🔧 Rear Brake Pads & Rotors - Replacement

Rear pads and rotors on your F-150 are a straightforward brake job, but you need to keep everything clean and install the new pads and rotor correctly so braking stays smooth and quiet. The rear caliper piston must be compressed straight back before the new pads will fit.

Difficulty Level: Intermediate | Estimated Time: 2-4 hours

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• Work on a level surface and chock the front wheels before lifting the rear.
• Support the truck with jack stands. Do not rely on the floor jack alone.
• Brake dust can be harmful. Wear safety glasses and a dust mask.
• Do not press the brake pedal with a caliper removed.
• Use brake cleaner only on brake parts. Keep grease off pads and rotors.
• No battery disconnect is required for this repair.
• Let hot brakes cool first.

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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
• 21mm socket
• 13mm socket
• 18mm socket
• Ratchet
• Breaker bar
• Torque wrench
• C-clamp or brake caliper piston tool
• Bungee cord or mechanic's wire
• Flat-blade screwdriver
• Wire brush
• Brake cleaner
• Shop rags
• 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 set
• Rear brake rotors - Replace in pairs - Qty: 2
• Brake caliper slide pin grease - Qty: 1
• Brake cleaner - Qty: 1
• Rotor retaining screws - Qty: 2

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📋 Before You Begin

• Park on level ground and set the parking brake.
• Put the transmission in Park.
• Chock the front wheels.
• Loosen the rear lug nuts slightly before lifting.
• Raise the rear and support both sides with jack stands.
• Release the parking brake before removing the rear rotors.

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Remove the rear wheels

• Use a 21mm socket to remove the rear lug nuts.
• Remove both rear wheels and set them aside.

Step 2: Remove the caliper

• Use a 13mm socket to remove the caliper slide pin bolts.
• Lift the caliper off the bracket and support it with a bungee cord or mechanic's wire.
• Do not let the caliper hang by the hose.

Step 3: Remove the old pads

• Slide the old inner and outer pads out of the bracket.
• Remove any pad clips or hardware from the bracket.
• Inspect the caliper boots for tears or leaks.

Step 4: Remove the caliper bracket

• Use an 18mm socket and breaker bar to remove the caliper bracket bolts.
• Remove the bracket from the knuckle.
• Torque on install: 180 Nm (133 ft-lbs)

Step 5: Remove the rotor

• If equipped, remove the rotor retaining screw with a flat-blade screwdriver.
• Pull the rotor straight off.
• If it is stuck, tap it lightly from the back with a rubber mallet.

Step 6: Clean the hub and install the new rotor

• Use a wire brush to clean rust from the hub face.
• Spray the hub with brake cleaner and wipe it clean.
• Install the new rotor.
• If used, install the rotor retaining screw and snug it down.
• Torque on install: 10 Nm (89 in-lbs)

Step 7: Reinstall the caliper bracket

• Put the bracket back on the knuckle.
• Use the 18mm socket to install the bracket bolts.
• Torque to 180 Nm (133 ft-lbs)

Step 8: Compress the caliper piston

• Use a C-clamp or brake caliper piston tool to push the piston fully back into the caliper.
• Go slowly so the piston stays straight.
• Watch the master cylinder reservoir. If fluid gets too full, remove some with a clean suction tool.

Step 9: Install the new pads

• Apply a thin layer of brake caliper slide pin grease to the slide contact points only.
• Install the new hardware clips if included.
• Slide the new pads into the bracket.
• Make sure the friction material faces the rotor.

Step 10: Reinstall the caliper

• Lower the caliper over the new pads.
• Use the 13mm socket to install the slide pin bolts.
• Torque to 34 Nm (25 ft-lbs)
• Make sure the caliper moves freely.

Step 11: Reinstall the wheels

• Install both rear wheels.
• Use the 21mm socket to hand-tighten the lug nuts.
• Lower the truck and torque the lug nuts in a star pattern.
• Torque to 204 Nm (150 ft-lbs)

Step 12: Repeat on the other side

• Replace the rear pads and rotors on both sides to keep braking even.

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✅ After Repair

• Before moving the truck, pump the brake pedal until it feels firm.
• Check the brake fluid level and top off if needed.
• Test the brakes at low speed in a safe area.
• Listen for rubbing or clunking sounds.
• For the first 200 miles, avoid hard braking unless needed.
• Bed new pads gently.

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💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

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

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

You Save: $200-$500 by doing it yourself!

Shop labor rates vary but typically run $100-$150/hour. This repair takes a shop approximately 2-4 hours.

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🎯 Ready to get started?

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