This procedure covers cleaning, lubricating, and servicing brake caliper slide pins to ensure proper caliper movement and even brake pad wear on the 2021-2024 Ford F-150 3.5L EcoBoost.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Silicone brake caliper grease (high-temperature) × 1 — Use synthetic silicone brake grease rated for caliper pins
• Caliper slide pin boots (if damaged) × 4 — Inspect before ordering - replace if torn or cracked

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level, stable surface and engage parking brake
2. Place wheel chocks behind rear wheels if servicing front brakes, or front wheels if servicing rear brakes
3. Loosen wheel lug nuts while vehicle is still on ground, but do not remove
4. Raise vehicle with floor jack at manufacturer-specified jacking points
5. Install jack stands under frame rails and lower vehicle onto stands
6. Remove wheels completely and set aside
7. Inspect brake rotors, pads, and caliper boots for obvious damage or excessive wear

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove caliper slide pin bolts
   Locate the two slide pin bolts on the rear of the brake caliper (they have 10mm hex heads). Using a 10mm hex socket or Allen key, remove both upper and lower slide pin bolts. These bolts thread into the slide pins themselves. Keep track of which bolt came from which position.
   Torque spec

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

   Remove and support caliper
   Carefully pivot the brake caliper up and away from the rotor. Do NOT disconnect the brake line. Support the caliper using a wire hanger, bungee cord, or ratchet strap attached to the suspension or frame. Ensure no tension or stress is placed on the rubber brake hose. The caliper should hang freely without pulling on the brake line.
3. 3

   Remove brake pads (optional but recommended)
   Remove the brake pads from the caliper bracket to prevent accidental contamination with grease and to allow better access. Note the position of any anti-rattle clips or shims for reinstallation. Set pads on a clean surface away from work area.
4. 4

   Extract slide pins from bracket
   Grasp each slide pin and pull it straight out from the caliper bracket. The pins should slide out with moderate effort. If a pin is stuck, gently twist while pulling - do not use excessive force. Inspect the rubber dust boots on the bracket; they should remain in place or come out with the pins.
5. 5

   Inspect slide pins and boots
   Examine each slide pin for corrosion, scoring, pitting, or damage. Check the rubber dust boots for tears, cracks, or deterioration. Any damaged pins or boots must be replaced - do not reuse damaged components. Verify pins slide smoothly in their bores without binding. If pins are severely corroded or boots are damaged, stop and obtain replacement parts before proceeding.
   ⚠Damaged or torn slide pin boots allow moisture and contamination to enter, causing pins to seize. This results in uneven pad wear and reduced braking performance. Replace any questionable boots.
6. 6

   Clean slide pins and bores
   Spray brake cleaner on each slide pin and wipe clean with a shop towel, removing all old grease and contamination. Use a wire brush if needed to remove stubborn deposits. Clean the slide pin bores in the caliper bracket using brake cleaner and a clean towel. Ensure bores are completely dry and free of debris before proceeding.
7. 7

   Apply fresh silicone brake grease
   Apply a thin, even coating of high-temperature silicone brake grease to the entire length of each slide pin shaft. Do NOT use petroleum-based grease, anti-seize, or standard grease - only use brake-specific silicone grease. The coating should be thin enough that the pin doesn't appear dripping, but complete with no bare spots.
   ⚠Use ONLY silicone brake grease designed for caliper pins. Other lubricants can swell rubber boots, attract debris, or break down under brake heat.
8. 8

   Reinstall slide pins
   If dust boots were removed, install them into the caliper bracket bores first, ensuring they seat properly. Insert each greased slide pin into its bore, pushing firmly until fully seated. The pin should move smoothly in and out with minimal resistance. Verify dust boots properly seal around each pin.
9. 9

   Reinstall brake pads
   If brake pads were removed, reinstall them into the caliper bracket in their original positions. Ensure any anti-rattle clips, shims, or hardware are correctly positioned. Verify pads move freely in the bracket without binding.
10. 10

    Position caliper over pads
    If brake pads are worn, you may need to compress the caliper pistons using a C-clamp or brake caliper tool before the caliper will fit over the pads. Place a block of wood against the piston and compress slowly. Remove caliper from its support and carefully position it over the brake pads, aligning the slide pin bolt holes.
11. 11

    Install and torque slide pin bolts
    Apply a small amount of silicone brake grease to the threads of each slide pin bolt. Thread both bolts in by hand to prevent cross-threading. Using a torque wrench and 10mm hex socket, tighten both slide pin bolts to the specified torque in a crossing pattern (alternate between upper and lower).
    Torque spec

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

    Verify caliper movement
    After torquing, verify the caliper can move freely on the slide pins by gently attempting to pivot it. There should be slight movement indicating the pins are not seized. Check that no brake hoses are twisted or stressed.
13. 13

    Reinstall wheel and torque lug nuts
    Clean the wheel hub face and wheel mounting surface. Reinstall the wheel and hand-tighten all lug nuts in a star pattern. Lower vehicle partially so tire contacts ground but weight is still on jack stands. Torque lug nuts to specification in a star pattern using a torque wrench. Fully lower vehicle and remove jack stands.
    Torque spec

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

    Pump brake pedal and test
    Before moving vehicle, sit in driver's seat and pump brake pedal firmly 5-10 times until pedal feels firm and normal. Pedal should return to normal height and firmness. Check brake fluid level in master cylinder reservoir and top off if needed with Motorcraft DOT 4 LV brake fluid.
    ⚠️DO NOT drive vehicle until brake pedal feels firm and normal. If pedal feels soft, spongy, or goes to floor, DO NOT drive - there is a problem that must be corrected.

Reassembly

1. Repeat procedure for remaining wheels if servicing multiple calipers
2. Perform final torque verification on all lug nuts after test drive (retorque after 50-100 miles)
3. Dispose of used brake cleaner rags and contaminated materials properly

Verification

• Brake pedal should feel firm and consistent with normal travel distance
• No brake warning lights should be illuminated on dashboard
• Test brakes at low speed in safe area - braking should be smooth without pulling to one side
• Listen for unusual noises during initial brake applications (slight squeaking initially is normal as pads reseat)
• After 50-100 miles of driving, verify lug nuts remain properly torqued
• Monitor brake performance over next few days - any changes in pedal feel, noise, or pulling requires immediate inspection

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