How to Replace Ford Truck Brakes

Prepare the Vehicle

• 1). Park the vehicle on level ground. Put the vehicle in gear, and place blocks in front of the front wheels, to prevent it from rolling.
  
  
• 2). Remove half of the brake fluid from the master cylinder, using a syringe. Open the hood of the vehicle. The master cylinder is located in front of the steering wheel, on the metal firewall that separates the engine and the body of the vehicle. It is a metal cylinder with a plastic container on top that holds the brake fluid. Dispose of the brake fluid properly.
  
  
• 3). Loosen the lug nuts from the rear wheels of the vehicle, using a lug wrench. Raise the rear of the vehicle, using a floor jack, and place jack stands beneath the vehicle for support. Remove the lug nuts and wheels from the vehicle.
  
  

Brake Pad Removal

• 1). Remove the caliper bolts located on the back of the caliper, using a socket wrench.
  
  
• 2). Slide the caliper off the disc brake. Using a piece of wire, suspend the caliper housing near the disc brake to prevent damage or bending of the hose.
  
  
• 3). Remove the inner and outer brake pads from the caliper.
  
  

New Brake Pad Installation

• 1). Place a large C-clamp over the brake caliper. Clamp the ends against the rear caliper body, and place a small block of wood against the caliper piston. Tighten the clamp, until the piston is compressed into the caliper bore. Remove the C-clamp and the block of wood.
  
  
• 2). Insert the inner brake pad into the caliper, and snap it into place. Press the spring into the piston. Slide one end of the outer brake pad into the caliper. Rotate the pad into place, until the springs are seated.
  
  
• 3). Place new shoe slippers on the rear disc brake adapter, located behind the rotor, and attach the caliper to the disc rotor.
  
  

After Brake Pad Installation

• 1). Place the wheels onto the vehicle, and loosely place the lug nuts onto the wheel studs, using your hands. Raise the rear of the vehicle with the floor jack, and remove the jack stands from beneath the vehicle. Lower the vehicle to the ground. Tighten the lug nuts onto the wheel studs, using a lug wrench.
  
  
• 2). Replace any brake fluid that was removed from the master cylinder.
  
  
• 3). Season the brake pads, making gentle stops while driving for the first week after the brake installation.