    Clean the wheel mounting surface on the hub. Position the wheel onto the hub and start all lug nuts by hand. Tighten lug nuts in a star pattern to snug, then lower the vehicle to the ground. With the vehicle weight on the wheel, torque all lug nuts to specification in a star pattern using a calibrated torque wrench.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts140 Nm (103 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Double-check that all fasteners are properly torqued to specification
2. Verify brake fluid level is at MAX line in reservoir
3. Ensure no tools or parts are left in wheel well or under vehicle
4. Remove jack stands and lower vehicle completely to ground

Verification

• With engine off, pump brake pedal 10-15 times to seat pads and build pressure. Pedal should feel firm and not sink to the floor
• Check for any brake fluid leaks around caliper, bracket, and bleeder screw
• Verify wheel lug nuts are torqued properly by rechecking after first test drive
• Test drive vehicle in safe area at low speed (under 15 mph) to verify brakes engage properly and vehicle stops straight
• Perform several moderate brake applications to ensure proper operation before normal driving
• After 50-100 miles, re-torque wheel lug nuts and inspect brake system for leaks or abnormal wear
• Bed in new brake pads according to manufacturer specifications if new pads were installed

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