I couldn't locate a repair manual covering the 2008 Explores at several parts stores. I need to replace the front brake pads in my 2008 and need to know what process to follow. Does anyone have a link to instructions or know the process?

 

I have an '06, I believe they are pretty much the same... I have replaced both front and rear pads on the Beast. I was not sure how to replace them as I am use to replacing shoes on my old Beast... I went to my local parts store and bought both front and rear for about 100 buck for all. I bought the D*ralast Gold (Ceramic shoes) and I regret buying them. They squeal alot. I would recommend getting some from the dealer and replacing them youself. It is very easy to replace them, I just looked at the way the originals were and replaced each pad at a time. If you need more help, I plan changing my ceramics for originals real soon, I could probably take pics.

 

Thanks for the info. In order to spped up the job, I was hoping to find a step by step procedure.

 

The reason you have the squeal is because you didn't put stop lube on the pad tracks or the caliper slides. Most times you have the noise is because it is metal to metal. In your case Rhino with the replacement pads an rotors it is pretty straight forward. Not hard if you have done it before. If you are not confident to do it by yourself have a friend who knows help. You can really mess things up if not. When you take the caliper off the mount remove the pads from it and clean the tracks. Make for ease of motion. Lube them up with the lube I mentioned before. Called Brake ease. Do the same for the caliper slides too. ON THE TRACKS AND SLIDES ONLY not the pads. Make sure you don't get any on the pads at all. This will cause them to slip and fail. Be sure to put the new pads in the way the old ones came off. Sometimes they are specific on how they go on. Some vehicles have a sensor for the brakes so make sure you put them on right. If not then the sensor won't work right and you will get a CEL. On the caliper you need to push the piston back in to the caliper. Can get a simple tool for this at any auto parts store cheap. Remove the brake caliper mount and replace the rotor. Some vehicles have a little screw that holds them on. Remove this and when the new rotor is in place replace the screw. Also be sure to clean the rotor before you install it. Not really needed but a little assurance is all. Be sure to clean the rotors with a brake cleaner before you install them. They come with a protective coating to help prevent rust when shipping. DON'T OPEN THE BLEEDER SYSTEM TO PUSH THE PISTON BACK IN. This is not needed for it should move back easily. If you do then you will have to bleed the whole system again and that is a two man job. When pushing the piston back in keep an eye on the brake master cylinder reservoir so to be sure that the level comes back to normal. If not then refill to proper level. Sometimes when you service your brakes at a shop they will top this up. If so then it may overflow. Watch it to be sure this does not happen. Other than that reverse the process for reinstallation. And don't neglect to check your E brakes. They will need servicing if warn and vehicle won't pass inspection. Once you have done one the rest are fairly easy. GOOD LUCK