Changing Brake pads.....help!

[austxjus4fun]

Can anyone please help me?

I am trying to change the front and rear disc brakes on my 2001 explorer sport. I am trying to determine what size of TORX bit/driver is required to remove the caliper bolts. The guy at Autozone said it was a specialty item through Snap-On or Ford. I have checked the Snap-On web site, but could not find the size of torx bit that the guy from AZ told me. He said it was 46.6. All I can find is 45 or 50, no in-between sizes. Is that guy correct?

 

[mbryda]

I would try Sears. Craftsman usually makes some of the odd sizes.

 

[X~FACTOR]

Changing the disc brakes? Do you mean the brake pads? What's wrong with your disc brakes?

 

[austxjus4fun]

yes....I meant the pads.

 

[X~FACTOR]

Changing the brake pads does not require a special tool. You just need a standard/metric socket to unscrew 2 bolts and you could pull/wiggle the caliper assembly out. Real piece of cake. Good luck!

 

[austxjus4fun]

Thanks. My Chiltons said a torx bit was required to loosen the caliper. I will take a look and see for sure. What size of socket were you referring to.


Thanks

 

[X~FACTOR]

I don't remember and I just did it yesterday. LOL... Can't be larger than 3/8" or 1/2".

Yours is 2001 and mine is '97. It might be different, I doubt it though but check it out...

 

[mbryda]

Just depends. Some Fords have Torx (My '86 Mustang and '87 Escort) and others (Wife's '99 Escort) have straight bolts. It may just depend on what type of bolts were in that shipment.

 

[austxjus4fun]

Took a look....they are standard 1/2" bolts. Who would have thought? LOL Thanks for all the help.....this is a great site.

 

[Hartman]

The Haynes manual will lie to you from time to time.

OR maybe you were looking in the 1st gen brake replacement section!

 

[X~FACTOR]

The Haynes manual will lie to you from time to time.

I have Chilton Book for 1991-1999 repair manual and it does not recommend changing the transmission oil for the life of the truck (unless you do extreme driving and towing).

 

[Hartman]

There's a prime example.

 

[austxjus4fun]

Got em' done. Replaced pads all around....(4 wheel disc)
Took about 1.5-2 hours start to finish. Must admit, they were a lot easier than the brakes on other vehicles I have done. Thanks for all the help.

 

[X~FACTOR]

Another happy customer... I mean, member.