How to Replace Brakes in a 2001 Ford Pickup

Replacing the brakes in the 2001 Ford pickup requires that you gain access to, and remove, the key components of the Ford braking system. The caliper surrounds the rotor and houses the brake pads. The rotor is the least frequently serviced part of the braking system, so you are likely to experience difficulty in removing the rotor due to a buildup of excess brake fluid and rust. If you are not planning to use the rotor again, you can be more aggressive in your efforts to remove it. Once the brakes have been replaced, be sure to refill the master cylinder with brake fluid.

Difficulty: ModerateInstructionsThings You'll Need:

Lug wrench
Tire blocks
21 mm wrench
Lifting jack
Jack stands
13 mm wrench
Hammer
Drip pan
Brake cleaner spray
Brake grease
Clean towel
Caliper
Brake pads
Rotor

Step 1
Park the Ford truck away from traffic on a relatively flat surface. Place tire blocks behind the rear tires.
Step 2
Loosen the lug nuts with a 21 mm socket and ratchet or the lug wrench.
Step 3
Lift the truck with the jack and place jack stands beneath the frame. Remove the lug nuts and pull the wheels from the wheel bolts. Turn the steering wheel to the left.
Step 4
Remove the right caliper slide bolts with the 13 mm wrench. The slide bolts are located on the left panel of the caliper, closest to the wheel well.
Step 5
Unscrew, by hand, the ring fastener around the brake line at the point of connection with the caliper. Place a drip pan below the brake to catch any leaking brake fluid
Step 6
Pull the caliper from the rotor. Set the caliper, with brake pads attached, aside. Pull the rotor from the wheel bolts. Tap the back of the rotor with a hammer if it is stuck to the wheel bolts or the steering knuckle.
Step 7
Spray the new rotor with brake cleaner. Wipe all excess cleaner and packing oil from all of the surfaces of the rotor. Place the new rotor onto the wheel bolts, making sure that the top hat section (center protruding ring) is facing outward.
Step 8
Apply a thin layer of brake grease to the inside walls of the caliper, especially on the caliper piston.
Step 9
Place new brake pads onto the new caliper. The brake pads are equipped with thin metal clips that connect to either side of the caliper. Screw the brake line onto the connection point of the caliper. Place the new caliper onto the rotor. Screw in the caliper slide bolts with the 13 mm wrench.
Step 10
Turn the steering wheel to the right and repeat the process for replacing the left brakes.
Step 11
Turn the steering wheel to the neutral position. Replace the wheels onto the wheel bolts and screw on the lug nuts.
Step 12
Remove the jack stands and lower the truck to the ground with a lifting jack. Tighten the lug nuts with the 21 mm socket and ratchet or the lug wrench.
Step 13
Press the brake pedal slowly and hold the panel once it is fully depressed.
Step 14
Lift the hood of Ford truck. Remove the cap to the master cylinder and fill the container with brake fluid.