This procedure covers cleaning, inspecting, and lubricating the brake caliper slide pins to ensure proper caliper movement and even brake pad wear on the 2015-2020 Ford F-150 with 3.5L EcoBoost engine.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Silicone brake grease (high-temperature) × 1 — Use synthetic silicone brake lubricant rated for caliper pins
• Brake caliper slide pin boots (if damaged) × 4 — Use OEM specification

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level ground and place wheel chocks behind rear wheels
2. Loosen wheel lug nuts 1/4 turn while vehicle is on ground
3. Raise front of vehicle with floor jack and support securely on jack stands at frame contact points
4. Remove front wheels completely
5. Verify caliper slide pins are accessible without removing brake line (service can be done with calipers in place)

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove caliper slide pin bolts
   Locate the two caliper slide pin bolts on the rear of the brake caliper (accessible from behind). Using appropriate socket (typically 13mm or 15mm hex head), remove both upper and lower caliper slide pin bolts. These bolts thread into the slide pins themselves.
   Torque spec

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

   Pivot caliper away from rotor
   Carefully pivot the brake caliper upward and away from the brake rotor. The caliper will remain attached to the brake hose. Support the caliper using a bungee cord or mechanic's wire attached to the suspension or frame. Ensure no tension is placed on the brake hose.
   ⚠️Do not let the caliper hang by the brake hose. This will damage the internal hose structure and can cause brake failure.
3. 3

   Remove slide pins from bracket
   Pull the caliper slide pins straight out from the caliper bracket. Note their orientation and position (upper and lower). If pins are seized and difficult to remove, gently twist while pulling. Inspect the caliper bracket bores where the pins were seated.
4. 4

   Inspect slide pin boots and hardware
   Carefully examine both rubber slide pin boots for any tears, cracks, or deterioration. Check slide pins for corrosion, scoring, or uneven wear. Inspect the caliper bracket bores for corrosion or debris. Replace any damaged boots immediately as they are critical for preventing contamination.
   ⚠Any torn or damaged boots must be replaced. Contaminated slide pins will cause caliper binding and brake failure.
5. 5

   Clean slide pins and bracket bores
   Using brake cleaner and shop towels, thoroughly clean both slide pins, removing all old grease and contamination. Clean the caliper bracket bores with brake cleaner. For stubborn corrosion, use a wire brush on the bracket bores only (not on the polished slide pin surfaces). Dry completely with clean, lint-free rags.
6. 6

   Apply silicone brake grease to slide pins
   Apply a thin, even coating of high-temperature silicone brake grease to the entire length of each slide pin shaft. Ensure complete coverage but avoid excessive grease that could attract contaminants. Do not apply grease to the threaded end where the caliper bolt attaches.
   ⚠Use ONLY silicone brake grease. Petroleum-based products will swell and destroy rubber boots.
   Torque spec

   Caliper Slide Pin Bolts35 Nm (26 lb-ft)
7. 7

   Reinstall slide pins into bracket
   Insert the lubricated slide pins back into the caliper bracket bores, ensuring they slide smoothly through the boots and seat fully. Pins should move freely with minimal resistance. If a pin binds, remove it, inspect for damage or insufficient lubrication, and correct the issue.
8. 8

   Reposition caliper over rotor
   Remove the support wire or bungee cord. Carefully swing the caliper back down into position over the brake rotor and pads. Ensure brake pads are properly seated in the caliper and bracket. Align the caliper mounting holes with the slide pins.
9. 9

   Install and torque slide pin bolts
   Thread both caliper slide pin bolts by hand into the slide pins until finger-tight. Using a torque wrench, tighten both slide pin bolts to specification of 35.0 Nm (26 lb-ft) in a criss-cross pattern. Verify both bolts are fully seated and properly torqued.
   ⚠Do not overtighten slide pin bolts. Overtightening can damage threads or prevent proper caliper movement.
   Torque spec

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

    Verify caliper movement
    After installation, manually check that the caliper can pivot slightly on the slide pins. There should be minimal resistance. If caliper binds or does not move freely, disassemble and inspect for proper lubrication, boot installation, or pin damage.
11. 11

    Repeat for opposite side
    Perform the exact same procedure (steps 1-10) on the opposite front brake caliper to maintain brake balance. Never service only one side of an axle.
12. 12

    Reinstall wheels
    Mount wheels back onto hubs, threading lug nuts by hand. Lower vehicle until wheels just contact the ground but suspension is not fully loaded. Torque lug nuts to 140.0 Nm (103 lb-ft) in a star pattern. Fully lower vehicle and verify final torque.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts140 Nm (103 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Ensure all slide pin boots are properly seated and not twisted or pinched
2. Verify no tools or parts are left in wheel well area
3. Double-check that all caliper slide pin bolts are torqued to specification

Verification

• Pump brake pedal several times until firm pedal feel is restored before moving vehicle
• Check brake pedal feel - should be firm and consistent, not spongy
• Test brakes at low speed in safe area to verify proper operation and even braking
• Listen for any unusual noises during initial brake applications
• Verify no brake fluid leaks around caliper or brake hose connections
• After first test drive, re-verify wheel lug nut torque
• Monitor brake performance over next several days for any abnormalities

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