Just a quick video showing how to replace the front brake pads on a 2008 Ford Fusion.
The rotors were in good shape so I decided not to have them machined or replaced.
Tools needed:
A large screwdriver or prybar
14mm socket and/or wrench
17mm open end wrench
sil glyde or similar brake grease
First you will need to push the caliper piston back inside the caliper.
I usually just use a large screwdriver to pry between the rotor and pads which pushes the piston back in, but sometimes the screwdriver method doesn’t work, or push the caliper all the way in, in which case I use this handy tool:
With the caliper piston pushed back in, you can loosen and remove the caliper installation bolts. This will require a 14mm socket and/or wrench, and may also require the 17mm open end wrench on the slide pin to keep it from turning while loosening the caliper bolts. With the caliper bolts out, you should be able to remove the caliper now so that you can remove the existing brake pads. There are also two small ‘V’ shaped springs that go into the small holes in the ends of the brake pads’ backing plate. These keep outward pressure on the brake pads.
Before installing the new brake pads, I usually coat the backing plates and the metal ‘ears’ or ends the backing plate with a small amount of Sil Glyde brake grease.
Here’s the one I have:
This really helps cut down on the brake noise, and prevents the pads from binding up in the caliper support brackets.
Now, you can replace the ‘V’ springs into the ends of the new brake pads and while holding the brake pads together, you can carefully put the caliper back down over the new brake pads. You can also now reinstall the caliper installation bolts and torque it to the manual specs. I found conflicting info online for these bolts. Most shop technicians don’t put torque wrenches on them, and most of the time I don’t either. Probably around 30-35 ft lbs if I had to guess…
Just make sure that you check the fluid level in the brake master cylinder, and step on the brake pedal a couple times to push the pistons back out so that the pads will easily grab the rotor.
And you’re done!
Music in video used by permission:
Black Walnut Productions
Produced & Arranged by: Sam Newbold
Tortuga