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Ford F-150/F-250: How to Change Brake Rotor

Check out an easy to follow step-by-step guide on how to replace your Ford F-150 or Super Duty truck's brake rotors.

By Anthony Alaniz - October 6, 2014

This article applies to the Ford F-150 (2004-2014) and F-250 Super Duty (2005-2014).

Every once in a while it is nice to roll out the tool set, jack up the truck, and do a little wrenching. Granted, not all of us are master mechanics and cannot upgrade an entire suspension on a Saturday afternoon. An easy job to do on your own, with only a moderate understanding of lefty loosey righty tighty, is replacing your truck’s brake discs yourself. Replacing the disc brakes is not only rewarding, but a money saving as well. Going all DYI is fun. However, some might prefer dropping your truck off at a mechanic just in case any problems arise.

Materials Needed

  • 10 mm (Rear), 13 mm (front), and 18 mm (front) sockets.
  • 1/2 “ Drive (for 18mm socket) and breaker bar
  • 3 pound rubber mallet
  • 18” pry bar
  • Steel and brass wire brushes
  • 8” C-Clamp
  • Wire

Step 1 - Prepare your truck

Raise your truck, secure it with jack stands, and remove your tires. You can learn more about how to do that by visiting our article "How to Change a Tire" on this website. You can learn more about changing the tire by visiting our article "How to Change a Tire."

Figure 1. Raise your truck and secure it.

Step 2 - Remove the brake calipers

Use your socket to remove the two 18 mm bolts. Then use your pry bar to gently pry the calipers loose. Hang the caliper using a wire. Don’t let it hang loose. Once caliper is off, the rotor should come off.

Figure 2. Caliper before removal.

Figure 3. Remove the brake calipers.

Step 3: Place the new rotor

Clean up the hub with wire brush. Put a thin layer of grease on the hub before placing the new rotor. Install the new rotor on.

Figure 4. Install the new rotor.

Step 4 - Put the calipers back on

Clean caliper housing with wire brush. Compress the caliper piston by using your C-clamp. Once compressed, place the pads on it. Reinstall the calipers and tighten the 18mm bolts. Then tighten the 13mm bolts.

Figure 5. Compress the piston by tightening the C-clamp on it.

Figure 5. Install the calipers back.

Step 5 - Install the rest of the components

Put the wheel on, tighten the lug nuts, raise the car, remove the jack stands, and lower it. Pump the brake pedals a few times before driving.

Featured Video - Replacing Brake Rotors

Related Discussion

Rotors - F150forum.com