🔧 Explorer - Rear Brake Pad Replacement

I can walk you through replacing the rear pads on your Explorer, but I need one quick detail first because the steps change depending on the parking brake type. Once I have that, I’ll give you the exact tool sizes, torque specs, and step-by-step procedure.

Difficulty Level: Intermediate | Estimated Time: 1.5-3.0 hours

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• ⚠️ Support the vehicle with jack stands; never rely on a jack alone.
• ⚠️ Brake dust is harmful; use brake cleaner, not compressed air.
• ⚠️ Keep the brake pedal untouched while a caliper is off.
• ⚠️ If your Explorer has an electronic parking brake (EPB), it must be put in service mode before compressing the caliper.

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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) - Qty: 2
• Wheel chocks - Qty: 2
• Safety glasses
• Nitrile gloves
• Torque wrench (20–150 ft-lbs range)
• Socket set (metric)
• Ratchet (3/8" drive)
• Breaker bar (1/2" drive)
• Flat trim/pry tool
• Brake caliper piston compressor tool (specialty)
• Bidirectional scan tool capable of Ford EPB service mode (specialty)

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🔩 Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

• Rear brake pad set - Qty: 1
• Rear brake pad hardware/clip kit - Qty: 1
• Brake parts cleaner - Qty: 1
• Silicone brake lubricant - Qty: 1

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📋 Before You Begin

• Park on level ground, set the parking brake, and chock the front wheels.
• Loosen the rear wheel lug nuts slightly before lifting the vehicle.
• Quick question #1: Does your Explorer have an electronic parking brake button (EPB), or a mechanical pedal/lever parking brake?
• Quick question #2: Can you upload a clear photo of one rear caliper (showing the back side with the two caliper bolts and bracket bolts)? That lets me call out the exact socket sizes for your setup.

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Confirm parking brake type and caliper setup

• Answer the two questions above so I can give you the correct EPB/mechanical procedure and the exact tool sizes.
• Photo saves time and prevents stripped bolts.

Step 2: (Next) I’ll provide the full procedure

• Once confirmed, I’ll give you the complete removal/installation steps, including all torque specs and a safe bedding-in (break-in) procedure for the new pads.

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✅ After Repair

• After I confirm your parking brake type, I’ll include the correct pedal feel check, parking brake check, and pad bedding steps.

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💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

Shop Cost: $300-$650 (parts + labor)

DIY Cost: $60-$220 (parts only)

You Save: $240-$430 by doing it yourself!

Shop labor rates vary but typically run $100-$150/hour. This repair takes a shop approximately 1.5-3.0 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.