🔧 Rear Brake Pads - Replacement

Your rear brake pads are a straightforward service on the F-150. You’ll remove the rear wheel, compress the caliper, swap the pads, and reassemble with the correct torque. The key is to avoid damaging the caliper hose and to make sure the pads are seated correctly before driving.

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

---

⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• Work on a flat surface 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 the caliper removed.
• Use a caliper hang hook or wire so the brake hose is not stretched.
• If your truck has an electronic parking brake, put it in service mode first and disconnect the battery only if required by the scan tool procedure.
• Brake dust can be harmful. Do not blow it off with compressed air.

---

🔧 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 lug wrench or socket
• Ratchet
• 15mm socket
• 18mm socket
• Torque wrench
• Brake caliper compression tool (specialty)
• Flat blade screwdriver
• Bungee cord or caliper hanger
• Brake cleaner
• Wire brush
• Safety glasses
• Nitrile gloves

---

🔩 Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

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

---

📋 Before You Begin

• Park on level ground and set the parking brake.
• Put the transmission in Park.
• Loosen the rear lug nuts slightly before lifting.
• If your rear brake setup includes an electronic parking brake, retract it with the proper scan tool service mode before starting.
• Have the new pads and hardware ready before disassembly.

---

🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Raise and secure the truck

• Use the floor jack to lift the rear axle or rear frame points.
• Place the truck on jack stands and make sure it is stable.
• Remove the rear wheels with the 21mm lug wrench or socket.

Step 2: Remove the caliper

• Use a 15mm socket to remove the caliper slide pin bolts.
• Lift the caliper off the bracket.
• Hang it with a bungee cord or caliper hanger so the brake hose is not pulled tight.

Step 3: Remove the old pads and hardware

• Pull the inner and outer pads out of the bracket.
• Remove the old hardware clips from the bracket.
• Use a wire brush and brake cleaner to clean the pad contact points.
• Clean, smooth contact points help prevent squeaks.

Step 4: Compress the caliper piston

• Use the brake caliper compression tool (specialty) to slowly push the piston fully back into the caliper.
• If the piston will not move, stop and check for a stuck caliper or parking brake issue.

Step 5: Install the new hardware and pads

• Install the new hardware clips into the bracket.
• Apply a thin coat of brake lubricant only where the pad ears contact the hardware, if included with your pad kit.
• Install the new inner and outer pads in the bracket.

Step 6: Reinstall the caliper

• Slide the caliper back over the new pads.
• Install the slide pin bolts with the 15mm socket.
• Torque to 32 Nm (24 ft-lbs).

Step 7: Reinstall the wheel

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

Step 8: Repeat on the other side

• Replace the pads on the opposite rear wheel using the same steps.
• Always replace pads in pairs.

---

✅ After Repair

• Press the brake pedal several times before moving the truck.
• Check that the pedal feels firm.
• Spin each rear wheel by hand to confirm there is no dragging.
• Test drive slowly and listen for unusual noises.
• For the first 200 miles, avoid hard stops if possible so the new pads can bed in.

---

💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

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

DIY Cost: $70-$160 (parts only)

You Save: $180-$290 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.