🔧 Rear Brake Pads & Rotors - Replacement

On your F-150, rear brake pad and rotor replacement means removing the rear caliper, swapping the pads, and replacing the rotor if it is worn, scored, or below spec. This job is straightforward if you keep the caliper supported and clean the slide hardware before reassembly.

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

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• Work on a flat surface and chock the front wheels before lifting the rear.
• Use jack stands rated for the truck's weight. Never rely on a jack alone.
• Do not let the brake caliper hang by the hose. Support it with wire or a hook.
• Brake dust can be harmful. Wear safety glasses and a dust mask if available.
• If the parking brake is applied on one side, release it fully before starting.
• 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 (rated for truck weight)
• Wheel chocks
• Lug wrench or 21mm socket
• Ratchet
• 15mm socket
• 18mm socket
• Torque wrench
• C-clamp or brake caliper piston tool
• Flat-blade screwdriver
• Breaker bar
• Wire hanger or bungee cord
• Wire brush
• Brake cleaner
• Microfiber towels
• Safety glasses
• Nitrile gloves

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🔩 Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

• Rear brake pad set - Qty: 1
• Rear brake rotors - Qty: 2
• Brake hardware kit - Qty: 1
• Brake caliper slide pin grease - Qty: 1

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📋 Before You Begin

• Park on level ground and set the parking brake only if you are working on the front. For rear brake service, release the parking brake before removing the rear wheels.
• Loosen the rear lug nuts before lifting the truck.
• Lift the rear and support it securely on jack stands.
• If the rotor will not come off easily, make sure the parking brake is fully released.

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Loosen and lift the truck

• Use a 21mm socket or lug wrench to loosen the rear lug nuts while the truck is on the ground.
• Lift the rear with a floor jack (rated 3-ton minimum) and support both sides with jack stands (rated for truck weight).
• Remove the rear wheels.

Step 2: Remove the caliper

• Use an 18mm socket and ratchet to remove the caliper slide bolts.
• Lift the caliper off the bracket and hang it with a wire hanger or bungee cord.
• Never let the hose carry the caliper weight.

Step 3: Remove the brake pads and bracket

• Remove the brake pads from the bracket by hand or with a flat-blade screwdriver if needed.
• Use a 15mm socket and breaker bar to remove the caliper bracket bolts.
• Take the bracket off the axle flange.

Step 4: Remove the rotor

• Pull the rotor straight off.
• If it is stuck, tap the rotor hat lightly with a hammer and use a flat-blade screwdriver through the access hole if needed.
• Clean the hub with a wire brush and brake cleaner until it is smooth and rust-free.

Step 5: Install the new rotor and bracket

• Spray the new rotor with brake cleaner to remove packing oil, then wipe it dry.
• Slide the rotor onto the hub.
• Reinstall the caliper bracket using a 15mm socket.
• Torque to 148 Nm (109 ft-lbs).

Step 6: Prep and install the pads

• Clean the slide pins and apply a thin layer of brake caliper slide pin grease.
• Install the new pad hardware from the brake hardware kit if included.
• Use a C-clamp or brake caliper piston tool to push the caliper piston fully back into the bore.
• Install the new pads in the bracket.

Step 7: Reinstall the caliper

• Place the caliper over the new pads.
• Install the slide bolts with an 18mm socket.
• Torque to 35 Nm (26 ft-lbs).

Step 8: Reinstall the wheel and repeat on the other side

• Install the wheel and snug the lug nuts by hand.
• Lower the truck, then use a torque wrench and 21mm socket to tighten the lug nuts in a star pattern.
• Torque to 204 Nm (150 ft-lbs).
• Repeat the same process on the other rear wheel.

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✅ After Repair

• Press the brake pedal several times before moving the truck. The pedal should become firm.
• Check brake fluid level in the master cylinder and top off if needed.
• Test drive slowly at first and confirm the brakes stop smoothly and quietly.
• For the first 200 miles, avoid hard stops unless necessary. This helps seat the new pads and rotors.

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💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

Shop Cost: $450-$900 (parts + labor)

DIY Cost: $180-$380 (parts only)

You Save: $270-$520 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?

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