Replace front brake pads and rotors on a 2021-2024 Ford F-150 3.5L EcoBoost, including proper caliper service and torque specifications.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Front brake pad set (4 pads total, both sides) × 1 — Use OEM specification or quality aftermarket
• Front brake rotors × 2 — Use OEM specification or quality aftermarket
• Brake hardware/anti-rattle clips × 1 — Often included with pad set
• Caliper slide pin boots (if damaged) × 1 — Inspect during service

Fluids

• Motorcraft DOT 4 LV Brake Fluid — 0.25 qt

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on firm, level surface and engage parking brake. Shift transmission to Park.
2. Loosen front wheel lug nuts while vehicle is still on the ground, but do not remove.
3. Use turkey baster or fluid evacuator to remove approximately 1/3 of brake fluid from master cylinder reservoir to prevent overflow when compressing caliper pistons. Properly dispose of old fluid.
4. Safely raise front of vehicle using floor jack at manufacturer-specified jacking points and secure with jack stands rated for vehicle weight.
5. Remove front wheels completely and set aside.
6. Verify brake system has not been overheated recently. Allow components to cool if necessary.

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove caliper slide pin bolts
   Locate the caliper slide pin bolts on the rear of the caliper assembly. These are typically 15mm or 17mm bolts. Remove both upper and lower slide pin bolts while supporting the caliper. The caliper will now swing free from the bracket.
2. 2

   Support caliper and remove old brake pads
   Carefully lift the caliper off the rotor and secure it to the suspension or frame using wire or a bungee cord. Do NOT let it hang by the brake hose. Remove the outboard and inboard brake pads from the caliper bracket. Note the position of any anti-rattle clips or shims for reinstallation.
3. 3

   Remove caliper bracket bolts
   Remove the two caliper bracket bolts securing the bracket to the steering knuckle. These are large bolts typically requiring an 18mm socket and significant force. Use a breaker bar if necessary. Remove the caliper bracket completely to access the rotor.
   Torque spec

   Bracket Bolts117 Nm (86 lb-ft)
4. 4

   Remove old rotor
   The rotor should slide off the wheel hub. If seized due to corrosion, use penetrating oil and tap gently with a rubber mallet from behind. Do not strike the rotor face. On F-150s, there may be a retaining screw or clip that needs removal first. Clean the hub face thoroughly with a wire brush to remove all rust and debris.
5. 5

   Prepare and install new rotor
   Clean new rotor thoroughly with brake cleaner to remove protective coating from both faces and the hat section. Wipe dry with clean, lint-free cloth. Slide new rotor onto hub, ensuring it seats flush against the hub face. If equipped with retaining screws or clips, reinstall them to hold rotor in position during assembly.
   ⚠Failure to remove protective coating will cause brake noise, reduced performance, and contaminated pads.
6. 6

   Reinstall caliper bracket
   Apply medium-strength thread locker to the caliper bracket bolt threads. Position the bracket over the rotor and align with the mounting holes on the steering knuckle. Install both bracket bolts and torque to specification in a cross pattern. Verify bracket is secure and does not move.
   Torque spec

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

   Inspect and lubricate slide pins
   Remove the caliper slide pins completely from the bracket. Inspect pins and boots for damage, corrosion, or wear. Replace boots if torn or cracked. Clean pins thoroughly and apply a thin coat of high-temperature silicone brake grease to the pin shaft. Reinstall pins into bracket boots, ensuring boots are properly seated.
   ⚠Seized or dry slide pins cause uneven pad wear and reduced braking performance. Do not use petroleum-based grease.
8. 8

   Compress caliper piston
   Before compressing the piston, either open the bleeder screw slightly or ensure adequate room exists in the master cylinder reservoir. Using a C-clamp or brake caliper compression tool, slowly compress the caliper piston fully into its bore. The piston must be fully retracted to accommodate the new, thicker brake pads. If opening bleeder screw, tighten it after compression.
   ⚠️Forcing old fluid back into the ABS system can damage components. Remove fluid from reservoir first or open bleeder during compression.
   Torque spec

   Bleeder Screw10 Nm (7 lb-ft)
9. 9

   Install new brake pads and hardware
   Install new anti-rattle clips and hardware in the caliper bracket according to manufacturer instructions. Position the new inboard brake pad in the bracket with the friction material facing the rotor. Install the outboard pad. Ensure both pads are properly seated in the bracket and can move slightly.
10. 10

    Reinstall caliper assembly
    Remove the wire or bungee cord supporting the caliper. Carefully position the caliper over the new brake pads and align the slide pin bolt holes. Install both slide pin bolts and torque to specification. Verify caliper moves smoothly on slide pins without binding.
    Torque spec

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

    Repeat process for opposite side
    Perform steps 1 through 10 on the opposite front wheel. Always replace brake pads and rotors in axle sets to maintain balanced braking performance.
12. 12

    Reinstall wheels and lower vehicle
    Reinstall both front wheels, threading lug nuts by hand to prevent cross-threading. Tighten lug nuts in a star pattern while vehicle is still on jack stands. Lower vehicle to ground, then torque lug nuts to final specification in a star pattern.
    Torque spec

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

    Pump brake pedal and check fluid
    With engine OFF, pump brake pedal slowly and firmly until it becomes firm and reaches normal height. This seats the caliper pistons against the new pads. Check master cylinder reservoir and top off with fresh Motorcraft DOT 4 LV brake fluid to the MAX line. Do not overfill.
    ⚠️Do NOT start engine or attempt to drive until brake pedal is firm. A soft pedal indicates air in the system or improperly installed components.

Reassembly

1. Ensure all caliper bolts are torqued to proper specifications and thread locker was applied where specified.
2. Verify brake fluid level is at MAX line in reservoir with fresh DOT 4 LV fluid.
3. Check that all tools and parts have been removed from wheel wells and under vehicle.
4. Verify wheels are torqued properly in star pattern and lug nuts are secure.

Verification

• Before driving, pump brake pedal multiple times until firm. Pedal should not sink to floor and should feel normal.
• Check for any brake fluid leaks around calipers, lines, and master cylinder.
• Perform initial test stops at low speed (5-10 mph) in a safe area to verify brakes engage properly and vehicle stops straight.
• Listen for any unusual noises (grinding, squealing beyond normal new pad noise) that might indicate improper installation.
• Perform proper bedding-in procedure: 30-50 moderate stops from 40 mph to 10 mph with cooldown periods between sets. Avoid hard braking for first 200 miles.
• After first 50 miles, re-check wheel lug nut torque and verify no fluid leaks are present.
• Monitor brake performance over the next several days. If pedal feel changes, fluid level drops, or any warning lights appear, have system inspected immediately by a professional.

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