Brake Rotor - Rear Single

Replace a single rear brake rotor on a 2015-2020 Ford F-150 3.5L EcoBoost, including caliper removal, rotor replacement, and proper torque specifications.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Rear brake rotor × 1 — Use OEM specification or equivalent meeting Ford specifications
• Rotor set screw (if corroded) × 1 — M6 x 1.0 thread pitch

Fluids

• Motorcraft DOT 4 LV Brake Fluid

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level, solid ground and engage parking brake (front wheels only will be chocked)
2. Verify parking brake is released for rear brake work
3. Loosen rear wheel lug nuts approximately one turn while vehicle is on ground
4. Raise rear of vehicle using floor jack at approved lift point and support with jack stands rated for vehicle weight
5. Remove wheel completely and set aside
6. Spray caliper bolts and rotor set screw with penetrating oil if visible corrosion is present

Procedure

1. 1

   Compress brake caliper piston
   Before removing the caliper, use a C-clamp or brake caliper compression tool to slowly compress the caliper piston back into its bore. Place the clamp against the back of the caliper body and the outer brake pad surface. This creates clearance and prevents brake fluid overflow from the master cylinder reservoir. Monitor the brake fluid reservoir and remove fluid if necessary to prevent overflow.
2. 2

   Remove caliper slide pin bolts
   Locate the two caliper slide pin bolts on the inboard side of the caliper. Using a 13mm socket or wrench, remove both slide pin bolts completely. These bolts allow the caliper to slide on the bracket. Keep these bolts as they will be reused.
   Torque spec

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

   Remove and support brake caliper
   Carefully lift the caliper straight up and off the brake rotor and caliper bracket. Do NOT let the caliper hang by the brake hose. Use a wire hanger, bungee cord, or zip ties to secure the caliper to the suspension or frame. Ensure there is no tension or stress on the brake hose.
   ⚠️Never allow the caliper to hang by the brake hose. This can cause internal hose damage leading to brake failure.
4. 4

   Remove caliper bracket
   Locate the two caliper bracket bolts that secure the bracket to the rear axle housing. These are typically 18mm bolts located behind the bracket. Use a socket and breaker bar if necessary to remove both bolts completely. Remove the caliper bracket assembly. This exposes the brake rotor.
   Torque spec

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

   Remove rotor set screw
   Locate the single Phillips or T25 Torx set screw on the face of the rotor (may be rusty or covered with brake dust). Use an impact driver or screwdriver to remove this screw. If severely corroded, apply penetrating oil and allow to soak, or drill out if necessary. This screw is only for assembly retention and may be discarded if damaged.
   Torque spec

   Rotor Set Screws8 Nm (6 lb-ft)
6. 6

   Remove old brake rotor
   Pull the rotor straight off the wheel hub. If the rotor is stuck due to corrosion, tap the rotor from behind with a rubber mallet or use penetrating oil around the hub center. Do not strike the rotor face. On some rotors, threaded holes are provided for forcing bolts to push the rotor off the hub.
7. 7

   Clean hub surface and inspect
   Using a wire brush, thoroughly clean the wheel hub mounting surface, removing all rust, corrosion, and debris. Inspect the hub for damage, cracks, or excessive wear. Clean the hub center bore where the rotor seats. Apply a thin layer of anti-seize compound to the hub surface (avoid getting on rotor mounting face or friction surfaces).
8. 8

   Install new brake rotor
   Place the new rotor onto the hub, aligning the screw hole. Ensure the rotor is fully seated against the hub mounting surface. Clean any protective coating from the new rotor with brake cleaner before installation. Install the rotor set screw and tighten to specification using a torque wrench or hand-tight plus slight additional pressure.
   ℹ️New rotors often have a protective oil coating. Clean both sides thoroughly with brake cleaner to prevent brake contamination.
   Torque spec

   Rotor Set Screws8 Nm (6 lb-ft)
9. 9

   Reinstall caliper bracket
   Position the caliper bracket over the rotor and align the bolt holes with the axle housing. Install both caliper bracket bolts and hand-tighten. Using a torque wrench, tighten both bracket bolts to specification in an alternating pattern to ensure even seating.
   Torque spec

   Caliper Bracket Bolts117 Nm (86 lb-ft)
10. 10

    Reinstall brake caliper
    Remove the caliper from its temporary support. Inspect brake pads for wear and contamination. If replacing pads, install new pads into the bracket at this time. Position the caliper over the rotor and brake pads, ensuring the piston side aligns properly. Clean the slide pins and apply a thin coat of silicone brake grease to the pins before installation. Install both slide pin bolts and torque to specification.
    Torque spec

    Caliper Slide Pin Bolts35 Nm (26 lb-ft)
11. 11

    Reinstall wheel and lower vehicle
    Mount the wheel onto the hub, aligning the lug nut holes. Install all lug nuts and hand-tighten in a star pattern. Lower the vehicle until the tire just contacts the ground (weight still on jack stands). Torque lug nuts to specification in a star pattern. Fully lower vehicle and remove jack stands.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts140 Nm (103 lb-ft)
12. 12

    Pump brake pedal and verify
    Before moving the vehicle, pump the brake pedal several times until it feels firm. This repositions the caliper piston against the new rotor. Check brake fluid level in the reservoir and top off with DOT 4 LV brake fluid if necessary. The pedal should feel firm and not go to the floor.
    ⚠️Do not move the vehicle until the brake pedal feels firm. The caliper piston must be repositioned against the pads.

Reassembly

1. Torque all fasteners to specifications using a calibrated torque wrench
2. Ensure no tools or parts are left in the wheel well area
3. Double-check that the caliper is properly secured and brake hose has no tension
4. Verify brake fluid level is between MIN and MAX marks on reservoir

Verification

• Pump brake pedal multiple times until firm resistance is felt before driving
• Check for any brake fluid leaks around caliper and fittings
• Verify wheel lug nuts are properly torqued in star pattern
• Perform low-speed brake test in a safe area to ensure proper brake function
• Listen for any unusual noises during initial brake applications (slight squealing during break-in is normal)
• Perform 15-20 moderate stops from 30-40 mph to properly bed in new rotor with brake pads
• Avoid hard braking for the first 200 miles to allow proper break-in
• Re-torque wheel lug nuts after 50-100 miles of driving
• If rotor was replaced on only one side, consider replacing the opposite side for balanced braking performance

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