Service and lubricate brake caliper slide pins to ensure proper caliper movement and even brake pad wear.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Silicone brake grease (high-temperature) × 1 — Use OEM specification or synthetic silicone brake lubricant
• Blue threadlocker (if pins are removed) × 1 — Loctite 242 or equivalent

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level ground and apply parking brake firmly
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 before raising vehicle
4. Raise vehicle with floor jack at designated jacking point and secure with jack stands
5. Remove wheel completely and set aside
6. Inspect brake system for fluid leaks, damaged hoses, or excessive pad wear before proceeding

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove caliper slide pin bolts
   Locate the two slide pin bolts on the back of the brake caliper (behind the rotor). These are typically 13mm or 14mm hex head bolts. Using appropriate socket, remove both caliper slide pin bolts. The caliper will now pivot away from the rotor. Note: You do not need to disconnect the brake line for this procedure.
   Torque spec

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

   Support and secure caliper
   Carefully pivot the caliper upward and away from the rotor and brake pads. Use a bungee cord or secure wire to hang the caliper from the suspension or frame. Ensure there is no tension or strain on the rubber brake hose. The caliper should be supported at approximately the same height as when installed.
3. 3

   Remove slide pins from bracket
   The slide pins remain in the caliper bracket. Pull each slide pin straight out from the bracket. The pins should slide out easily - if they are stuck or corroded, gently twist while pulling. Remove and inspect the rubber dust boots on each pin for cracks, tears, or deterioration.
4. 4

   Clean slide pins and bores
   Thoroughly clean each slide pin with a lint-free rag, removing all old grease and debris. Use a wire brush if necessary for corrosion, but avoid damaging the smooth pin surface. Clean the slide pin bores in the bracket with a clean rag or brush. Inspect pins for scoring, pitting, or corrosion. Replace pins if they show damage or if the chrome plating is compromised.
5. 5

   Inspect and clean dust boots
   Inspect rubber dust boots for any tears, cracks, or hardening. Even small tears will allow moisture and debris into the slide mechanism. Replace boots if damaged. Clean the boot mounting grooves in the bracket thoroughly. The boots must seal properly to prevent contamination.
6. 6

   Lubricate and reinstall slide pins
   Apply a thin, even coat of high-temperature silicone brake grease to the entire length of each slide pin. Do NOT use petroleum-based grease. Insert the pins back into the bracket bores, ensuring the dust boots seat properly in their grooves on both ends. The pins should move smoothly in and out with minimal resistance. Wipe away any excess grease.
7. 7

   Reinstall caliper
   Remove the support holding the caliper. If brake pads were disturbed or if caliper piston is extended, you may need to compress the piston slightly using a C-clamp (place clamp on back of piston and inboard pad). Pivot caliper back down over the brake pads and rotor. Align caliper mounting holes with slide pins.
8. 8

   Install and torque slide pin bolts
   Thread both caliper slide pin bolts by hand to ensure proper thread engagement. If bolts were completely removed and not just loosened, apply a small amount of blue threadlocker to threads. Using a torque wrench, tighten both slide pin bolts to specification in a crisscross pattern. Verify caliper is properly seated and moves slightly when pressed.
   Torque spec

   Caliper Slide Pin Bolts35 Nm (26 lb-ft)
9. 9

   Reinstall wheel
   Clean the hub surface and wheel mounting surface of any rust or debris. Mount the wheel onto the hub and hand-thread all lug nuts. Lower vehicle until tire just contacts ground (still supported by jack stand). Using a torque wrench, tighten lug nuts to specification in a star pattern.
   Torque spec

   Wheel Lug Nuts140 Nm (103 lb-ft)
10. 10

    Final lowering and torque check
    Remove jack stand and lower vehicle completely to ground. Perform final torque check on all wheel lug nuts in star pattern. Repeat entire procedure for opposite side and/or rear brakes as needed.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts140 Nm (103 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Ensure all slide pin bolts are torqued to specification and threadlocker applied if required
2. Verify rubber dust boots are properly seated with no tears or gaps
3. Confirm brake caliper moves freely when pressed and is not binding
4. All wheels must be torqued in proper star pattern to avoid rotor warping

Verification

• Pump brake pedal several times until firm - pedal should return to normal height and feel
• Check brake fluid reservoir level - top off with Motorcraft DOT 4 LV brake fluid if needed (do not overfill)
• Perform a low-speed brake test in a safe area - braking should be smooth with no pulling to either side
• Listen for any unusual noises during brake application - properly lubricated pins should operate silently
• After first 50 miles, re-torque wheel lug nuts and verify no brake fluid leaks
• If brake pedal feels soft, travels too far, or if vehicle pulls during braking, do not drive - have system inspected immediately

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