🔧 Front Brake Pads & Rotors - Replacement

Replacing the front pads and rotors on your Explorer restores braking performance, reduces noise, and fixes rotor wear like pulsing or vibration. This job is straightforward if you work one side at a time and keep the caliper supported so the brake hose is not stretched.

Difficulty Level: Intermediate | Estimated Time: 2-3 hours

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• Work on a level surface with the parking brake set and the transmission in Park.
• Chock the rear wheels before lifting the front.
• Support the vehicle with jack stands; never rely on the jack alone.
• Do not let the caliper hang by the brake hose.
• Use brake cleaner only in a well-ventilated area.
• No battery disconnect is required for this repair.

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🔧 Required Tools

You'll need the following tools for this repair:

• Floor jack (rated 3-ton minimum)
• Jack stands
• Wheel chocks
• 21mm socket
• 15mm socket
• Ratchet
• Breaker bar
• Torque wrench
• C-clamp
• Brake caliper compression tool (specialty)
• Bungee cord or mechanic's hook
• Bristle brush
• Brake cleaner
• Safety glasses
• Mechanic gloves

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🔩 Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

• Front brake pad set - Qty: 1
• Front brake rotors - Replace in pairs - Qty: 2
• Brake caliper hardware kit - Qty: 1
• Brake grease - Qty: 1
• Brake cleaner - Qty: 1

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📋 Before You Begin

• Park on level ground and set the parking brake.
• Loosen the front lug nuts slightly before lifting.
• Make sure you have both new rotors and pads ready before disassembly.

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Loosen the front wheel nuts

• Use the 21mm socket and breaker bar to loosen the front lug nuts about 1 turn each.
• Do not remove them yet.

Step 2: Lift and secure the front of the vehicle

• Use the floor jack to lift the front at the proper jacking point.
• Place jack stands under the front support points and lower the vehicle onto them.
• Remove the front wheels with the 21mm socket.

Step 3: Remove the brake caliper

• Use the 15mm socket and ratchet to remove the caliper slide bolts.
• Lift the caliper off the bracket.
• Hang the caliper with a bungee cord or mechanic's hook.
• Do not stretch the brake hose.

Step 4: Remove the caliper bracket

• Use the 15mm socket and breaker bar to remove the caliper bracket bolts.
• Remove the bracket from the knuckle.
• Torque on reassembly: 184 Nm (136 ft-lbs).

Step 5: Remove the old rotor

• Pull the rotor straight off the hub.
• If it is stuck, use the bristle brush to clean rust from the hub face.
• If needed, tap the rotor hat lightly from behind with a rubber mallet.
• Clean hub rust for smooth rotor seating.

Step 6: Clean and prep the hub

• Use the bristle brush and brake cleaner to clean the hub face and mounting area.
• Make sure there is no rust or debris between the hub and rotor.

Step 7: Install the new rotor

• Spray the new rotor with brake cleaner and wipe it dry.
• Install the rotor on the hub and make sure it sits flush.

Step 8: Compress the caliper piston

• Use the brake caliper compression tool (specialty) or C-clamp to push the caliper piston back in fully.
• Watch the brake fluid reservoir while compressing the piston.
• Push slowly and evenly.

Step 9: Install the caliper bracket and pads

• Install the caliper bracket over the rotor.
• Use the 15mm socket to install the bracket bolts.
• Torque to 184 Nm (136 ft-lbs).
• Install the new brake pads into the bracket with the new hardware kit.

Step 10: Install the caliper

• Place the caliper over the new pads.
• Use the 15mm socket to install the slide bolts.
• Torque to 35 Nm (26 ft-lbs).

Step 11: Reinstall the wheel

• Put the wheel back on and hand-start the lug nuts.
• Lower the vehicle to the ground.
• Use the 21mm socket and torque wrench to tighten the lug nuts in a star pattern.
• Torque to 135 Nm (100 ft-lbs).

Step 12: Repeat on the other side

• Perform the same steps on the opposite front brake assembly.
• Replace in pairs so braking stays even.

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✅ After Repair

• Press the brake pedal several times before driving to seat the caliper pistons.
• Check brake fluid level and top off if needed.
• Test the brakes at low speed first.
• Listen for rubbing or grinding and recheck your work if needed.
• Bed in the new pads with several moderate stops, not hard panic stops.

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💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

Shop Cost: $450-$850 (parts + labor)

DIY Cost: $180-$350 (parts only)

You Save: $270-$500 by doing it yourself!

Shop labor rates vary but typically run $100-$150/hour. This repair takes a shop approximately 2-3 hours.

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🎯 Ready to get started?

HowToo makes it easy: same-day/2-day shipping on every part, plus all the tools and specialty tools you need! Check out the parts and tools sections below to add everything to your cart.