Front Brake Pads: Removal

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2008 Mercury Mariner and 2008 Ford Escape. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

WARNING: Do not use any fluid other than clean brake fluid meeting manufacturer's specification. Additionally, do not use brake fluid that has been previously drained. Following these instructions will help prevent system contamination, brake component damage and the risk of serious personal injury.

WARNING: Carefully read cautionary information on product label. For EMERGENCY MEDICAL INFORMATION seek medical advice. In the USA or Canada on Ford/Motorcraft products call: 1-800-959-3673. For additional information, consult the product Material Safety Data Sheet (MSDS) if available. Failure to follow these instructions may result in serious personal injury.

CAUTION: Brake fluid is harmful to painted and plastic surfaces. If brake fluid is spilled onto a painted or plastic surface, immediately wash it with water.

If necessary, using a suitable suction device, remove the brake fluid from the master cylinder reservoir until it is half filled.
Remove the wheel and tire. For additional information, refer to WHEELS AND TIRES article.

CAUTION: If the brake pad anti-rattle spring is to be removed, do not force the spring off the brake caliper or damage to the spring can occur.

CAUTION: Do not use any tools to remove the spring, use hand force only. Do not use excessive force or damage to the spring can occur.

NOTE: The LH side brake pad anti-rattle spring must be installed with the 2-tabbed end in the upper brake caliper cavity.

For the LH brake caliper, release the lower portion of the brake pad anti-rattle spring.
- Apply force to the center of the spring and pull outward at the bottom of the spring to remove it from the lower brake caliper cavity.

Fig 1: Identifying Spring

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Rotate the spring upward and remove it from the brake caliper.

Fig 2: Removing Anchor Housing Spring From Brake Caliper

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

NOTE: The RH side brake pad anti-rattle spring must be installed with the 2-tabbed end in the lower brake caliper cavity.

For the RH brake caliper, release the upper portion of the brake pad anti-rattle spring.
- Apply force to the center of the spring and pull outward at the top of the spring to remove it from the upper brake caliper cavity.
Rotate the spring downward and remove it from the brake caliper.

Fig 3: Removing Anchor Housing Spring From Brake Caliper

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

CAUTION: Do not allow the caliper to hang from the brake hose or damage to the hose can occur.

Remove the 2 guide pin bushing caps and the 2 brake caliper guide pin bolts, position the caliper aside.
- Support the caliper using mechanic's wire.
Remove the 2 brake pads from the caliper.
Inspect the brake pads for wear and contamination, install new pads as necessary. For additional information, refer to the Diagnosis and Testing portion of BRAKE SYSTEM - GENERAL INFORMATION article.

NOTE: Use a suitable tool to protect the brake caliper piston boots.

Compress the brake caliper piston into the brake caliper.
Inspect the brake disc and resurface or install new as necessary. For additional information, refer to the Diagnosis and Testing portion of BRAKE SYSTEM - GENERAL INFORMATION article.