How to Replace the Front Brake Pads on a 2001 Ford Escape
- 1). Park the Escape on a relatively flat surface. Put the transmission in "Park" and apply the parking brake. Turn the engine off and pull the hood release lever. Move to the front of the vehicle and lift the hood. Remove the master cylinder cap, located to the right of the engine, in the back of the engine compartment.
- 2). Remove half of the brake fluid inside the reservoir, using a turkey baster. Place the cap loosely over the reservoir to keep debris from the fluid while relieving pressure in the master cylinder (which will make depressing the caliper pistons easier in future steps).
- 3). Loosen the lug nuts on the front wheels, using the tire iron. Place the jack under the frame of the Escape and lift the front tires off the ground. Place jack stands beneath the axles and lower the vehicle onto the stands for support. Remove the lug nuts and take the front wheels/tires off.
- 4). Remove the two caliper slide bolts on the back side of the caliper, using the 13-mm wrench. Lift the calipers from the caliper brackets and rest them on top of the steering arm, above the brake assembly. Remove the brake pads from the caliper brackets by pulling the top tab on each pad, then pulling it from the bottom caliper bracket slot.
- 5). Place the C-clamp over the caliper piston extending from the inside of the caliper. Squeeze the piston into the side of the caliper to allow for the extra thickness of the new brake pads. Remove the clamp once the piston is fully seated within the side of the caliper. Apply brake grease to the ring located at the spot where the piston protrudes from the inside of the caliper.
- 6). Apply anti-squeal brake grease to the back sides of the new brake pads and place them into the caliper bracket slots. Place the caliper back over the brake pads and caliper brackets. Screw in the caliper slide bolts, using the wrench.
- 7). Place the wheels onto the wheel bolts and screw on the lug nuts. Lift the front of the Escape with the jack and remove the jack stands. Lower the front tires to the ground and tighten the lug nuts with the tire iron.
- 8). Remove the master cylinder cap. Place a funnel into the reservoir and fill the container with DOT-3 brake fluid. Remove the funnel and replace the master cylinder cap securely onto the container. Close the hood.
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