Brake Pads and Rotors - Rear

This procedure covers replacement of rear brake pads and rotors on a 2015-2020 Ford F-150 with 3.5L EcoBoost engine, including caliper removal, rotor replacement, and proper torque specifications.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Rear brake pad set × 1 — Use OEM or equivalent specification for 3.5L EcoBoost
• Rear brake rotors × 2 — Use OEM or equivalent specification
• Brake hardware kit (clips and shims) × 1 — Use OEM specification

Fluids

• Motorcraft DOT 4 LV Brake Fluid — 0.25 qt

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level, solid ground and engage parking brake
2. Place wheel chocks in front of front wheels
3. Open brake fluid reservoir and remove approximately 1/4 of fluid with turkey baster to prevent overflow when compressing pistons
4. Loosen rear wheel lug nuts while vehicle is on ground, but do not remove
5. Raise rear of vehicle with floor jack and secure with jack stands rated for vehicle weight
6. Remove rear wheels completely and set aside

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove caliper slide pins
   Locate the two caliper slide pin bolts on the rear of the caliper. These are typically 13mm or 14mm bolts. Remove both caliper slide pin bolts completely. Note the condition of the slide pin boots for damage or deterioration.
2. 2

   Remove brake caliper
   Carefully pivot the caliper upward and away from the rotor. If the caliper is stuck, gently tap with a rubber mallet. Do not allow the caliper to hang by the brake hose. Secure the caliper to the suspension or frame using a caliper hanger or mechanics wire, ensuring no tension is placed on the brake hose.
   ⚠Never let the caliper hang by the brake hose. This will damage the hose and can cause brake failure.
3. 3

   Remove old brake pads
   Remove the inner and outer brake pads from the caliper bracket. Note the location and orientation of any anti-rattle clips or shims. Remove and discard the old brake hardware clips from the caliper bracket.
4. 4

   Remove caliper bracket
   Remove the two caliper bracket bolts using an 18mm or 21mm socket. These bolts are torqued to high specification and may require significant force to remove. Once removed, lift the caliper bracket away from the rotor and hub assembly.
5. 5

   Remove old rotor
   Pull the old rotor straight off the hub. If the rotor is stuck due to corrosion, use a rubber mallet to tap around the outer edge and hat section of the rotor. If equipped with retaining screws or clips, remove them first. Clean the hub mounting surface thoroughly with a wire brush to remove rust and debris.
6. 6

   Install new rotor
   Spray the hub surface with brake parts cleaner and wipe clean. Remove any protective coating from the new rotor using brake parts cleaner on both sides. Slide the new rotor onto the hub, ensuring it seats flush against the hub face. If equipped with rotor retaining screws or clips, install them at this time.
   ℹ️New rotors are typically coated with a protective oil to prevent rust during shipping. This MUST be removed with brake cleaner or it will contaminate the new pads and cause reduced braking performance.
7. 7

   Reinstall caliper bracket
   Position the caliper bracket over the rotor and align the mounting holes with the spindle. Apply medium-strength thread locker to the caliper bracket bolt threads. Install both caliper bracket bolts and torque to specification in a cross pattern.
   ⚠Caliper bracket bolts are critical safety fasteners. Thread locker is required and proper torque specification must be followed.
   Torque spec

   Caliper Bracket Bolts201 Nm (148 lb-ft)
8. 8

   Install new brake hardware
   Install the new anti-rattle clips and hardware into the caliper bracket according to the orientation noted during disassembly. Ensure all clips are fully seated and secure. Apply a thin layer of silicone brake grease to the pad backing plate contact points on the hardware clips.
9. 9

   Compress caliper pistons
   Using a C-clamp or brake caliper piston compressor, slowly compress the caliper pistons fully into the caliper bore. Place an old brake pad against the pistons to distribute pressure evenly. Monitor the brake fluid reservoir to ensure it does not overflow as fluid is pushed back. This process may take several minutes.
   ⚠Compressing pistons forces brake fluid back into the reservoir. Check reservoir frequently and remove excess fluid if necessary to prevent overflow.
10. 10

    Install new brake pads
    Install the new inner and outer brake pads into the caliper bracket, ensuring they are properly seated in the hardware clips. Verify that the pad wear indicators (if equipped) are positioned correctly according to manufacturer specifications, typically at the top of the inner pad.
11. 11

    Reinstall brake caliper
    Remove the caliper from the hanger or wire. Clean the caliper slide pins with brake parts cleaner and inspect for corrosion or damage. Apply a thin coating of silicone brake grease to the slide pin shafts (not the threads). Position the caliper over the brake pads and align the slide pin holes. Install both caliper slide pin bolts and torque to specification.
    ℹ️Only use silicone-based brake grease on slide pins. Petroleum-based lubricants will damage rubber components and cause caliper seizure.
    Torque spec

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

    Repeat for opposite side
    Repeat steps 1 through 11 for the opposite rear wheel. Ensure all components are installed symmetrically and all fasteners are torqued to specification.
13. 13

    Reinstall wheels
    Clean the wheel hub mounting surface with a wire brush. Install the rear wheels and hand-tighten all lug nuts in a star pattern. Lower the vehicle until the tires just contact the ground but the suspension is not fully loaded. Torque all lug nuts to specification in a star pattern. Fully lower the vehicle and remove jack stands.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts203 Nm (150 lb-ft)
14. 14

    Restore brake pedal pressure
    Before moving the vehicle, pump the brake pedal slowly and firmly several times until firm resistance is felt. This resets the caliper pistons against the new pads. Check the brake fluid reservoir and top off to the MAX line with fresh Motorcraft DOT 4 LV brake fluid if necessary. Do not reuse old brake fluid.
    ⚠️The brake pedal will go to the floor until the pistons are repositioned against the pads. NEVER attempt to move the vehicle before pumping the brake pedal and verifying firm pedal feel.

Reassembly

1. Verify all caliper bracket bolts and slide pin bolts are torqued to specification
2. Verify wheel lug nuts are torqued to specification in a star pattern
3. Check brake fluid level and top off to MAX line with Motorcraft DOT 4 LV brake fluid only
4. Ensure no tools or parts have been left in the wheel well area

Verification

• With vehicle still stationary, pump brake pedal 10-15 times and verify firm, consistent pedal feel with no sinking or soft spots
• Start the engine and verify brake warning lights are not illuminated on the instrument cluster
• Perform a low-speed test drive in a safe area, testing brakes gently at 5-10 mph to verify proper operation
• Perform moderate brake applications from 25-30 mph to bed the new pads to the rotors, avoiding hard braking for the first 200 miles
• Listen for any unusual noises such as grinding, squealing, or clicking during brake application
• After test drive, recheck all lug nut torque values and verify wheels are properly secured
• Recheck brake fluid level after test drive and top off if necessary
• Expect some minor brake noise or vibration during the first few applications as pads bed to rotors; this is normal
• After 50-100 miles, recheck lug nut torque and verify no brake fluid leaks are present

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