How To Replace Front Brakes 00-04 Ford Focus

Difficulty: Intermediate · About 60 min · Ford Focus

Replace front brake pads and rotors on a 2000–04 Ford Focus, keeping the hose supported and placing the inner pad in its correct position.

Steps

1. Remove the wheel

   Loosen the lug nuts while the vehicle is on the ground. Raise and support the front safely, then remove the wheel.

2. Remove the caliper and pads

   Release the retaining wire and remove the caliper slider bolts. Lift the caliper away, support it securely, and remove the pads without pulling on the brake hose.

3. Remove the old rotor

   Remove the rotor from the hub. If it is seized, reinstall a lug nut loosely for retention and tap the rotor hub area carefully until it releases.

4. Prepare and install the new rotor

   Compress the caliper piston slowly with a clamp. Clean the replacement rotor and hub, install the rotor, and hold it temporarily with a lug nut.

5. Install the pads and caliper

   Fit the inner pad with its locating tab in the piston and the outer pad on the opposite side. Reinstall the caliper, retaining wire, and slider bolts, tightening to specification.

6. Reinstall the wheel and test

   Return the brake hose grommet to its bracket, mount the wheel, and torque the lug nuts to specification. Pump the pedal until firm and test braking cautiously.

Check your vehicle’s repair manual for exact specifications and fit.