Changing out front brake pads

[FordChic97]

i'm new to this but am wanting to do my own maintenance from now on with my car. i need my front brake pads changed out on my '97 explorer. is this a feasible thing for me to be able to do on my own? and how would i go about doing it (specific tools, how the parts need to be removed and replaced, etc.) if someone could help me out with some guidance about that, it would be much appreciated!

 

[Turdle]

http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=165440&highlight=brakes
This should help you


We have a real good section for your browsing pleasure--

http://www.explorerforum.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=54

 

[parad1mg]

its really easy.. you just need to remove the wheels and do one side at a time ( so when youre confused of what it looked like before then you have a reference just on the other side ) .. you dont need to remove the whole caliper to change the pads.. just remove the lower caliper slider bolt, its the one with the rubber boot, then rotate the caliper upwards. with the caliper up and clear off the rotor remove the old pads and take note to how they were installed..

after that pop open your hood and siphon a little bit of the brake fluid and leave the cover ajar (this is what i did since i didnt have any helper around to actually bleed the brakes which is by all means the best method..). push back the piston flush into the caliper using a large c-clamp while watching the fluid level in the brake fluid reservoir. install new brake pads, slide down the caliper, install the slider bolt and torque them down properly, put back your wheels and repeat on the other side. visualy check everything and dont forget to put back the brake reservoir cover.

bleeding the brakes would still be the better option rather than pushing the caliper piston back since there is a probability that dirty or contaminated brake fluid can make its way into the ABS unit and cause some problems. but i still went with the c-clamp method since it was my only option at that time.. i did not have any issues after the install and even got a better pedal feel..

hope this helps and good luck!!

 

[FordChic97]

thanks y'all! that is really helpful information, i'm excited about tearing into that! when i go to the auto parts store to get the brake pads, will the people there be knowledgeable enough to give me the exact ones that i need for my car?

 

[BrooklynBay]

Do you have a specific brand in mind? You will need to get a brake pad spreading tool. This tool is good: http://eppys.com/ProductHighlight.aspx?ProductID=589

 

[iceman7329]

Using a clamp to push the piston back is fine, you dont need to remove the cap or any fluid either.

 

[FordChic97]

i really don't know enough about different brands to know which one would be the best. (my car is a front wheel drive, so i dont know if that makes a difference or not?) but if y'all have any suggestions on a good brand, i would welcome that

 

[BrooklynBay]

The Explorer is a RWD unless you have a 4X4. The Wagner SX series, and the Performance Friction pads are good. I have product reviews on both of them.

 

[parad1mg]

Using a clamp to push the piston back is fine, you dont need to remove the cap or any fluid either.

i had to remove some fluid in mine since it was already right on the brim of the reservoir.. yep, just use a clamp and save some $'s for powerslot rotors!!!

Hawk break pads are pretty good.. i havent experienced any brake fade from these pads and they just perform really well...

 

[FordChic97]

thanks! i'll start working on getting what i need and get to work, i'll let y'all know how it goes, haha, thanks for your help, and if you have any more suggestions just keep 'em coming!

 

[iceman7329]

Heres a suggestion, sounds like your a girl from your user name? If so just drive to Ga and Ill take care of you and the truck.







Just playing of course

 

[BrooklynBay]

It's a good idea to use anti squeal gel on the back of the pads to keep them from making rattling noises.

 

[FordChic97]

oh you're a funny one, iceman, i'll have to keep that suggestion in mind

 

[iceman7329]

Aww now have a sence of humor, I was playing

 

[FordChic97]

oh but iceman, i do have a sense of humor, a pretty crazy one at that, that's why i came back with such a sarcastic remark i can never tell who the creeps are on the internet at any site, so i have to keep my guard up at least a little bit, so don't be offended, it's all good : and thanks for the tips, even the unnecessary one, and i'll be back for more helpful tips from y'all!