🔧 Rear Brake Pads - Pad Replacement

Your rear pads wear out as the caliper squeezes the rotor every time you stop. On your Explorer, the rear brakes use a caliper and bracket setup, so the job is mostly remove, compress, install, and torque back down correctly.

Difficulty Level: Intermediate | Estimated Time: 1.5-2.5 hours

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• Work on a level surface and chock the front wheels before lifting the rear.
• Use jack stands. Never rely on the floor jack alone.
• Let the brakes cool if the vehicle was just driven.
• Release the parking brake before removing the rear caliper.
• Do not press the brake pedal with a caliper removed.
• If your brake fluid is near the top of the reservoir, watch for overflow when pushing the pistons back.

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🔧 Required Tools

You'll need the following tools for this repair:

• Floor jack (rated 3-ton minimum)
• Jack stands (rated 3-ton minimum)
• Wheel chocks
• 21mm lug wrench or socket
• Ratchet
• 13mm socket
• 18mm socket
• Torque wrench
• C-clamp or brake caliper compression tool (specialty)
• Flat-blade screwdriver
• Wire brush
• Bungee cord or mechanic's hook
• Brake cleaner
• Gloves
• Safety glasses

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🔩 Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

• Rear brake pad set - Qty: 1
• Brake hardware kit - Qty: 1
• Brake lubricant - Qty: 1
• Brake cleaner - Qty: 1

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📋 Before You Begin

• Park on level ground and set the parking brake release before lifting.
• Loosen the rear lug nuts slightly before raising the vehicle.
• Raise the rear and support both sides with jack stands.
• Keep the key away from the vehicle.

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Remove the rear wheel

• Use a 21mm lug wrench or socket to loosen and remove the lug nuts.
• Take off the wheel and set it aside.

Step 2: Inspect the brake assembly

• Look at the caliper, pads, rotor, and rubber brake hose for damage or leaks.
• Take a quick photo first.

Step 3: Remove the caliper

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

Step 4: Remove the old pads and hardware

• Slide the old brake pads out of the bracket.
• Remove the stainless steel pad clips if your new hardware kit includes them.
• Use a flat-blade screwdriver if the pads are stuck.

Step 5: Clean and prep the bracket

• Use a wire brush and brake cleaner to clean rust and brake dust from the bracket.
• Install the new pad hardware clips from the brake hardware kit.
• Apply a thin layer of brake lubricant to the pad contact points only.

Step 6: Compress the caliper piston

• Use a C-clamp or brake caliper compression tool (specialty) to slowly push the piston back into the caliper.
• Watch the brake fluid reservoir while compressing the piston.
• Go slow to avoid damaging the seals.

Step 7: Install the new pads

• Place the new inner and outer pads into the bracket.
• Make sure the wear tabs are positioned the same way as the old pads.
• If the pads have shims, install them exactly as supplied.

Step 8: Reinstall the caliper

• Set the caliper back over the new pads.
• Use a 13mm socket to install the slide pin bolts.
• Torque to 34 Nm (25 ft-lbs).

Step 9: Reinstall the wheel

• Put the wheel back on and hand-start the lug nuts.
• Use a 21mm lug wrench or socket to snug them in a star pattern.
• Lower the vehicle and torque to 204 Nm (150 ft-lbs).

Step 10: Repeat on the other side

• Replace the pads on the opposite rear wheel too.
• Replace pads in pairs.

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✅ After Repair

• Press the brake pedal several times before driving to seat the calipers.
• Check brake fluid level and top off if needed.
• Test the brakes at low speed in a safe area.
• Listen for noise and recheck lug nut torque after a short drive.
• Expect a short brake break-in period for best performance.

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💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

Shop Cost: $250-$450 (parts + labor)

DIY Cost: $60-$140 (parts only)

You Save: $190-$310 by doing it yourself!

Shop labor rates vary but typically run $100-$150/hour. This repair takes a shop approximately 1.5-2.5 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.