I have a 97 Explorer 4x4 with the SOHC V6. Does anyone know what the torque specs are for the Caliper Anchor Plate Bolts? I tried to look it up in the Chiltons book but it doesn't tell me...actually, the book didn't even have my engine...
Thanks.

 

This doesn't answer your question.

I can't remember ever seeing a torque recommendation for a caliper bolt. Tight is tight, but you need to use threadlocker to make sure they don't come loose through vibration. Blue or red, although blue will sure make it easier to take apart next time.

Good luck

 

The torque spec for the front caliper mounting bolts is 21-26 ft lbs. Rears are 20 ft lbs.

This is for a 97 or later model year.

 

I just replaced the rotors on my 98 exp and I would assume the torque specs should be close.

For the anchor plate - the Ford manual says between 75-92 ft-lbs. I couldn't torque mine past 80 which is still in the spec range. As someone else mentioned, make sure to use Lock-tite blue on the bolts.

For the caliper - 24 ft-lbs

Hope this helps

 

Hey, thanks a lot! The bolts originally had red Loctite on them so I went out and bought the same type. I was also able to torque mine to about 95 ft-lbs. Thanks again for your help.

David

 

I'm about to do a break job on my friends 2000 Explorer. Can anybody provide me with the tools required to remove calipers and basic step by steps?

My Expy takes T45 Torx to remove caliper... Is the Explorer a lot different?

How about to remove rotors, just remove the bolts and they squeeze out, they tend to seize (like in the Expy's)???

I will appreciate input.

Thanks,


H

 

I did the front and rear brakes on my Explorer and it was really easy. I'm assuming that the 97 is the same/similar as the 2000.

1. Take a C-Clamp and compress the inner pad. This will allow you remove the caliper easily.
2. Loosen and remove the 2 caliper bolts located on the inside of the caliper.
3. Pull the caliper off and hang it up so you don't kink the flex line
4. Slide the brake pads off the anchor plate. You may have to work at this for a bit as the stainless steel piece that the pads slide on was really gummed up on my Explorer. If they are, when you get the pads off, just pop the slide pieces off and clean them down.
5. With the caliper off, check the slider pins where the caliper bolts went, they have a rubber boot on them. Make sure that the pins actually slide freely. One of mine was siezed. If that's the case, I would recommend removing the anchor plate, clamp it in a vice and work at the pin(s) until it's free.
6. If you wants to remove the rotor, you'll have to remove the anchor plate by removing the 2 large bolts located on the inside.
7. Remove the rotor. If it's stuck, try tapping it with a rubber mallot (don't use a hammer).
8. When reassembling, make sure you put Loctite, I used red, on the anchor plate bolts and torque them to 75-92ft-lbs.
9. Torque the caliper bolts to 24 ft-lbs.

The rear brakes are less complicated. The caliper is again held in place by 2 bolts and the pads are easy to remove. If you have to remove the rotor, you'll have to first back off the emergency brake pad. It's the same concept as a drum brake.

I hope this helps.

 

Thanks David!

Very good explanation...

Any idea what is the size of the caliper bolts, maybe a torx (t45?)of 10mm?

H

 

I'm pretty sure the caliper bolts are 10mm. It's not a Torx. As for the Anchor plate bolts, I believe they're 9/16.

 

Thank Again!

Now, I need to have the beer ready to have both my Expy and my friends X brakes done!

H