How to Replace 2001 Ford Explorer Rear Brake Pads
2001 Ford Explorers have four wheel disc brake systems that provide better brake performance and better vehicular control while braking. As with any four wheel brake system, the rear brake pads wear out at roughly half the speed of the front pads. With that in mind, you can generally expect to replace the rear pads every other time you replace the fronts. The reason being is the front pads do most of the braking, while the rears are more responsible for vehicle stabilization during a brake event.
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Things You'll Need
- Lug wrench
- Wheel chocks
- Floor jack
- 2 jack stands
- Drop pan
- Brake cleaner
- Socket set
- Caliper piston tool
- Torque wrench
Instructions
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1
Loosen the lug nuts on both rear wheels with the lug wrench. Don't take them off yet, but make sure you can remove them by hand when the time comes.
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2
Roll the floor jack under the rear differential and use it to lift the Explorer high enough for you to place the jack stands under the rear frame. Lower the Explorer onto the jack stands slowly and carefully.
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3
Take the rear lug nuts and rear wheels off by hand.
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4
Slide the drop pan under the left-rear brake and clean the brake dust off the entire assembly with the brake cleaner spray.
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5
Remove the caliper retaining bolts with the socket set. Pull the caliper off the brake rotor and take the brake pads out of the caliper by hand.
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6
Spray the inside of the caliper thoroughly with the brake cleaner to remove any remaining brake dust or road dirt. Lubricate the caliper slides with white lithium grease and then retract the caliper pistons with the Caliper piston tool.
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7
Insert the new brake pads by hand, including any backing plates or clips. Slide the caliper back over the rotor and bolt it down with the socket set.
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8
Move over to the right rear and repeat steps four through seven on that side.
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9
Put both rear wheels and all the rear lug nuts back on by hand. Lower the Explorer off the jack stands with the floor jack and then tighten the lug nuts to 100 ft-lbs with the torque wrench.
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Tips & Warnings
It is advisable, but not completely necessary, to machine or replace the brake rotors every time you install new brake pads. A nice clean surface on the rotors will ensure the brake pads achieve an optimal service life.
