🔧 Rear Brake Pads - Replacement

Rear brake pad replacement on your F-150 means removing the rear caliper, swapping the pads, and making sure the caliper slides smoothly before reassembly. This is a good beginner job if you take your time and keep the brake parts clean.

Difficulty Level: Intermediate | Estimated Time: 1.5-3 hours

---

⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• Work on level ground and chock the front wheels before lifting the rear.
• Use jack stands under the frame. Never rely on the jack alone.
• Do not press the brake pedal with the caliper removed.
• Keep grease and brake cleaner off the pad friction surface and rotor face.
• If the parking brake is hard to release, stop and verify it is fully released before disassembly.
• Let the brakes cool if the truck was driven recently.

---

🔧 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
• Ratchet
• Breaker bar
• Torque wrench
• C-clamp or brake piston compressor (specialty)
• Bungee cord or caliper hanger
• Flat-blade screwdriver
• Wire brush
• Brake cleaner
• Microfiber towels
• Nitrile gloves
• Safety glasses

---

🔩 Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

• Rear brake pad set - Qty: 1 set
• Rear brake pad hardware kit - Qty: 1
• Brake caliper grease - Qty: 1 tube
• Brake cleaner - Qty: 1 can

---

📋 Before You Begin

• Park on level ground and set the parking brake.
• Break the rear lug nuts loose before lifting the truck.
• After lifting, support the axle or frame securely with jack stands.
• Replace brake pads in pairs on the same axle.

---

🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Remove the rear wheel

• Use the 21mm socket and breaker bar to loosen the lug nuts if needed, then remove them fully once the truck is supported.
• Take the wheel off and set it aside.

Step 2: Access the caliper

• Use a flat-blade screwdriver if needed to gently pry the caliper outboard for clearance.
• Inspect the rotor, pads, and caliper for leaks or damaged boots.

Step 3: Remove the caliper

• Use the 13mm socket and ratchet to remove the caliper slide pin bolts.
• Lift the caliper off the bracket and support it with a bungee cord or caliper hanger.
• 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 old stainless hardware clips if your kit includes new ones.
• Use the wire brush to clean rust and debris from the pad lands.

Step 5: Compress the caliper piston

• Use a C-clamp or brake piston compressor (specialty) to push the caliper piston fully back into the bore.
• Move slowly and keep an eye on the brake fluid reservoir under the hood.
• If fluid is near the top, remove a little with a clean suction tool before compressing.

Step 6: Install the new pads and hardware

• Install the new pad clips from the rear brake pad hardware kit.
• Apply a thin layer of brake caliper grease to the pad ears and contact points only.
• Install the new pads into the bracket.

Step 7: Reinstall the caliper

• Place the caliper back over the new pads.
• Use the 13mm socket and ratchet to reinstall the slide pin bolts.
• Torque to 26 Nm (19 ft-lbs).

Step 8: Reinstall the wheel

• Put the wheel back on and hand-thread the lug nuts.
• Lower the truck enough for the tire to touch the ground, then use the 21mm socket and torque wrench to tighten the lug nuts in a star pattern.
• Torque to 204 Nm (150 ft-lbs).

Step 9: Repeat on the other side

• Replace the pads on the opposite rear wheel the same way.
• Always do both sides on the same axle.

---

✅ After Repair

• Before moving the truck, pump the brake pedal several times until it feels firm.
• Check the brake fluid level and top off if needed with the correct brake fluid.
• Test the brakes at low speed in a safe area first.
• Listen for rubbing or clunking and recheck your work if needed.
• Follow a gentle break-in for new pads with several moderate stops, not hard panic braking right away.

---

💰 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.

---

🎯 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.