How to Put Brake Pads on a 2001 Ford Escape

The brake pads on a 2001 Ford Escape are designed like most other disk brake systems: once the material wears down to the backing plate, it will begin to squeal and will require replacement. The Ford Escape has four-wheel disk brakes, with an anti-locking mechanism to avoid lockup and loss of control. The average backyard mechanic can change all four sets of brake pads and bleed the lines in about an hour and a half.

Instructions

1

Jack up the Escape and remove the wheel of the brake pads to be changed. Place the vehicle on a jack stand and set the jack and wheel aside.

2

Unbolt and remove the caliper by turning the two rear bolts in a counterclockwise direction. The caliper will slide off of the rotor, and the pads will come out by hand as they are not secured. The caliper should be bound with the C-clamp or vice grips so that it does not expand.

3

Replace the pads by setting them into the caliper, then placing the caliper back into position on the rotor. The clamp will get in the way, so remove it a second or two before placing the caliper. Get the caliper on the rotor quickly, or it will expand too far and require force to push back in.

4

Secure the caliper by turning the rear bolts clockwise.

5

Release the bleeding nipple on the rear of the caliper by turning it counterclockwise. Brake fluid will leak out slowly. Pop the cap on the master cylinder and pour in brake fluid while pressing on the brake pedal. With the nipple open, fluid will drain out and will be continually replaced by the new fluid in the master cylinder. When there is no air in the lines, and the fluid coming out looks clean, twist the nipple in a clockwise direction to close the line. Fill the master cylinder to the full line and replace the cap. The brake line to that caliper is now "bled."

6

Apply a quick burst of anti-squeal spray to the back of the pad--never the front--through the holes in the caliper for this purpose. The spray is a light adhesive with graphite, and will hold the pads to the caliper to prevent dust from making noise.

7

Replace the wheel and lower the Escape down from the jack stands.

8

Repeat the procedure for the remaining brake pads.

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