🔧 F-150 Rear Brake Pads - Pad Replacement

Your rear pads are worn and need to be replaced on both sides. This job also gives you a chance to inspect the rotors, caliper slides, and hardware so the new pads wear evenly and stop quietly.

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

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• Work on level ground and chock the front wheels before lifting the rear.
• Support the truck with jack stands; never rely on a jack alone.
• Do not press the brake pedal with a caliper removed.
• Keep brake dust out of your eyes and lungs; wear safety glasses and a dust mask.
• If the parking brake is applied, release it before service.
• Do not let the caliper hang by the brake hose.
• Battery disconnect is not 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
• 21mm socket
• Ratchet
• Torque wrench
• 13mm socket
• Socket extension
• Flathead screwdriver
• Brake caliper compression tool (specialty)
• Wire brush
• Brake cleaner
• Shop rags
• Bungee cord or caliper hanger
• 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 pad hardware kit - Qty: 1
• Brake cleaner - Qty: 1 can

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📋 Before You Begin

• Park on a flat surface and set the parking brake only if it does not need to be released for service.
• Loosen the rear lug nuts slightly before lifting the truck.
• Raise the rear and support it securely on jack stands.
• Remove both rear wheels.
• Replace rear pads in pairs so braking stays balanced.

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Remove the wheel

• Use a 21mm socket and ratchet to remove the rear lug nuts.
• Take the wheel off and set it aside.
• Keep the lug nuts in a safe spot.

Step 2: Remove the caliper

• Use a 13mm socket and ratchet to remove the caliper guide pin bolts.
• Lift the caliper off the bracket.
• Use a bungee cord or caliper hanger to support the caliper.
• Torque on installation: 35 Nm (26 ft-lbs) for the guide pin bolts.

Step 3: Remove the old pads and hardware

• Slide the old brake pads out of the bracket.
• Remove the pad clips and hardware from the bracket.
• Use a flathead screwdriver if the clips are stuck.
• Use a wire brush to clean rust from the pad landing areas.

Step 4: Compress the caliper piston

• Use a brake caliper compression tool (specialty) to slowly push the piston back into the caliper.
• Make sure the piston goes in straight.
• If it binds, stop and realign it.
• Slow pressure prevents seal damage.

Step 5: Install the new hardware and pads

• Install the new pad clips from the brake pad hardware kit.
• Apply a light amount of brake grease to the contact points only, if included with your pad kit.
• Install the new rear brake pads into the bracket.
• Make sure the pads sit fully in the clips.

Step 6: Reinstall the caliper

• Set the caliper back over the new pads.
• Use the 13mm socket and ratchet to reinstall the guide pin bolts.
• Torque to 35 Nm (26 ft-lbs).
• Make sure the caliper moves freely on the slides.

Step 7: Reinstall the wheel

• Put the wheel back on and hand-tighten the lug nuts.
• Lower the truck and use a 21mm socket with a torque wrench to tighten the lug nuts in a star pattern.
• Torque to 204 Nm (150 ft-lbs).

Step 8: Repeat on the other side

• Repeat the same steps for the opposite rear wheel.
• Replace pads on both sides at the same time.

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✅ After Repair

• Press the brake pedal several times before moving the truck.
• Check that the pedal feels firm.
• Verify the wheels spin freely with the truck lifted and the brakes released.
• Test the brakes at low speed first.
• Listen for scraping or clicking noises.
• For the first 200 miles, avoid hard stops unless needed.

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💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

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

DIY Cost: $60-$180 (parts only)

You Save: $190-$270 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.