How to Change a Rotor on a Ford F 150

Rotors are often overlooked during the replacement of the brakes on a vehicle. The Ford F150 uses front rotors and rear drum brakes on most models. This article will address the front rotors only, as this is the configuration found on most trucks.

Instructions

1

Raise the front of the truck with a floor jack and support it on a set of jack stands. Be sure the stands are under the frame and are not going to slide or move.

2

Remove the front tires from the truck, using a socket and breaker bar to remove the lug nuts. Set the lug nuts aside for use later when you replace the tires.

3

Locate the two bolts on the back of the brake caliper. Remove both bolts with an Allen wrench and lift off the caliper. Support the caliper with a piece of string or wire so that it does not hang on the rubber brake hose.

4

Locate and remove the two bolts on the back side of the steering knuckle that hold the mounting bracket for the caliper onto the knuckle. Use a wrench or socket to remove the bolts. Remove the bracket and set it aside.

5

Slide the rotor off the wheel studs. Once it is free from the studs you can set it aside and slide the new rotor onto the wheel studs.

6

Reinstall the brake pad mounting bracket and tighten the two bolts, with a socket and torque wrench. The torque specification is different from year to year, so you will need to check with the dealer to get the right specification for your truck.

7

Insert the brake caliper back into the mounting bracket and install the two bolts that hold it. Tighten the bolts with an Allen wrench until snug. Do not over-tighten these bolts or you may strip the heads on them, making them very hard to remove later.

8

Install the wheel and tire back on the truck and thread the lug nuts onto the wheel studs. Tighten with a lug wrench or socket and breaker bar. Torque the lug nuts to the manufacturers specification.

9

Remove the jack stands from under the frame and slowly lower the truck back to the ground, using your jack. Test the brakes before driving the truck on the road.

Related Posts by Categories