🔧 Escape - Rear Brake Pads & Rotor Replacement

You’ll remove the rear calipers, replace the brake pads, and swap the rear rotors. Worn pads/rotors can cause grinding, vibration, longer stopping distance, and uneven braking.

Difficulty Level: Intermediate | Estimated Time: 2-4 hours

Assumption: Steps cover the common rear caliper setup; if your Escape has an electronic parking brake (EPB) switch, use the EPB notes in Step 1.

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• ⚠️ Work on level ground and support the Escape on jack stands before going underneath.
• ⚠️ Do not breathe brake dust; use brake cleaner and let it drip into a catch pan.
• ⚠️ Never let a caliper hang by the brake hose; support it with a hook.
• ⚠️ If equipped with EPB, do not force pistons without EPB service mode.
• 🔋 Battery disconnect is not required for this job.

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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)
• Wheel chocks
• Lug nut socket 19mm
• Breaker bar 1/2"
• Torque wrench 1/2" (20-200 ft-lbs range)
• Ratchet 3/8"
• Socket set 13mm
• Socket set 15mm
• Torx T40 bit
• Flathead screwdriver
• Brake caliper piston rewind tool (specialty)
• Wire brush
• Bungee cord or caliper hook
• Micrometer or ruler (minimum 0.5mm markings)
• Brake cleaner spray
• Nitrile 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
• Rear brake rotors - Replace in pairs - Qty: 2
• Rear caliper hardware kit (clips) - Qty: 1
• Brake lubricant (silicone or ceramic) - Qty: 1
• Medium-strength threadlocker (blue) - Qty: 1
• Brake fluid (DOT 4) - Qty: 1 quart

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📋 Before You Begin

• Park on level ground, set the parking brake, and place wheel chocks at the front wheels.
• Crack the rear lug nuts loose 1/2 turn using a 19mm lug socket and breaker bar before lifting.
• Pop the hood and remove the brake fluid reservoir cap (leave it sitting on top). This helps the rear pistons push back easier.
• If your Escape has an EPB switch, put the EPB into service mode before pushing pistons back. EPB service mode prevents damage.

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Lift and secure the rear of the Escape

• Use a floor jack to lift the rear at the proper jacking point, then set it down on jack stands.
• Remove the rear wheels using a 19mm lug socket and ratchet.
• If equipped with EPB: before lifting, release the EPB and follow your scan tool’s Parking Brake Service Mode function. A scan tool “service mode” command fully retracts the EPB motor safely.

Step 2: Remove the caliper (outer part)

• Turn the steering wheel is not needed for rear brakes; make sure you have room to work.
• Remove the two caliper slide pin bolts using a 13mm socket and ratchet.
• Lift the caliper off the bracket. Support it with a bungee cord or caliper hook.
• Do not twist or stretch the brake hose.

Step 3: Remove the old pads and hardware

• Pull the brake pads out by hand (a flathead screwdriver can help).
• Remove the stainless pad clips from the bracket using a flathead screwdriver.
• Clean the bracket pad “rails” (where the clips sit) using a wire brush and brake cleaner spray.

Step 4: Remove the caliper bracket

• Remove the two caliper bracket bolts using a 15mm socket and breaker bar.
• Set the bracket aside.
• When reinstalling later: apply medium-strength threadlocker (blue) and Torque to 115 Nm (85 ft-lbs).

Step 5: Remove the old rotor

• If your rotor has a retaining screw, remove it with a Torx T40 bit.
• Pull the rotor off the hub. If stuck, tap the rotor hat area evenly using the handle of a breaker bar (controlled taps).
• Clean the hub face with a wire brush and brake cleaner spray so the new rotor sits flat.

Step 6: Install the new rotor

• Spray both sides of the new rotor with brake cleaner spray to remove packing oil, then wipe clean.
• Install the rotor onto the hub. Reinstall the retaining screw (if equipped) using a Torx T40 bit (snug only).

Step 7: Reinstall the bracket with new hardware clips

• Reinstall the caliper bracket using a 15mm socket and ratchet.
• Torque to 115 Nm (85 ft-lbs).
• Install the new pad clips from the hardware kit by hand (use a flathead screwdriver to seat them fully if needed).

Step 8: Compress (rewind) the rear caliper piston

• Use a brake caliper piston rewind tool (specialty) to push and turn the piston back in. This tool presses while rotating, which many rear calipers require.
• Go slowly and watch the brake fluid reservoir so it doesn’t overflow.
• If the piston will not rewind and you have EPB, stop and ensure EPB service mode is active first.

Step 9: Install the new pads

• Apply a thin film of brake lubricant to pad backing plate contact points and the clip contact areas (not on friction material).
• Install the inner and outer pads into the bracket by hand.

Step 10: Reinstall the caliper

• Slide the caliper over the new pads.
• Install the caliper slide pin bolts using a 13mm socket and ratchet.
• Torque to 28 Nm (21 ft-lbs).

Step 11: Reinstall wheels

• Reinstall the wheels and hand-thread lug nuts.
• Lower the Escape to the ground using the floor jack.
• Tighten lug nuts in a star pattern using a torque wrench: Torque to 135 Nm (100 ft-lbs).

Step 12: Restore pedal feel and verify fluid level

• With the engine OFF, press the brake pedal slowly 10-15 times until it feels firm.
• Check the reservoir level and top off with DOT 4 brake fluid if needed.
• If equipped with EPB: exit service mode using your scan tool, then apply/release EPB once.

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✅ After Repair

• Test in the driveway: shift to Drive and brake gently to confirm normal pedal feel.
• Do a short, low-speed road test and listen for scraping or grinding.
• Bed-in (break-in) the pads: make 6-10 moderate stops from ~30 mph down to ~5 mph, with 30 seconds between stops. Avoid hard stops for 200 miles.
• Recheck brake fluid level after the test drive and inspect for leaks.

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💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

Shop Cost: $450-$850 (parts + labor)

DIY Cost: $140-$320 (parts only)

You Save: $310-$530 by doing it yourself!

Shop labor rates vary but typically run $100-$150/hour. This repair takes a shop approximately 2-3 hours.

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🎯 Ready to get started?

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