Brake Pads - Rear

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

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Rear brake pad set (left and right) × 1 — Motorcraft BR-1746 or equivalent
• Brake hardware kit (clips and springs) × 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 firmly
2. Place wheel chocks in front of front wheels
3. Open hood and locate brake fluid reservoir. Remove cap and extract approximately 2 ounces of brake fluid using turkey baster or pump to prevent overflow when compressing pistons
4. Loosen rear wheel lug nuts 1/4 turn while vehicle is on ground
5. Lift rear of vehicle with floor jack at designated rear axle lift point
6. Support vehicle with jack stands placed under frame rails behind rear axle. Ensure vehicle is stable before proceeding
7. Remove rear wheels completely and set aside

Procedure

1. 1

   Inspect brake system
   Before beginning work, visually inspect the brake rotor for deep grooves, cracks, or excessive wear. Check brake hoses for cracks, bulges, or fluid leaks. Inspect caliper for signs of leaking piston seals (fluid residue around piston boot). If any of these conditions exist, repair is needed beyond pad replacement.
2. 2

   Remove caliper slide pin bolts
   Locate the two caliper slide pin bolts on the rear/inboard side of the caliper. These are typically 13mm or 14mm bolts. Remove both caliper slide pin bolts completely. The caliper can now pivot upward off the brake pads. Support the caliper to prevent stress on the brake hose.
   ⚠Do not let the caliper hang by the brake hose. Use wire or a bungee cord to support it from the suspension or frame.
3. 3

   Support and secure caliper
   Carefully rotate the caliper upward and away from the rotor. Use a wire hook or bungee cord to hang the caliper from the suspension or frame. Ensure there is no tension or twisting on the brake hose. The caliper should be supported securely out of the work area.
4. 4

   Remove brake pads and hardware
   Remove the old brake pads from the caliper bracket. Note the position and orientation of any anti-rattle clips, shims, or springs. Take a photo if needed for reference during reassembly. Remove all old hardware clips from the bracket. These should be replaced with new hardware from the brake pad kit.
5. 5

   Clean caliper bracket and slides
   Spray the caliper bracket thoroughly with brake cleaner to remove all brake dust and debris. Use a wire brush to clean the pad contact surfaces on the bracket where the pads slide. Inspect the slide pins for damage or excessive wear. Clean the slide pin bores in the caliper bracket with brake cleaner.
6. 6

   Compress caliper pistons
   Using a C-clamp or brake caliper piston compression tool, slowly compress the caliper pistons fully into the caliper bore. Place the clamp against the back of the caliper body and the inboard pad contact area. Compress slowly and evenly. Watch the brake fluid reservoir to ensure it does not overflow as the piston is compressed.
   ⚠If significant force is required to compress the piston or the piston does not compress smoothly, the caliper may be seized and require replacement.
7. 7

   Lubricate slide pins
   Remove the caliper slide pins completely from the caliper bracket. Wipe them clean and inspect the rubber boots for tears or damage. Apply a thin, even coating of high-temperature silicone brake grease to the smooth portion of each slide pin. Do not use petroleum-based grease. Reinstall the slide pins into the bracket and ensure they move freely.
8. 8

   Install new brake hardware
   Install the new anti-rattle clips and springs from the hardware kit onto the caliper bracket in the same positions as the original hardware. Ensure all clips are fully seated and secure. The clips should hold the brake pads firmly but allow them to slide freely in the bracket.
9. 9

   Install new brake pads
   Install the new inner and outer brake pads into the caliper bracket. Ensure the friction material faces the rotor and the backing plates are properly seated in the hardware clips. The pads should slide smoothly but fit snugly in the bracket. Apply a thin layer of brake grease to the pad backing plate contact points with the hardware clips if not pre-applied.
10. 10

    Reinstall caliper
    Remove the caliper from its supported position and carefully lower it over the new brake pads and rotor. Align the caliper slide pin bolt holes with the slide pins in the bracket. Ensure the caliper is fully seated and the brake hose is not twisted.
11. 11

    Install and torque caliper slide pin bolts
    Apply a small amount of silicone brake grease to the threads of the caliper slide pin bolts. Thread both bolts in by hand to prevent cross-threading. Using a torque wrench, tighten the caliper slide pin bolts to specification in an alternating pattern. Verify both bolts are properly torqued.
    Torque spec

    Caliper Slide Pin Bolts30 Nm (22 lb-ft)
12. 12

    Repeat for opposite side
    Perform steps 1 through 11 on the opposite rear brake assembly. It is critical to replace brake pads on both sides of the same axle simultaneously to maintain balanced braking performance.
    ⚠️Always replace brake pads in axle sets. Replacing pads on only one side will cause uneven braking and potential loss of vehicle control.
13. 13

    Reinstall wheels and torque lug nuts
    Reinstall both rear wheels onto the hub. Thread all lug nuts by hand to prevent cross-threading. Using a torque wrench, tighten the lug nuts in a star pattern to the specified torque. Verify all lug nuts are properly torqued.
    Torque spec

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

    Lower vehicle and restore brake fluid level
    Remove jack stands and carefully lower the vehicle to the ground. Check the brake fluid reservoir and add Motorcraft DOT 4 LV brake fluid to bring the level to the MAX line. Do not overfill. Reinstall the reservoir cap securely.
15. 15

    Pump brake pedal and bed-in new pads
    With the engine off, pump the brake pedal slowly 10-15 times until it becomes firm. The pedal should return to normal height and feel. Start the engine and test brake pedal feel - it should be firm with no excessive travel. Perform bed-in procedure: Make 6-10 stops from 40 mph to 15 mph with moderate pedal pressure (about 50% effort), allowing 30 seconds of driving between each stop to cool the brakes. Avoid hard stops for the first 200 miles.
    ⚠️If the brake pedal feels soft or goes to the floor after pumping, DO NOT DRIVE the vehicle. This indicates air in the system or a hydraulic problem requiring immediate attention.

Reassembly

1. Ensure all caliper slide pin bolts are torqued to specification with silicone brake grease applied
2. Verify wheel lug nuts are torqued in star pattern to specification
3. Confirm brake fluid level is at MAX line with proper DOT 4 LV fluid
4. Double-check that no tools or parts were left in the wheel well or under the vehicle

Verification

• With engine running, pump brake pedal several times. Pedal should be firm and not sink to the floor
• Test drive in a safe area at low speed (under 15 mph) to verify brakes engage smoothly and evenly without pulling to one side
• Listen for any unusual noises such as grinding, squealing, or rubbing during initial brake applications (light noise during bedding is normal)
• After bed-in procedure, perform several moderate stops from highway speed in a safe location to verify proper braking force and pedal feel
• Visually inspect wheels for any signs of brake fluid leakage after first test drive
• Re-torque wheel lug nuts after 50-100 miles of driving to ensure they remain properly secured

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