Remove and replace the brake caliper bracket (caliper anchor) on a 2015-2020 Ford F-150 5.0L V8, including proper torque procedures and brake system verification.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Brake caliper bracket (if replacement needed) × 1 — Use OEM Ford or quality aftermarket
• Brake pads (recommended to replace) × 1 — Motorcraft BR-1684 or equivalent
• Thread locker compound × 1 — Loctite 243 or equivalent

Fluids

• Motorcraft DOT 4 LV Brake Fluid — 0.5 qt

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level, solid ground. Engage parking brake if working on front brakes only. Place transmission in Park (automatic) or 1st gear (manual).
2. Place wheel chocks behind rear wheels if working on front brakes, or in front of front wheels if working on rear brakes.
3. Loosen wheel lug nuts 1/4 turn while vehicle is on the ground.
4. Lift vehicle with floor jack at manufacturer-specified jacking point and secure with jack stands at proper support points.
5. Remove wheel completely and set aside.
6. Inspect brake rotor, caliper, and brake lines for damage, excessive wear, or fluid leaks. Address any issues before proceeding.
7. Before starting, check brake fluid reservoir level and note level. Do not allow reservoir to run dry during service.

Procedure

1. 1

   Compress brake caliper piston
   Using a C-clamp or brake caliper compression tool, slowly compress the brake caliper piston(s) back into the caliper bore. This creates clearance for caliper removal and prevents brake fluid overflow. Monitor the brake fluid reservoir and remove fluid with a turkey baster or fluid transfer pump if it approaches the MAX line. The piston should move smoothly; if it binds or doesn't move, the caliper may need replacement.
   ⚠Compressing the piston pushes brake fluid back into the reservoir. Watch for overflow and remove excess fluid to prevent spills.
2. 2

   Remove caliper mounting bolts
   Locate the two caliper slide pin bolts or caliper mounting bolts that secure the caliper to the bracket. On F-150 models, these are typically located on the rear side of the caliper assembly. Use the appropriate socket to remove both bolts completely. Keep these bolts if reusing (clean threads and inspect for damage). Note the bolt locations as they may be different lengths.
   Torque spec

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

   Remove and support brake caliper
   Carefully lift the brake caliper off the rotor and bracket. Do NOT allow the caliper to hang by the brake hose, as this can damage the hose internally. Secure the caliper to the suspension or frame using wire, a bungee cord, or by resting it on a stable surface. Ensure no tension or stress is placed on the brake hose.
   ⚠️Never let the brake caliper hang by the brake hose. This can cause internal hose damage leading to brake failure.
4. 4

   Remove brake pads and hardware
   Remove the brake pads from the caliper bracket. Note the position and orientation of any anti-rattle clips, shims, or springs for proper reinstallation. Remove all pad hardware from the bracket. This is an ideal time to inspect pad wear and replace if needed (recommended whenever bracket is removed).
   ℹ️Take photos of hardware orientation before removal to ensure correct reassembly.
5. 5

   Remove caliper bracket bolts
   Locate the two large caliper bracket bolts (also called caliper anchor bolts) that secure the bracket to the steering knuckle or axle housing. These bolts are much larger than the caliper slide bolts and require significant torque. Use a breaker bar if needed to loosen them. Remove both bolts completely and keep them if reusing (inspect threads carefully).
   ⚠These bolts are high-torque fasteners. Ensure proper socket engagement to avoid stripping.
   Torque spec

   Bracket Bolts127 Nm (94 lb-ft)
6. 6

   Remove caliper bracket
   Remove the caliper bracket from the vehicle. The bracket should lift away from the mounting surface once bolts are removed. If the bracket is being replaced, transfer any reusable components to the new bracket. Inspect the mounting surface on the knuckle or axle for damage, rust, or debris.
   ℹ️If bracket is seized or corroded to mounting surface, carefully tap with a rubber mallet. Do not pry against brake rotor.
7. 7

   Clean and prepare mounting surfaces
   Thoroughly clean the caliper bracket mounting surface on the knuckle/axle using a wire brush to remove rust, corrosion, and old thread locker. Clean the brake rotor hub surface and bracket contact areas. Use brake cleaner to remove any debris or contamination. Inspect bolt threads in the knuckle/axle; clean and chase threads if necessary.
   ⚠Do not use compressed air to clean brake components. Use brake cleaner only in well-ventilated area.
8. 8

   Install new or cleaned caliper bracket
   Position the caliper bracket onto the mounting surface, ensuring it seats flush against the knuckle or axle. Start both caliper bracket bolts by hand to ensure proper thread engagement. If recommended by manufacturer or if bolts are being reused, apply medium-strength threadlocker to bolt threads according to product instructions.
   ⚠Ensure bracket is properly aligned before tightening bolts. Cross-threading these bolts can destroy the knuckle threads.
   Torque spec

   Bracket Bolts127 Nm (94 lb-ft)
9. 9

   Torque caliper bracket bolts
   Using a calibrated torque wrench, tighten the caliper bracket bolts to 120 Nm (88 lb-ft) in a crisscross pattern. Tighten incrementally (50%, 75%, then final torque) to ensure even seating. Verify both bolts are properly torqued. Double-check that the bracket is secure and does not move.
   ⚠️Improperly torqued bracket bolts can result in bracket separation and complete brake failure. Verify torque value is correct for your specific model year.
   Torque spec

   Bracket Bolts127 Nm (94 lb-ft)
10. 10

    Install brake pad hardware and pads
    Install anti-rattle clips, shims, and springs in their correct positions on the caliper bracket. Refer to photos taken during disassembly or new pad package instructions. Apply a thin film of high-temperature brake grease to pad slide areas if specified (do not contaminate friction surfaces). Install new or cleaned brake pads in the bracket, ensuring they move freely in the bracket guides.
    ⚠Never apply grease or lubricant to brake pad friction material or rotor surfaces.
11. 11

    Prepare and install brake caliper
    If reusing slide pin bolts, clean threads thoroughly and apply silicone brake grease to slide pins as specified. Position the caliper over the brake pads and bracket, ensuring the caliper piston is still fully compressed and pads are properly seated. Align caliper mounting holes with bracket or slide pin holes. Start both caliper mounting bolts by hand.
    Torque spec

    Caliper Slide Pin Bolts35 Nm (26 lb-ft)
12. 12

    Torque caliper mounting bolts
    Using a torque wrench, tighten the caliper slide pin bolts to 35 Nm (26 lb-ft). If your vehicle uses different style caliper mounting bolts, refer to the appropriate torque specification. Ensure bolts are tightened evenly and caliper is properly seated against the bracket.
    ⚠Over-torquing slide pin bolts can damage the pins or threads, causing caliper malfunction. Under-torquing can allow caliper movement and uneven braking.
    Torque spec

    Caliper Slide Pin Bolts35 Nm (26 lb-ft)
13. 13

    Reinstall wheel and lower vehicle
    Reinstall the wheel, starting all lug nuts by hand to ensure proper thread engagement. Snug lug nuts in a star pattern while vehicle is still on jack stands. Carefully raise vehicle slightly to remove jack stands, then lower vehicle completely to the ground. Final-torque wheel lug nuts to 140 Nm (103 lb-ft) in a star pattern using a torque wrench.
    ⚠Always torque lug nuts in a star pattern to ensure even wheel seating and prevent rotor warping.
    Torque spec

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

    Restore brake pedal and verify operation
    Before moving the vehicle, pump the brake pedal slowly several times until it becomes firm. This repositions the caliper piston against the new pads. The pedal should become firm within 3-5 pumps. Check brake fluid reservoir level and top off with Motorcraft DOT 4 LV brake fluid if needed (do not overfill). Start engine and verify brake warning lights are off.
    ⚠️DO NOT attempt to drive the vehicle until brake pedal is firm and brake system is verified. A soft pedal indicates air in the system or improper installation.

Reassembly

1. If both sides of the same axle were serviced, verify both calipers are properly torqued and secured.
2. Check that no tools or parts were left in the wheel well or under the vehicle.
3. Verify brake fluid level is between MIN and MAX marks on reservoir.
4. Test drive in a safe area at low speed (under 15 mph) to verify brake operation before normal driving.
5. Expect reduced braking performance for the first 50-100 miles as new pads bed-in to the rotors.

Verification

• Brake pedal should feel firm and not travel excessively when depressed. Pedal height should be normal.
• No brake fluid leaks visible at caliper, bracket, or brake line connections.
• Wheel rotates freely by hand with no rubbing or grinding noises (slight pad contact is normal).
• During test drive, vehicle should brake straight without pulling to one side.
• No brake warning lights illuminated on instrument cluster.
• Perform low-speed brake test (5-10 mph) in safe area before operating vehicle normally.
• After first drive cycle, recheck all torque specifications with torque wrench.
• After 50-100 miles, recheck wheel lug nut torque and inspect for any fluid leaks.

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