How To Replace Front Brakes 01-07 Ford Escape
Difficulty: Intermediate · About 120 min · Ford Escape
Replace the front pads and rotors on a 2001–2007 Ford Escape, inspect the caliper hardware, and confirm firm pedal feel and safe low-speed braking before road use.
Tools you will need
- A Piece of Pipe (for leverage)
- Large C-Clamp
- Flat Blade Screwdriver
- Torque Wrench
- Jack Stands
- 18mm Socket
- 19mm Socket
- Ratchet
- Floor Jack
- Block of Wood
- 1/2 Inch Breaker Bar
- T47 Torx Socket
Parts and supplies
- Front brake pads
- Front brake rotors
Steps
- Raise the vehicle and remove the wheel
Loosen the lug nuts before lifting the vehicle. Raise the front at an approved point, support it on jack stands, then remove the wheel and center cap to expose the brake assembly.
- Inspect and remove the brake pads
Check the rotor surfaces for scoring and compare pad thickness across the axle. Remove the caliper guide bolts, retract the piston enough to release the pads, then support the caliper so its hose is not strained.
- Remove the rotor and bracket
Unbolt the caliper bracket and lift it clear. Slide the rotor off the hub, using penetrating force only at the hub face if corrosion has seized it, and avoid damaging the wheel studs.
- Install the new rotor
Clean the hub face and place the replacement rotor onto it. Refit the caliper bracket, start its bolts by hand, and tighten them to the vehicle specification.
- Install the pads and caliper
Use an old pad and a C-clamp to retract the piston smoothly. Fit the inner and outer pads in the correct positions, reinstall the caliper and retaining hardware, and tighten the fasteners to the vehicle specification.
- Reinstall the wheel and test the brakes
Remove any temporary rotor holder, install the wheel, and hand-start the lug nuts. Lower the Escape and torque the lugs in a star pattern to specification, then pump the pedal until firm and test braking slowly in a clear area.
Check your vehicle’s repair manual for exact specifications and fit.