How to Replace Front Brakes: 2009-2014 Ford F-150

Watch this video to learn how to replace front brakes on a 2009-2014 Ford F-150.

Replacing Front Brakes on a 2009-2014 Ford F-150: What You Need

Ready to perform this DIY replacement job? Remember that all the parts in this guide can be found on CarParts.com. Check out all the products that fit your vehicle right here.

Parts Checklist

• Brake pads
• Brake rotors
• Anti-rattle clips
• Brake cleaner
• Copper grease

Tightening Torques

• Brake cliper mount bolts : 184 Ft-lbs
• Slide pins : 27 Ft-lbs

Tools Checklist

Here’s the toolbox we recommend to repair your Ford F-150: HM85 85 Piece Ratchet and Socket Set

List of tools:

• Hydraulic jack
• Jack stands
• Wheel lug wrench
• Big flat head screwdriver
• Ratchet
• 13mm socket
• Clamp or iron wire
• Flat head screwdriver
• 21mm socket
• Hammer
• Wire brush
• Paper towel
• File
• Torque wrench
• Brake Wind-Back tool
• 17mm spanner

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Turn off the ignition, engage the parking brake, and open the hood.

Step 2: Open the brake fluid reservoir.

Step 3: Loosen the stud bolts on the front wheels.

Step 4: Lift the front of the vehicle. Consult our “How to jack your Ford F-150 safely” video for guidance before proceeding.

Step 5: Place the vehicle on axle stands for safety.

Step 6: Remove the wheels to access brake components. Keep wheels under the vehicle.

Step 7: Turn the disc inward to ease access.

Step 8: Insert a flat head screwdriver into the caliper’s outer opening and lift it off using the screwdriver as a lever by pulling it towards you.

Step 9: Use a socket wrench and 13mm socket to unscrew and remove the lower slide pin. Repeat for the upper slide pin.

Step 10: Remove the brake caliper and secure it to the wheel knuckle. Attach it to the upper control arm using a clamp or wire.

Step 11: Slide the brake pads away from the disc. Use a flat head screwdriver to remove the anti-rattle clips.

Step 12: Unscrew the two holding screws on the caliper mount using a socket wrench and 21mm socket. Use a hammer if needed.

Step 13: Remove the caliper mount.

Step 14: Remove the old disc and clean the hub with a wire brush.

Step 15: Clean the new disc using brake cleaner and paper towels to remove storage residue.

Step 16: If coated, place the new disc onto the wheel hub. Clean the caliper mount with a wire brush to remove rust.

Step 17: Reassemble the caliper mount by screwing first by hand, then with a socket wrench and 21mm socket. Finish tightening with a torque wrench.

Step 18: Consider replacing the anti-rattle clips with new ones.

Step 19: Check the condition of the brake caliper slide pins and slide pin boots. Replace if needed.

Step 20: Lightly coat the ends of new pads with copper grease.

Step 21: Insert the new pads into the caliper mount by sliding them in.

Step 22: Use a clamp or Brake Wind-Back Tool to press the pistons into the caliper. This is crucial before installing the new pads.

Step 23: Ensure brake fluid doesn’t overflow as pistons retract into the caliper.

Step 24: Put the brake caliper back in place. Hand-screw the caliper slide pins. Use a 17mm spanner to prevent rotation.

Step 25: Tighten the slide pins with a socket wrench and 13mm socket. Finish tightening with a torque wrench.

Step 26: Clean both sides of the disc with brake cleaner and a cloth.

Step 27: Repeat the process on the other side.

Step 28: Put the wheels back on the vehicle.

Step 29: Lower the car and secure the wheels.

Step 30: Screw the brake fluid cap back on.

Step 31: Start the car and pump the brake pedal to seat the new pads.

Step 32: Drive smoothly for about 30 miles to prevent glazing of the new pads.

Compatible Vehicles

The operation and tools displayed in the video should be available on the following vehicles :

• 2009 Ford F150
• 2010 Ford F150
• 2011 Ford F150
• 2012 Ford F150
• 2013 Ford F150
• 2014 Ford F150

Important Reminders

Once the operation is completed, you’ll need pump slowly on the brake pedal a few times until feeling a strong resistance from the pedal. The aim being to bring the brake pads closer to one other.

Don’t burn yourself on the pads if you’ve just gone for a drive as braking creates friction and long-lasting heat.

When replacing brake discs, you also need to replace the brake pads. This is a mandatory procedure.

Drive smoothly and avoid sudden braking for the first 30 miles or so, to avoid glazing the new pads.

What do we mean by “glazing new brake pads”? Brake pads are made of a material that needs to be run-in when new. If this procedure is not done properly, when braking too hard, the material overheats and hardens. Consequently, the brakes become less effective.

Disclaimer:

This video is for entertainment purposes only. CarParts.com, Inc. disclaims all damages including, but not limited to, actual, consequential, and/or punitive, for any liability, claim, or any other injury or cause related to or arising from any information or lack thereof posted in this video. No information contained in this video shall create any expressed or implied warranty or guarantee of any particular result. All mechanical car projects entail some risk. It is the sole responsibility of the viewer to assume this risk. If you are in doubt, please consult a licensed mechanic in your area.