🔧 Front Brake Pads - Replacement

Your front brake pads wear faster than the rears, so replacing them when they get thin helps keep stopping power strong and quiet. This job is straightforward on your Explorer if you work one side at a time and keep the caliper supported.

Difficulty Level: Intermediate | Estimated Time: 1-2 hours

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• Work on a flat surface with the transmission in Park and the parking brake set.
• Use jack stands. Never rely on the jack alone.
• Brake dust can be harmful. Do not blow it off with compressed air.
• Do not let the caliper hang by the brake hose.
• Use only brake cleaner on brake parts. Keep grease off pad friction material and rotor surfaces.
• No battery disconnect is required for this repair.

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🔧 Required Tools

You'll need the following tools for this repair:

• 21mm lug wrench or socket
• Ratchet
• 15mm socket
• 18mm socket
• Torque wrench
• Caliper piston compression tool (specialty)
• Flat-blade screwdriver
• Bungee cord or mechanic's wire
• Floor jack (rated 3-ton minimum)
• Jack stands
• Wheel chocks
• Brake cleaner
• Wire brush
• Safety glasses
• Nitrile gloves

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🔩 Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

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

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📋 Before You Begin

• Park on level ground and chock the rear wheels.
• Loosen the front lug nuts before lifting the vehicle.
• Raise the front and support it securely on jack stands.
• Use a quick look through the wheel to confirm pad wear before starting.

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Remove the wheel

• Use a 21mm lug wrench or socket to loosen and remove the front wheel lug nuts.
• Set the wheel aside safely.

Step 2: Inspect the brake assembly

• Check the caliper, rotor, and pads for uneven wear or damage.
• Take a quick photo first.

Step 3: Remove the caliper

• Use a 15mm socket and ratchet to remove the caliper slide pin bolts.
• Carefully lift the caliper off the bracket.
• Support it with a bungee cord or mechanic's wire so the brake hose is not stretched.

Step 4: Remove the old pads and hardware

• Slide the old inner and outer pads out of the bracket.
• Remove the pad clips and hardware from the bracket.
• Use a flat-blade screwdriver if the clips are stuck.

Step 5: Prep the bracket

• Use a wire brush to clean rust and debris from the pad contact areas.
• Spray the bracket with brake cleaner and let it dry.
• Install the new hardware clips from the pad set.

Step 6: Retract the caliper piston

• Use a caliper piston compression tool (specialty) to push the piston back into the caliper slowly and evenly.
• Watch the brake fluid reservoir as you compress the piston. Stop if fluid gets too high.
• Go slow to avoid seal damage.

Step 7: Install the new pads

• Apply a thin layer of brake grease only on the pad ears and contact points if included with your kit.
• Install the new inner and outer pads into the bracket.
• Make sure the pads sit fully in the clips.

Step 8: Reinstall the caliper

• Place the caliper back over the new pads.
• Use the 15mm socket and ratchet to install the slide pin bolts.
• Torque to 35 Nm (26 ft-lbs).

Step 9: Reinstall the wheel

• Put the wheel back on and start all lug nuts by hand.
• Lower the vehicle enough for the tire to touch the ground.
• Use a 21mm lug wrench or socket to snug the lug nuts in a star pattern.
• Torque to 135 Nm (100 ft-lbs).

Step 10: Repeat on the other side

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

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✅ After Repair

• Before driving, pump the brake pedal several times until it feels firm.
• Check the brake fluid level and top off only if needed.
• Test the brakes at low speed in a safe area.
• Expect a short break-in period for the new pads and rotors.
• If you feel vibration, noise, or a soft pedal, stop and recheck the work.

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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 1-2 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.