Brake Pads - Rear

Replace rear brake pads on a 2011-2014 Ford F-150 5.0L V8 4WD, including caliper service and proper torque procedures.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Rear brake pad set (left and right) × 1 — Use OEM specification or quality aftermarket
• Brake hardware kit (clips and springs) × 1 — Often included with pad set

Fluids

• Motorcraft DOT 4 LV Brake Fluid — 0.25 qt

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level, solid ground. Set parking brake and place transmission in Park.
2. Remove approximately 1/3 of brake fluid from master cylinder reservoir using a turkey baster or suction tool. Dispose of old fluid properly.
3. Loosen rear wheel lug nuts 1/4 turn while vehicle is on ground.
4. Raise rear of vehicle with floor jack and secure on jack stands rated for vehicle weight. Position stands under frame rails.
5. Remove rear wheels completely and set aside.

Procedure

1. 1

   Inspect brake system
   Before beginning work, inspect the brake rotor for deep grooves, cracks, or excessive wear. Check brake hoses for cracks, bulging, or leaks. Inspect caliper for fluid seepage around piston boot. If any damage is found, address these issues before proceeding with pad replacement.
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 or wrench, remove both caliper slide pin bolts. Keep these bolts as they will be reused. Note the condition of the rubber dust boots on the slide pins.
   Torque spec

   Caliper Slide Pin Bolts30 Nm (22 lb-ft)
3. 3

   Remove and support caliper
   Carefully pivot the caliper up and off the brake rotor. Do NOT let the caliper hang by the brake hose as this can damage the hose internally. Use mechanic's wire or a plastic tie to hang the caliper from the suspension or frame. Ensure there is no tension on the brake hose.
4. 4

   Remove old brake pads and hardware
   Remove the inner and outer brake pads from the caliper bracket. Note their orientation and position. Remove any anti-rattle clips, shims, or springs from the bracket. Take photos if needed for reassembly reference. Inspect the caliper bracket for wear or damage.
5. 5

   Clean caliper bracket and slides
   Using a wire brush and brake cleaner, thoroughly clean the caliper bracket where the pads slide, paying special attention to the pad abutment surfaces. Clean the caliper slide pins and inspect the rubber boots for tears or damage. Replace boots if damaged. Clean any corrosion or debris from all contact surfaces.
6. 6

   Compress caliper piston
   Using a C-clamp or brake caliper piston tool, slowly compress the caliper piston fully into the caliper bore. Position the clamp against the back of the caliper body and the piston face (or an old brake pad). Apply steady pressure. Watch the master cylinder reservoir to ensure it does not overflow as the piston retracts. This step is necessary to accommodate the thicker new brake pads.
   ⚠Do not compress piston with extreme force. If piston does not move smoothly, caliper may be seized and require replacement.
7. 7

   Lubricate slide pins and install hardware
   Apply a thin coat of silicone brake grease to the caliper slide pins where they contact the rubber boots and slide within the bracket. Do NOT use petroleum-based grease as it will damage rubber components. Install new anti-rattle clips and hardware from the brake hardware kit according to manufacturer instructions. Ensure clips are properly seated.
8. 8

   Install new brake pads
   Install the new inner and outer brake pads into the caliper bracket. Ensure the pad backing plates are properly seated in the bracket abutments and that any wear indicators (squealer tabs) are positioned correctly according to the pad manufacturer's markings. The wear indicator typically faces to the rear or bottom of the rotor.
9. 9

   Reinstall caliper
   Remove the support wire/tie and carefully lower the caliper over the new brake pads and rotor. Ensure the caliper piston aligns properly with the inner pad and that the caliper fits completely over both pads without interference. Align the caliper slide pin bolt holes with the bracket.
10. 10

    Install and torque caliper slide pin bolts
    Apply a thin coat of silicone brake grease to the slide pin bolt threads and underneath the bolt heads. Install both caliper slide pin bolts by hand, threading them carefully to avoid cross-threading. Once both bolts are hand-tight, torque them to specification using a torque wrench in a crisscross pattern to ensure even caliper seating.
    Torque spec

    Caliper Slide Pin Bolts30 Nm (22 lb-ft)
11. 11

    Repeat for opposite side
    Perform steps 1 through 10 for the opposite rear brake assembly. Both rear brakes should be serviced during the same maintenance interval to ensure balanced braking performance.
12. 12

    Reinstall wheels
    Clean the wheel hub face and wheel mounting surface of any rust or debris. Install the rear wheels, threading lug nuts by hand first to ensure proper seating. Snug lug nuts in a star pattern but do not fully torque yet.
13. 13

    Lower vehicle and torque lug nuts
    Carefully lower the vehicle from jack stands until the wheels just contact the ground but the suspension is not fully loaded. Remove jack stands. Lower vehicle completely to the ground. Torque wheel lug nuts to specification in a star pattern using a torque wrench.
    Torque spec

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

    Restore brake pedal and check fluid
    With the vehicle in Park and parking brake set, pump the brake pedal slowly and firmly 10-15 times until it becomes firm and reaches normal height. The pedal will initially go to the floor as the caliper pistons extend to contact the new pads. Check the master cylinder reservoir and top off with fresh DOT 4 LV brake fluid to the MAX line. Do NOT overfill.
    ⚠️DO NOT attempt to drive the vehicle until the brake pedal is firm and has normal feel. If pedal remains soft after pumping, there may be air in the system or a brake fluid leak.

Reassembly

1. All torque specifications must be verified with a calibrated torque wrench, especially caliper slide pin bolts and wheel lug nuts.
2. Ensure no tools or parts were left in the wheel well area before driving.
3. Verify the parking brake is released before test driving.

Verification

• Before moving the vehicle, pump brake pedal until firm. Pedal should be high and firm, similar to feel before the job.
• Check master cylinder fluid level is between MIN and MAX marks with fresh DOT 4 LV fluid.
• Perform a low-speed brake test in a safe area (5-10 mph) to verify proper brake function before normal driving.
• Listen for any unusual noises during initial brake applications. Some light noise is normal as pads seat, but grinding or metal-on-metal sounds indicate a problem.
• After 50-100 miles, re-check wheel lug nut torque and brake fluid level.
• New brake pads require 200-300 miles of bedding-in for optimal performance. Avoid hard braking during this period when possible.

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