Brake Pads and Rotors - Front

This procedure replaces the front brake pads and rotors on a 2015-2020 Ford F-150 with the 3.5L EcoBoost V6 engine, restoring front braking performance and eliminating vibration or noise from worn components.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Front brake pad set (left and right) × 1 — Use OEM specification or quality aftermarket
• Front brake rotors × 2 — Use OEM specification or quality aftermarket
• Brake hardware kit (clips and springs) × 1 — Usually included with brake pads

Fluids

• Motorcraft DOT 4 LV Brake Fluid — 0.25 qt

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level, solid ground and apply parking brake firmly.
2. Place wheel chocks behind rear wheels to prevent vehicle movement.
3. Open hood and locate brake fluid reservoir. Remove approximately 1/4 of brake fluid using a turkey baster or fluid extraction pump to prevent overflow when compressing caliper pistons. Properly dispose of old fluid.
4. Loosen front wheel lug nuts 1/2 turn while vehicle is still on the ground, but do not remove.
5. Lift front of vehicle with floor jack at designated front jacking point and secure with jack stands under frame rails on both sides.
6. Remove front wheels completely and set aside.

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove caliper slide pin bolts
   Locate the two caliper slide pin bolts on the rear of the caliper. Using an 18mm wrench or socket, remove both slide pin bolts completely. Keep track of these bolts as they will be reused.
   Torque spec

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

   Support and remove caliper
   Carefully pivot the caliper upward and off the rotor. Do NOT let it hang by the brake hose. Support the caliper using wire or a bungee cord attached to the suspension or frame. Ensure there is no tension on the brake hose.
   ⚠️Never allow the caliper to hang unsupported by the brake hose. This can damage the hose internally and cause brake failure.
3. 3

   Remove old brake pads
   Remove the old brake pads from the caliper bracket. Note the position of any anti-rattle clips or shims. Remove and discard the old brake pad hardware (clips and springs) from the caliper bracket.
4. 4

   Remove caliper bracket
   Using an 18mm socket and breaker bar, remove the two caliper bracket bolts that attach the bracket to the steering knuckle. These bolts are very tight. Remove the caliper bracket completely.
   Torque spec

   Caliper Bracket Bolts117 Nm (86 lb-ft)
5. 5

   Remove old rotor
   Pull the old rotor straight off the wheel hub. If the rotor is stuck due to corrosion, tap it from behind with a rubber mallet while rotating it. Do not damage the wheel studs. If severely stuck, use penetrating oil and allow time to soak.
6. 6

   Clean hub surface
   Using a wire brush, thoroughly clean the hub mounting surface to remove all rust, corrosion, and debris. The new rotor must sit flat against this surface. Clean the wheel studs and surrounding area as well.
7. 7

   Install new rotor
   Spray new rotor thoroughly with brake cleaner on both sides to remove protective oil coating. Wipe dry with clean cloth. Slide the new rotor onto the hub, ensuring it sits completely flat against the hub surface. If desired, use a lug nut to temporarily hold the rotor in place during reassembly.
   ⚠New rotors have protective oil coating that MUST be removed or braking performance will be dangerously reduced.
8. 8

   Reinstall caliper bracket
   Apply medium-strength threadlocker (blue) to the threads of the caliper bracket bolts. Position the caliper bracket over the new rotor and align with the mounting holes on the knuckle. Install both bracket bolts and torque to specification in a cross pattern.
   Torque spec

   Caliper Bracket Bolts117 Nm (86 lb-ft)
9. 9

   Install new brake hardware
   Install the new brake pad hardware (anti-rattle clips and springs) into the caliper bracket according to the instructions included with the brake pads. Ensure all clips are fully seated and secure.
10. 10

    Compress caliper piston
    Using a C-clamp or brake caliper piston tool, slowly compress the caliper piston fully into its bore. Place the clamp against the back of the piston and the rear of the caliper body. Compress slowly and evenly. Watch the brake fluid reservoir to ensure it does not overflow.
    ⚠Compressing the piston pushes brake fluid back to the reservoir. Monitor fluid level to prevent overflow and potential paint damage.
11. 11

    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. The pad with the wear indicator tab typically goes on the inner position. Verify pads move freely in the bracket.
12. 12

    Lubricate and reinstall caliper
    Apply a thin coat of silicone brake grease to the caliper slide pins (not the threads of the bolts). Remove the caliper from its support and carefully position it over the new brake pads and rotor. Align the slide pin bolt holes.
13. 13

    Install caliper slide pin bolts
    Apply silicone brake grease to the threads of the caliper slide pin bolts as specified. Install both slide pin bolts and torque to specification. Ensure the caliper moves freely on the slide pins after tightening.
    Torque spec

    Caliper Slide Pin Bolts35 Nm (26 lb-ft)
14. 14

    Repeat for opposite side
    Repeat all steps (1-13) for the opposite front wheel to replace both front brake pads and rotors. Always replace brake components in axle sets.
15. 15

    Reinstall wheels and lower vehicle
    Reinstall both front wheels, threading lug nuts on by hand first. Tighten lug nuts in a star pattern snugly but do not fully torque yet. Lower vehicle to the ground and remove jack stands. With vehicle weight on wheels, torque lug nuts to specification in a star pattern.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts140 Nm (103 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Check brake fluid level in reservoir and top off with fresh Motorcraft DOT 4 LV brake fluid to the MAX line if needed.
2. Before driving, pump the brake pedal several times until it feels firm. The pedal should not go to the floor.
3. Test brakes at low speed in a safe area before returning to normal driving.

Verification

• Verify brake pedal is firm after pumping several times and does not slowly sink to the floor.
• Verify no brake fluid leaks are present at calipers, hoses, or reservoir.
• Perform test stops at low speed (under 15 mph) in a safe area to confirm brakes engage properly on both sides without pulling.
• Verify wheels are properly torqued and no loose lug nuts are present.
• Listen for any unusual noises during initial brake applications (light scraping is normal for first few stops with new pads).
• After 50-100 miles, re-torque wheel lug nuts to specification.
• Properly bed in brake pads: perform 6-10 moderate stops from 40-45 mph down to 15-20 mph with 30-60 seconds between stops to allow cooling. Avoid hard stops for first 200 miles.

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