Ford Focus Brake Repair

[@michaelgannott8058]

I'm a mechanic as well, (USAF, Ford and Firestone) I love you're videos, the clear explanations, and the step by step you do is great. I also love that you include torque specs. Thank you. Also, I just bought a '04 Focus, keep the Focus videos coming, haha

[@BrooklynSal]

Always enjoy your videos. Followed your procedures for my daughter’s 2017 Focus. ABS brakes. I test drove it, but my daughter is stating that the brakes don’t feel the same. Car stops but she claims that they feel mushy compared to the old pads being replaced. Never opened the hydraulic system so wondering if there’s something else wrong?

[@scottgm321]

Thanks for the great video. Just finished a 2011 focus. Your video was spot on. Girlfriend bought it from Ford and they had turned rotors and put cheap pads that didn't even have the squeal tabs, that only lasted about 3,000 miles. I got new rotors and ceramic pads. Car doesn't shake violently when braking and doesn't pull to the right anymore. Thanks again!

[@iveyx001]

i watched several videos with yours being the most complete start to finish. Made the job easy!! Thank you

[@BangBangSticks]

Happy I found this video, tackling my focus in the morning to do the brakes and rotors. First timer.

[@greybeardnharg3992]

Very nice video. You are the first person I've watched to actually provide torque values. A job well done. My only suggestion would be to use a microphone on your collar.

[@TheFiremancarl]

Thanks for the video, I just did my front brakes on my 10 focus and your instructions were spot on.

[@macker0077]

Forgot to ask.....noticed one of the caliper slider pins on each side was different; had a black plastic insert piece towards the end of the pin? Any idea why? Important to replace it in the same place as where you removed it?

[@cbcb48]

This video is perfect for replacing front brakes and rotors on a 2011 Ford Focus. Thank you!

[@Clearanceman2]

Thanks a friend volunteered me to do this to someone's car so I've relieved to see the rotors aren't captive. I have a 95 accord with captive rotors, it's a big job.

[@njric71]

I very much enjoy your videos, Thank you for sharing your knowledge. I know you know alot more about Ford vehicles than I do, but I have to respectfully disagree on using antisieze on the lug nuts. I drive an 08 Focus which I've owned since 2010. I rotate the tires at every time I do an oil change and have used antiseize on the lug nuts since the very first time. I torque to 100 ft/lbs and have never once had a lug nut work it's way even remotely loose in the 6,000 miles they go between rotations.

[@kmncarterville]

Enjoyed the info and it will help for my focus but I was really impressed at the background music since I am not used to hearing my favorite bands in a car garage setting.

[@user-qb7qg2pp6w]

I have a 2008 ford focus with ABS and the right front caliper is hanging up, I replaced the caliper thinking it may be the problem but the brand new caliper does the same things. Any thoughts on what may be the cause?

[@lonthrall5613]

First, THANK YOU for your educational videos, especially for the Focus! On my '09, new calipers, rotors, and pads, anti rattle clips in and okay, but one "whale" of a squeeeeak backing up. Secondly, I've put anti seize on lug studs and have never experienced loosening. Interesting you recommend not using it. Lastly, the valve cover gasket was replaced, 3 of the plug boots on the coils were replaced as they were soaked in oil. Still have a vibration/buzz when the engine is cold, did not replace coils. Thoughts? Thanks again for your time Sir!

[@angelathrall3896]

Again thanks for the video series on Ford type repairs! Did some research, no more never-seize on lugs. Thanks for bringing that up. I think my squeak is in the shoe material, put the same pads on both my Fords, with the same results for both cars. Still waiting for the rain to stop to install the transmission mount in the Focus.

[@curiosity2314]

Rear drum brakes Ford Focus 2007... The fronts are a wiz but what's up with the dust cap on the drums. I saw a video on KZbin with using a cold chisel to make dents in the cap and remove but there must be a better method. Any better idea would be welcome. No lip at all? Looks like an anti tamper device but you need to change brakes... :) Thanks for a reply when you get a chance...

[@curiosity2314]

I figured it out,.. Allot of videos show beating down with a cold chisel on the dome of the dust cover cap and then chiseling outward. That deforms the dome and nothing can be done to make it look normal. I took a craftsman screw driver of 3/16" width, use a small sledge hammer directly into the seam where the dome meets the drum about 1/8" deep enough to gain hold and allow for a pivoting motion. A small divet is created but this is easily reformed with a pliers and unnoticeable.

[@leoda7761]

Hi, great video! I own a Ford Focus (II) mk2 1.6 diesel, year 2010. Planing to change rear rotors and pads but I'm a little worried about the caliper piston. Is it the same as the front one you have in the video? Can I just press it in or should I have some special tool to screw it in?

[@FordTechMakuloco]

Leonora Daka All the rears over her are screw in. The piston will have slots in them.

[@Dhi-fe5eu]

Excellent explaining on the video. I felt like I was back in auto shop at school.

[@ECXTD]

On mine one of the slides have a plastic ring on the end. What is the purpose of this? And is that slide supposed to be stiffer then the other?

[@cocodog85]

thank you very much for the video. you saved my girl friend lots of $ by training me on how to do it. if all shops were as through as you I would have to have done her car, but because I have no confidence in shops I had to do it myself. I do use permatex anti rattle goo on the back side of the pads and little grease on the caliber brackets under the holding clips to slow the rusting since in Canada we have a high salt use for four months of the year. thanks. keith

[@FordTechMakuloco]

Awesome! Now that is what I like to hear! Thank you for your kind words. I love Canada I visited the Falls last year for a couple of days.

[@TheLonesometoad]

You forgot to mention bedding in the new pads on fresh rotors. It's VERY important for good performance and longevity.

[@Random-rt5ec]

Replaced the pads on my 4 year old Ford Focus but the calipers were sticking so I ended up replacing those to. Hindsight from now on I am going to replace the calipers and pads at the same time because for me it quicker to just replace everything and since I am saving so much $$$ by doing it myself I don't mind spending the extra few dollars.

[@brianparsons5904]

This is the best video if you want to know how to do it right

[@yuicel10]

I have a ford focus 09 and the brake light in on i add some brake fluid and after 2 days the fluids is loe again and i dont see any leak and the car has no brake at all what could happen?

[@mikesierra154]

Just wanted to say thanks for the video, everything was exactly the same on my 2010 Focus. I did find that the pads were a little harder to put in than I saw on your video, but I didnt change the anti redal clips. If they start squeeking I will go and get some and change them out.

[@FordTechMakuloco]

Yeah the corrosion underneath them makes the pads stick over time.

[@macker0077]

Great video on how to do the rotor/pad replacement the right way. Appreciated that you covered cleaning up the caliper and the hub face. Incidentally, when I replaced my rotors/pads today, the shop that did it previously (was winter time...couldn't do it myself) installed both of the pads with wear indicators on them on the same caliper. :-(. Not a really big deal I guess from a safety point of view, but either careless, or just plain not knowledgeable on how to do the job on my car (09 Focus).

[@colemelton1497]

So I don’t have to do anything with the brake fluid like bleeding or opening and I can just compress it and move on ?

[@acmotifs]

Yeah just leave the fluid, if your lines are rusted or the reservoir looks dirty you should replace and bleed. Our 08 Focus has 204,000 mi with original calipers.

[@ssamaroo9238]

Hi. I recently replaced the rear brake shoes on my 2008 Focus and now they squeak when I apply the brake when I fall below 15 MPH. The E-brake holds so I'm not sure why the noise occurs. Some have said it is because I need to adjust the adjuster after installing the drum. What should I do? Thanks.

[@jamiebeaton6417]

S Samaroo there are 4 points where the shoe contacts the rear plate that needs white lithium grease. Brake cleaner will dissolve the existing grease. i learned the hard way.

[@paulpenfold1716]

Cool vids can you help I have changed the rotors on my 2009 focus st and now when I turn left there is a grinding nose what can it be

[@eearley1984]

the piston in my caliper will not allow me to to retract it back the whole way what do I do

[@wlchase]

Very nice! Just a suggestion, if you mention part numbers in the video, such as the dielectric grease, could you put them in the "About" section, too? Thanks!

[@FordTechMakuloco]

Yes I know, it is on my to do list for sure.

[@martinfabian398]

Hi, thank you for the great video. Recently, I bought 2006 Ford Focus, and having little problems when stoping the vehicle, pedal is vibrating and car acts like the ABS is on. Do you think that it is time to replace rotors and pads? Thank you.

[@FordTechMakuloco]

You would have to inspect them, does it vibrate braking at high speeds or just low speeds.

[@martinfabian398]

It is vibrating only at the low speed when I want I am going to bring the car to the complete stop. Car passed the provincial inspection two weeks back before I bought it. So I am not sure, but when I looked the pads last night from behind the rims they looked like they have uneven thickness. So I am assuming that this should be an issue. I am not experienced in car mechanism so any advice is very helpful for me and I am very thankful for it.

[@FordTechMakuloco]

Check the backside of the rotor for heavy rust. If this vehicle sat for awhile trying to be sold it will have heavy rust on the backside of the rotor that will feel like a vibration and must be cut or replaced. Low speed ABS concerns are not common on these.

[@martinfabian398]

FordTechMakuloco thank you for the recommendation. I really appreciate it. If it is needed to replace the pads and rotors, would you have any suggestions for new rotors and brake pads? I read that slotted rotors are better, but also they wear down brake pads very quickly. Also, may I know what kind of blue grease are you using in the video on bolts for caliper brackets? Thank you.

[@FordTechMakuloco]

The blue stuff I am using is medium strength thread lock no grease is to be used on those items. I would get standard rotors not slotted not cross drilled not needed. For pads I recommend Motorcraft of course but otherwise aftermarket I would use Wagner Thermoquiet, if you want a really good stopping pad go with EBC Green stuff pads.

[@hawkeyeCH53E]

Sir I’m curious why you use di-electric grease? I’m used to seeing it used for electrical applications only.

[@FordTechMakuloco]

This is a special extra thick brake dielectric grease from Motorcraft that Ford calls for.

[@setyou126]

Dielectric grease is not used on Electronics like you think, it does NOT Conduct Electricity(it is only used as a protectant from the elements and to prevent other minerals to grow on your components, it also eats away and destroys rubber), this grease is way better than using plain Vaseline or other grease. Last longer, and better quality. It is like do you want easy tear scotch tape or Gorilla Tape. Dielectric grease is used all the time all over the Vehicle and other applications. Dielectric grease, or tune-up grease, is a silicone-based grease that repels moisture and protects electrical connections against corrosion. It is also used to keep dirt, water, and other elements out of electrical connections. It has many uses, including automotive tune-ups, home electrical work, and recreational vehicle wiring. Dielectric grease does not dissolve in most liquids, so it is good for marine and outdoor applications. You can use this grease to lubricate the rubber parts of electrical connectors, spark plug wires, and to protect electrical connections on your boat or recreational vehicle from corrosion. Since dielectric grease is a silicone grease, it should not be used on silicone-based rubbers or plastics, as it will break them down over time. The grease does not conduct electricity, so it shouldn’t be applied directly to the mating surfaces (pins and sockets) of an electrical connection. How to Use Dielectric Grease To use dielectric grease during an automotive tune-up on a gasoline or diesel engine, apply a bit of the grease to the end of the rubber boot on a spark plug wire and spread it around so it is just covering the inside of the lip. This will make it easier to slide the boot over the ceramic insulator on the spark plug and ensure that there is a water-tight seal around the plug that will protect the connection from water and dirt. You can also apply dielectric grease to the gaskets on multi-pin connectors that are typical in the electrical systems of boats and recreational vehicles. Simply take a small dab of the grease and smear it around the gasket on both sides (if possible) before inserting the gasket around the connection. Dielectric grease can also be applied to the metal parts of virtually any electrical connection that will be exposed to the elements to serve as a sealant that protects the connection from contamination and corrosion. This should be done very carefully, as the grease will cut off the flow of electricity through the connection if some of it is left between the mating surfaces. As always, we recommend working with your local auto mechanic when doing any maintenance on your vehicle.

[@jerryjohnson720]

Thanks this video helped me but I cannot get those pads on i made sure the anti rattle clips are seated properly but I can't those things on any suggestions would be greatly appreciated

[@bearing_aficionado]

I am running into the same problem. Thankfully I still have some meat left on the pads until I can get it figured out.

[@acmotifs]

What pads are you using? I used Wagner from advance auto and they are a tight fit, they’ve been on for 30,000 mi.

[@jgarcia1925]

has anyone had an issue with the anti rattle clip not letting a brake pad go in at all? one side of my car it went on no problem the other side i couldnt get one of the clips on. thinking of buying some new pads to try them out. perhaps these were not made so well. they are max nrakes from canada.

[@stevemagma]

I did, I just inserted the top a little into the clip then on the bottom I took a screw driver and pushed the clip open far enough to slip on the pad, my problem was the anti rattle clips were bent in to tight so they were in the way of the pad.

[@melvinedward265]

Hi GREAT video. I have a 2008 Ford Focus SES I had my brakes done on March 14, 2013. Is it time for NEW brakes? cause when I stop my brakes are squeaking when I stop.

[@ekostproject7578]

I need your help where is your workshop?

[@21gonza21]

can I use high temperature grease instead of dialective grease?

[@DrumFFx]

Beto G you want to use silicone grease. (aka dialectric grease).. you want to use silicone grease because it is high temp but also safe for rubber. heavy grease contains petroleums which deteriorate the rubber gaskets.

[@pnsgroup1255]

Did you remove the brake fluid reservoir cap before you pushed the pistons back?

[@FordTechMakuloco]

I usually remove the cap suck some fluid out and then push caliper Pistons in

[@mattwilhelm7187]

How often should the brake lines be bleed through. Let's say three to five years on the front brake pads, probably true/machine the front rotors to 1-2 mabe 3 times per there life span. The rear drums brake pads 5-7 years, probably true/machine 1-2 times per there life span. But how often should the brake lines be bleed? What do you think?

[@dominus2361]

Wish I could afford those power tools but hey you gotta use what you have! Also wish I paid attention when my dad and uncles tried teaching! Lol :/

[@zanekase8099]

a trick: watch series at flixzone. Me and my gf have been using it for watching all kinds of movies during the lockdown.

[@damianrex8847]

@Zane Kase Yup, I have been using Flixzone for years myself :D

[@avkurt]

Like your radio station, great video Thanks

[@atlred]

The rubber grommets that surround the two pins you have to take off to remove the caliper I keep losing those rubber grommets can you give me any advice on how to secure those rubber grommets

[@acmotifs]

There should be a lip that catches and holds it on both sides

[@atlred]

@@acmotifs I agree but mine doesn't have that

[@atlred]

I have a 2001 Ford Focus SE, I have the grommets for my car and they don't look like what your saying, that's why I am putting it out there to see I anyone has a alternative. solution

[@acmotifs]

@@atlred ah damn we got an 08. Last case I'd lightly expoxy or superglue the boot to the caliper. Ford really sucks with parts from vehicles older than 10yrs. We recently tried to figure out the bolt that held the bracket in-between the resonator and muffler. All the could tell us at the Ford dealer parts spot was its likely an m8. Ford NA didn't give a $-#& about the focus. It's evident in the cluster of a dct they decided to throw in the most recent version.

[@cocodog85]

sorry. I didn't proof read my comments. I should have written "if all shops were as thorough as you I would not have needed to do her car." (now readers will understand?) actually her car is a ford fiesta, but your video showed me the basics since the fiesta front brakes are almost the same. thanks again. keith

[@FordTechMakuloco]

Yes the basics are still the same for a squeak free safe brake job.

[@danvandongen3284]

Great video. Was very easy after watching the video. Just enough information.

[@niccots]

Never leave caliper hanging it could cut the break hose.

[@FordTechMakuloco]

Yes I went over that, also these calipers are so light they wouldn't hurt this brake hose if you did. I have seen guys hang a whole knuckle, caliper, disc etc by the brake hose nuts!!

[@battlestargalactica3593]

I zip tie it up when I remove the cal. Too me a while to figure that out as a DIY

[@plumbc007]

its bad yes but a caliper that cannot be hung on its own pipe is a shit pipe then a good flex will hold tight \ crude way of stress testing the pipe lol

[@setyou126]

@@battlestargalactica3593 Zip ties have been known to cut through materials because of the sharp raw edge Zip Ties have, so only use them on metal surfaces not rubber or anything that can easily be torn/cut. For example the really heavy Large calipers brakes lines were cut from the weight of the caliper resting on the sharp raw edge of a Zip Tie, only outer rubber was cut but did expose the brake line underneath which can lead to a leak or worse, brake failure.

[@PeteBasel]

Isn't that a Roloc disk that you're using to clean the hub?

[@FordTechMakuloco]

yes but roloc is just the way it connects.

[@PeteBasel]

Oh, thanks I thought it was the type of pad. Is it a sandpaper disk or a woven type of oxide disk? Thanks for the great video!

[@garyp1930]

use antisieze on hub , just dont get it on lugs .. wont rust ever .. the heat cooks it on its great

[@robviously-rob0ts]

Thanks for this! Need to do brakes on my 09 and most of the other vids are for older model Focus' with slightly different parts

[@JR-gi3db]

what happens if you lose the anti rattle clip?

[@lisaefaw577]

What year focus

[@Eric_Kinser]

Is this the same procedure for a 2012 focus? Thanks!

[@FordTechMakuloco]

Not exact but this will get you there they are pretty simple.

[@jeffsond]

thanks, and i love the music at 6min mark

[@carlodelgado7216]

Should I buy new rotors or should I resurface them?

[@FordTechMakuloco]

I would personally replace them, resurfacing them leads to warpage 3-5k miles down the road.

[@plumbc007]

check min spec on disk thickness, if in spec re surface them with a decent machine they last ages done on a crap machine they last 3-5 k

[@joehyundaitech7961]

Brian I would like to buy the c lamp you used in your video can you tell me where I can buy one would amazon have this one? is it a 6 inch?

[@lonthrall5613]

Looks like he is using a bar clamp. These are cheap at the local hardware or Amazon, if that helps. The bar comes in various lengths, I use an 8" C-clamp.

[@joehyundaitech7961]

thank you @@lonthrall5613

[@donalddewitt1298]

In your own professional opinion, what is the VERY BEST brake pad "material," the for rotors, and also brake shoe "material," that will fit a 2012 Ford Focus SE? - "Brake Materials" have most certainly changed since I last did front & rear brakes on cars! 1990's! - LOL! - Back then I was able to change 4 brakes (disc & drums) without any assistance at all, whatsoever! - I used a coke bottle to evacuate the air out of my 2 chambered master cylinder & wheel cylinder brake lines! - Worked like a charm for me for many years! - NO RUNS, NO DRIPS, NO WRECKS! - LOL!

[@FordTechMakuloco]

Donald DeWitt I like the thermo quiet ceramic pads for low dust and life reasons also very quiet.

[@davidgadreau3339]

Good video, better sound track. Awesome song selection! P.T.L.

[@NateDogg_1975]

Great video. Well explained

[@MAKAVELLY013]

any chance you will do a video for Ford C-Max?

[@FordTechMakuloco]

I doubt I will be seeing one anytime soon sorry.

[@curiosity2314]

There is a Ford TSB 07-8-1 04/30/07 on the 2005-2007 Ford Focus dealing with fueling problems. I saw another video on another channel that believed correctly it could have been the vapor canister solenoid but mine is free and clear. The TSB calls for modifications that I would rather avoid right now. I can do the job it's just I'm on the road allot right now with work. Is there any simple way of blowing the restriction out more easily? Any best methods would be great. Thanks in advance for your help! The link below will take you directly to the TSB... workshop-manuals.com/ford/focus/l4-2.0l_vin_n/powertrain_management/fuel_delivery_and_air_induction/fuel_tank/fuel_filler_neck/component_information/technical_service_bulletins/customer_interest_for_fuel_filler_neck/07-8-1/apr/07/fuel_fuel_fill_slow_or_early_shut_off/

[@FordTechMakuloco]

Curiosity Taking apart the fresh air inlet pipe and blowing compressed air through it is best. Problem being all that dust has already clogged the canister itself internally.

[@curiosity2314]

FordTechMakuloco So if I'm understanding correctly better to do the repair and a new canister at the same time? No issue with doing that. These canisters are prone to fail because of the screen or just a time issue? I had company cars in the past and she did not see much action, currently 87.000 on the Focus. The issue with fueling problems probably occurred around 40,000 so I'm thinking the plug might have stopped any dust from entering? You know the car and the issue much better then I do so I will go with your ideas. I get 600.00 a month for car allowance so getting parts and doing it right is not an issue. It's really a good car. I do have to get a throttle body as it is and has been for a while sticking. I was up in Michigan a couple of weeks ago during the cold snap and I wasn't sure I was going to be able to get the throttle body unstuck. That was an interesting day... I liked your video about opening parts for Christmas... It was good...

[@lucifer1978b]

is there no need to bleed the brakes?

[@FordTechMakuloco]

+SANTA978b No need unless the system was opened.

[@lucifer1978b]

Thanks I need new brakes again on my car, is just under 60K miles 2013 focus ST. last brake job done at the dealer I had to pay $800 for new pads and front rotors. =(

[@davidchristopher5976]

Try to find the correct master cylinder for a 03 focus ZTS with rear disk, 4wabs, traction control, and IVD stability control. Not on this earth.

[@greygoosemafia]

would I use die electric grease for my push pins in my dodge ram? or which grease should I use?

[@TheTruth4313]

+Richard Cowtails Permatex Ceramic Extreme lube.

[@greygoosemafia]

+TheTruth4313 thanks

[@dal2122]

Great video

[@usmale47374]

Allowing the brake calipers to hand by their hoses is not a good idea.

[@raccoon874]

he put a hook on it

[@stupidthingsnetwork]

Lol how did he not get a copyright strike for playing music in the background

[@nickskaruppa5506]

Is this a troll video or is this serious

[@Gljin40509]

This brake assembly is nothing like the setup on my 2006 Focus.

[@FordTechMakuloco]

Gilbert Jones Right this was on a 2008 the big year for changes.

[@Gljin40509]

FordTechMakuloco Thanks for your feedback...I wasn`t slamming you or anything...your video is concise and very clear and fun to watch...it just isn`t the type caliper set-up I have on my `06...I have done my own car repairs for years and am very aware that manufacturers change things all the time.Thanks!

[@edward3342]

Great Video