Replace the brake caliper bracket on a 2021-2024 Ford F-150 3.5L EcoBoost, including removal of the caliper, rotor, and bracket, followed by installation with proper torque specifications and brake system bleeding.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Brake caliper bracket × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Brake pads (if worn or damaged) × 1 — Use OEM specification
• Copper crush washers for banjo bolt × 2 — Replace both washers
• Brake hardware kit (clips and springs) × 1 — Recommended replacement

Fluids

• Motorcraft DOT 4 LV Brake Fluid — 0.5 qt

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level, solid surface and set parking brake firmly
2. Loosen wheel lug nuts while vehicle is on the ground but do not remove
3. Using floor jack, raise the front of the vehicle at the designated jacking point
4. Place jack stands under solid frame rails on both sides for safety
5. Lower vehicle onto jack stands and verify stability before working underneath
6. Remove wheel completely and set aside
7. Using turkey baster or fluid extractor, remove approximately half the brake fluid from the master cylinder reservoir to prevent overflow when compressing caliper piston
8. Inspect brake components for excessive wear, damage, or fluid leaks before proceeding

Procedure

1. 1

   Compress caliper piston
   Before loosening any bolts, use a C-clamp or brake piston tool to slowly compress the caliper piston fully into the caliper bore. This makes caliper removal easier and prevents brake fluid spillage. Position the C-clamp against the back of the caliper body and the outer brake pad surface.
2. 2

   Remove caliper slide pin bolts
   Locate the two caliper slide pin bolts on the rear of the caliper assembly. These are typically on the upper and lower portions of the caliper. Use an 18mm socket to remove both slide pin bolts completely. Keep these bolts if they are in good condition as they will be reused.
   ⚠Support the caliper before removing the second bolt to prevent it from falling.
   Torque spec

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

   Support and secure caliper
   Carefully lift the caliper assembly off the bracket and rotor. Use a brake caliper hanger, heavy wire, or bungee cord to hang the caliper from the suspension or frame. Ensure there is no tension or strain on the rubber brake hose. The caliper must be fully supported and not hanging by the brake line.
4. 4

   Remove brake pads and hardware
   Remove the inner and outer brake pads from the caliper bracket. Remove all anti-rattle clips, shims, and springs from the bracket, noting their orientation for reinstallation. Inspect pads for wear pattern and thickness. If replacing the bracket due to damage, the pads should also be replaced.
5. 5

   Remove brake rotor
   The brake rotor should slide off the wheel hub once the caliper is removed. If the rotor is stuck due to corrosion, use a rubber mallet to tap around the rotor hat area to break it loose. Do not strike the rotor friction surface. Some F-150 rotors may have threaded holes for bolts to help push the rotor off the hub.
6. 6

   Remove caliper bracket bolts
   Locate the two large caliper bracket mounting bolts that attach the bracket to the steering knuckle. These bolts are typically 21mm and require significant torque to remove. Use a breaker bar if necessary. Remove both bolts completely and remove the caliper bracket from the knuckle.
   ⚠These bolts are torqued to 88 lb-ft and may require significant force to loosen. Ensure the vehicle is stable on jack stands before applying force.
   Torque spec

   Bracket Bolts117 Nm (86 lb-ft)
7. 7

   Clean mounting surfaces
   Use a wire brush to thoroughly clean the caliper bracket mounting surfaces on the steering knuckle, removing all rust, corrosion, and old threadlocker. Clean the brake pad contact areas on the old bracket for comparison. Spray brake cleaner on all surfaces and wipe clean. Inspect knuckle threads for damage.
8. 8

   Install new caliper bracket
   Position the new caliper bracket onto the steering knuckle, aligning the bolt holes. Apply medium-strength threadlocker to the threads of both bracket mounting bolts as recommended. Thread both bolts in by hand to ensure proper thread engagement before tightening. Using a torque wrench, tighten both bracket bolts to specification in a cross pattern.
   ⚠Verify bolt torque specification with Ford service manual. Improper torque can cause bracket failure and complete loss of braking.
   Torque spec

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

   Install brake hardware and rotor
   Install new or cleaned anti-rattle clips, shims, and springs onto the new caliper bracket in their correct positions. Apply a thin layer of silicone brake grease to the pad contact points on the bracket where the brake pad ears slide. Slide the brake rotor onto the wheel hub, ensuring it sits flush against the hub face.
10. 10

    Install brake pads
    Install the inner and outer brake pads into the caliper bracket, ensuring they are properly seated in the hardware clips. The pad wear indicators should be positioned according to manufacturer specifications (typically the inner pad at the top for front brakes). Verify pads move freely in the bracket.
11. 11

    Reinstall caliper assembly
    Remove the caliper from its supporting position. Carefully position the caliper over the brake pads and rotor, aligning the slide pin bolt holes with the bracket. Apply a thin coat of silicone brake grease to the slide pin bolt shafts and rubber boots. Thread both slide pin bolts in by hand first, then torque to specification using a torque wrench.
    Torque spec

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

    Bleed brake system
    Attach a clear tube to the brake bleeder screw on the caliper and place the other end in a catch container with clean brake fluid. Have an assistant pump the brake pedal 3-5 times and hold pressure. Open the bleeder screw 1/2 turn and allow fluid to flow until the pedal reaches the floor. Close the bleeder before releasing pedal pressure. Repeat until fluid flows clear with no air bubbles. Torque bleeder screw to specification.
    ⚠️Air in the brake system will cause brake failure. Continue bleeding until absolutely no air bubbles appear in the fluid stream.
    ⚠Do not allow the master cylinder reservoir to run dry during bleeding or air will enter the system. Check and refill reservoir frequently.
    Torque spec

    Bleeder Screw10 Nm (7 lb-ft)
13. 13

    Reinstall wheel and lower vehicle
    Reinstall the wheel onto the hub, threading all lug nuts by hand first to prevent cross-threading. Tighten lug nuts in a star pattern with a hand wrench. Raise vehicle slightly to remove jack stands, then lower completely to the ground. With vehicle on the ground, torque all lug nuts to specification in a star pattern using a torque wrench.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts140 Nm (103 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Refill brake fluid reservoir to the MAX line with Motorcraft DOT 4 LV brake fluid only
2. Pump brake pedal firmly 10-15 times until pedal feels firm and consistent
3. Check brake fluid level again and top off if necessary
4. Inspect all brake line connections and caliper area for any signs of fluid leakage
5. Start engine and pump brakes with engine running to verify power assist function

Verification

• With engine running, verify firm brake pedal with no excessive travel or spongy feel
• Perform a low-speed brake test in a safe area to confirm proper brake function before normal driving
• Check for any unusual noises, vibrations, or pulling during brake application
• Re-inspect brake fluid level after test drive and verify no leaks at caliper, bleeder, or brake line connections
• After 50-100 miles, re-torque wheel lug nuts to specification and check brake fluid level
• If brake pedal feels soft, spongy, or travels too far, repeat bleeding procedure immediately
• If any abnormality is detected, do not drive the vehicle and consult a professional technician

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