Replace the brake caliper bracket on a 2015-2020 Ford F-150 3.5L EcoBoost, including removal of the caliper, brake pads, and bracket from the spindle.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Brake caliper bracket × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Brake pads (if reusing, inspect first) × 1 — Use OEM specification

Fluids

• Motorcraft DOT 4 LV Brake Fluid — 0.25 qt

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level ground and place wheel chocks behind rear wheels
2. Loosen wheel lug nuts 1/4 turn before raising vehicle
3. Raise vehicle with floor jack at manufacturer-approved jacking point and secure with jack stands rated for vehicle weight
4. Remove wheel completely
5. Inspect brake components for excessive wear, fluid leaks, or damage before proceeding

Procedure

1. 1

   Compress brake caliper piston
   Before removing the caliper, use a C-clamp or brake caliper compression tool to slowly push the caliper piston back into its bore. This makes caliper removal easier and prevents brake fluid overflow at the master cylinder. Place the C-clamp against the back of the caliper body and the outboard brake pad. Compress slowly and evenly.
2. 2

   Remove caliper slide pin bolts
   Using an 18mm wrench or socket, remove both caliper slide pin bolts that attach the caliper to the bracket. The bolts are located on the rear of the caliper assembly. Keep these bolts if they are in good condition as they will be reused. Note the condition of the rubber dust boots on the slide pins.
   Torque spec

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

   Support and remove brake caliper
   Carefully lift the caliper off the bracket and rotor. Immediately support the caliper using wire or a bungee cord attached to the suspension or frame. Ensure there is NO tension or weight on the rubber brake hose. Do not let the caliper hang freely or rest on the ground.
   ⚠️The brake hose must not support the weight of the caliper. Internal hose damage from hanging can cause delayed brake failure.
4. 4

   Remove brake pads and hardware
   Remove the inner and outer brake pads from the caliper bracket. Remove any anti-rattle clips, shims, or pad retaining hardware. Keep track of all components and their orientation for reassembly. Inspect pads for uneven wear patterns which may indicate caliper or slide pin problems.
5. 5

   Remove caliper bracket mounting bolts
   Using a 21mm socket and breaker bar, remove the two caliper bracket bolts that secure the bracket to the steering knuckle/spindle. These bolts are torqued to high specification and may require significant force to loosen. The bracket bolts thread directly into the spindle.
   Torque spec

   Caliper Bracket Bolts - Front120 Nm (88 lb-ft)
6. 6

   Remove caliper bracket
   Pull the caliper bracket straight off the rotor and spindle. Inspect the bracket for cracks, excessive wear on pad contact surfaces, or damaged slide pin bores. The bracket should be replaced if any damage is found.
7. 7

   Clean spindle mounting surface
   Use a wire brush to clean the caliper bracket mounting surface on the spindle. Remove all rust, corrosion, and old threadlocker from the bolt holes and mounting face. Clean debris can prevent proper bracket seating and cause uneven brake pad wear. Spray with brake cleaner and wipe dry.
8. 8

   Prepare new caliper bracket
   Clean the new caliper bracket with brake cleaner. Inspect slide pin bores for damage or debris. Apply a thin coat of silicone brake grease to the pad contact surfaces (abutment areas) where the brake pad ears will slide. Do NOT use petroleum-based grease.
9. 9

   Install new caliper bracket
   Position the new caliper bracket over the rotor and align the mounting holes with the spindle. Apply medium-strength threadlocker to the threads of both caliper bracket bolts. Hand-thread both bolts to ensure proper engagement before tightening.
   ⚠Ensure bracket is fully seated against the spindle before tightening bolts. Gap between bracket and spindle indicates misalignment.
10. 10

    Torque caliper bracket bolts
    Using a torque wrench and 21mm socket, torque both caliper bracket bolts to 120 Nm (88 lb-ft) in a crossing pattern. Verify both bolts reach specified torque. These bolts are critical to brake safety and must be torqued precisely.
    ⚠️Caliper bracket bolts must be torqued to exact specification. Under-torqued bolts can loosen during operation causing complete brake failure.
    Torque spec

    Caliper Bracket Bolts - Front120 Nm (88 lb-ft)
11. 11

    Install brake pads and hardware
    Install anti-rattle clips and pad hardware onto the caliper bracket in their original positions. Install the inner and outer brake pads, ensuring pad ears properly engage the bracket abutments. Pads should slide smoothly in the bracket with light pressure.
12. 12

    Lubricate and inspect caliper slide pins
    Remove the slide pins from the caliper (if not already removed). Clean old grease from pins and bores. Inspect pins for corrosion, wear, or damage. Inspect rubber dust boots for tears or deterioration. Apply fresh silicone brake grease liberally to the slide pins and reinstall into the caliper body, ensuring dust boots seat properly.
13. 13

    Reinstall brake caliper
    Remove the support wire/bungee and carefully position the caliper over the brake pads and bracket. Align the caliper slide pin bolt holes with the threaded holes in the slide pins. Hand-thread both slide pin bolts to verify proper engagement.
14. 14

    Torque caliper slide pin bolts
    Using a torque wrench and 18mm socket, torque both caliper slide pin bolts to 35 Nm (26 lb-ft). Ensure bolts are fully seated and reach proper torque. Verify the caliper can slide smoothly on the pins by gently pushing and pulling the caliper body.
    Torque spec

    Caliper Slide Pin Bolts35 Nm (26 lb-ft)
15. 15

    Reinstall wheel and torque lug nuts
    Install the wheel onto the hub, ensuring it seats properly. Hand-thread all lug nuts. Lower the vehicle until the tire just contacts the ground (but vehicle weight is still on jack stands). Torque lug nuts to 140 Nm (103 lb-ft) in a star pattern. Fully lower vehicle and verify final torque on all lug nuts.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts140 Nm (103 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. All torque specifications must be followed exactly as listed
2. Threadlocker must be applied to caliper bracket bolts
3. Silicone brake grease must be applied to slide pins and pad contact surfaces
4. Verify all hardware is reinstalled in original positions

Verification

• Pump brake pedal firmly 10-15 times until pedal feels firm and normal. Pedal should not sink to the floor.
• Check brake fluid level in master cylinder reservoir. Top off with Motorcraft DOT 4 LV brake fluid if necessary. Do not overfill.
• Visually inspect all connections for proper installation and torque
• Perform a low-speed brake test in a safe area before returning to normal driving
• Listen for unusual noises during initial brake applications (light squealing during first few stops is normal as pads seat)
• Verify no brake fluid leaks are present around caliper or brake lines
• CRITICAL: Before driving at normal speeds, verify brakes provide strong, even stopping power without pulling to one side
• If pedal feels soft, spongy, or travels too far, DO NOT DRIVE. Bleed brake system or seek professional service immediately

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