Brake Pads - Rear

Replace rear brake pads on a 2021-2024 Ford F-150 with 3.5L EcoBoost engine, including caliper service and proper bedding procedures.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Rear brake pad set (both wheels) × 1 — Use OEM specification or quality aftermarket equivalent
• Brake hardware kit (anti-rattle clips) × 1 — Usually included with quality pad sets

Fluids

• Motorcraft DOT 4 LV Brake Fluid — 0.25 qt

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level, stable surface and engage parking brake firmly.
2. Loosen rear wheel lug nuts 1/4 turn while vehicle is on ground.
3. Using a turkey baster or fluid transfer pump, remove approximately 2 ounces of brake fluid from the master cylinder reservoir to prevent overflow when compressing pistons. Do not allow fluid level to drop below MIN line.
4. Lift rear of vehicle with floor jack at approved rear jacking point (rear axle differential housing or frame).
5. Support vehicle with jack stands under frame rails rated for vehicle weight. Shake vehicle to verify stability before working underneath.
6. Remove rear wheels completely and set aside.

Procedure

1. 1

   Inspect brake system
   Before disassembly, inspect rotors for excessive wear, grooves, hot spots, or cracks. Check brake hoses for cracks, bulges, or leaks. Measure rotor thickness with micrometer if available - minimum thickness is stamped on rotor hat. If rotors are below specification or severely damaged, they must be replaced. Check caliper for fluid leaks around piston boot.
2. 2

   Remove caliper slide bolts
   Locate the two caliper slide pin bolts on the inboard side of the caliper (behind the rotor). Using an 18mm socket, remove both slide pin bolts. Keep track of which bolt came from which position as they may differ. Note the condition of the slide pins - they should move freely and be well-lubricated.
3. 3

   Remove caliper from bracket
   Carefully lift the caliper up and off the brake rotor and pads. Do not let the caliper hang by the brake hose. Support the caliper using wire, a bungee cord, or by resting it on a suspension component. Ensure there is no tension on the rubber brake hose as this can cause internal hose damage.
4. 4

   Remove brake pads and hardware
   Remove the outboard and inboard brake pads from the caliper bracket. Note their orientation and the position of any anti-rattle clips or shims. Remove all brake pad hardware clips from the caliper bracket. These are typically spring steel clips that may be reused if not damaged, but should be replaced if included with new pad set.
5. 5

   Clean caliper bracket and slides
   Spray the caliper bracket thoroughly with brake cleaner to remove all brake dust, dirt, and old grease. Use a wire brush to clean the pad slide surfaces on the bracket where the pads make contact. Clean the caliper slide pins and their bores in the bracket. Inspect slide pin boots for tears or damage - replace if compromised.
6. 6

   Compress caliper pistons
   Using a C-clamp or brake caliper piston tool, slowly compress the caliper pistons fully into their bores. Position the tool against the back of the caliper body and the inboard pad backing plate (or a block of wood if pads are removed). Compress slowly to allow fluid to return to master cylinder. Monitor the brake fluid reservoir and remove fluid if it approaches MAX line. Ensure pistons compress evenly and smoothly.
7. 7

   Install new brake hardware
   Install new anti-rattle clips and hardware onto the caliper bracket according to the hardware kit instructions. Ensure clips are fully seated and secure. Apply a thin layer of silicone brake grease to the pad contact points on the caliper bracket slides - do not over-apply as excess can contaminate pads.
8. 8

   Install new brake pads
   Install the new inboard and outboard brake pads into the caliper bracket. Ensure pads are properly seated in the hardware clips and can slide freely but without excessive play. Verify that any wear indicators are positioned correctly (typically on the inboard pad, pointing in the direction of rotor rotation).
9. 9

   Lubricate and install caliper slide pins
   Clean the caliper slide pins thoroughly with brake cleaner and dry completely. Apply a generous coating of silicone brake grease to the smooth portion of each slide pin that moves within the boot and bracket. Do not use petroleum-based grease as it will damage rubber components. Ensure slide pin boots are properly seated in the caliper and bracket.
10. 10

    Reinstall caliper and torque slide bolts
    Carefully position the caliper over the new brake pads and align the slide pins with their bores in the bracket. Thread both caliper slide pin bolts by hand to prevent cross-threading. Torque both caliper slide pin bolts to specification using a torque wrench. Verify caliper sits flush against the bracket with no gaps.
    Torque spec

    Caliper Slide Pin Bolts30 Nm (22 lb-ft)
11. 11

    Repeat for opposite side
    Perform steps 1 through 10 on the opposite rear wheel to replace both rear brake pad sets. It is critical to replace pads on both sides of the axle simultaneously to maintain balanced braking performance.
12. 12

    Reinstall wheels and torque lug nuts
    Clean the wheel mounting surface on the hub and the wheel's mounting face. Install the wheel onto the hub studs. Thread all lug nuts by hand to prevent cross-threading. Lower the vehicle partially so the wheel contacts the ground but still has most weight on jack stands. Torque lug nuts to specification in a star pattern (not in a circle). Lower vehicle completely and perform final torque verification in star pattern with vehicle on ground.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts140 Nm (103 lb-ft)
13. 13

    Restore brake pedal and check fluid level
    Before moving the vehicle, pump the brake pedal slowly several times until it becomes firm. The first few pumps will feel soft as the caliper pistons extend to contact the new pads. Continue until pedal feels normal and holds firm pressure. Check brake fluid level in master cylinder reservoir and top off to MAX line with Motorcraft DOT 4 LV fluid if needed. Ensure reservoir cap is securely reinstalled.

Reassembly

1. Verify all caliper slide bolts are torqued to specification and no tools or parts are left in wheel well.
2. Inspect brake hose routing to ensure hoses are not kinked, twisted, or in contact with suspension components through full range of suspension travel.
3. Check that parking brake functions normally and releases completely.
4. Before moving vehicle, verify brake pedal is firm and does not sink when held under pressure for 30 seconds.

Verification

• Start engine and press brake pedal firmly. Pedal should feel firm and consistent, not spongy or low. If pedal is soft, air may be in the system and bleeding may be required.
• Test brakes at low speed (5-10 mph) in a safe area to verify proper operation before driving normally. Brakes should apply smoothly and evenly with no pulling to either side.
• Perform proper bed-in procedure: Make 6-10 stops from 40 mph to 15 mph with moderate pressure, allowing 30 seconds between stops to cool. Do not come to complete stop during bedding. After bedding stops, drive for several minutes without heavy braking to allow components to cool.
• For the first 200-300 miles, avoid hard braking when possible. New pads require break-in period to achieve full friction and performance.
• After 50-100 miles, re-torque wheel lug nuts to specification to verify proper seating.
• Listen for any unusual noises (grinding, squealing beyond normal new pad break-in sounds) and feel for any pulsation or pulling during braking. Any abnormalities require immediate inspection.

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