Ford Quick Tips #59: Renewing Your Disc Brakes to Eliminate Squeaks

[@OpaFPV]

I've been wrenching for over 51 years and I'm a mechanical engineer. I am extremely impressed with your work and all the little tips you share. Great work! Thank you!

[@glasser2819]

I second that! Great mind with a passion to share the detailed knowledge to fix things correctly for no come backs. 👍🤗👍

[@bernardnoel1514]

When someone asks me for advice on auto repairs I always try to find one of your videos and get them to watch it. Thanks you are a great teacher.

[@steveturner3999]

Brian, you are truly an artist. Thanks for all the tips you provide us DIY guys.

[@e.b.6766]

I had issues with my 2016 Expedition brakes awhile back. When I pulled them the pad braking surfaces were cracked!!! This was at approximately 50k to 60k. Also, the rotors had a glaze/ residue on them. Replaced the pads, and rotors. Awhile down the road had the same issue. Have since switched to the new ceramic pads, and rotors. I did have to prematurely replace this set of pads/ rotors due to front driver side caliper failure. I drive approximately 600mi… the pad on the bad caliper looked like it was on the truck for 100k miles. FYI- I had just driven out of town for work when I realized the failure occurred. Worksite was walking distance from hotel. Didn’t need to drive much. The following weekend drove back home; California to Arizona. Picked up the new caliper, and was back on the road. A lot of my mechanical success comes from watching Brian’s channel.

[@dnlmachine4287]

Great channel. If the caliper brackets are gross where the pads/clips contact them, use a square or part round file JUST to get them close to original profile after wire brushing. If your pads dont fit and move smooth despite proper caliper/clips preparation - file the pad ears carefully till they fit properly. I tried 3 different new high quality pad sets on a 2005 Sierra 1500 with original brakes, none of them fit right. Filed the last set down to fit and called it a day. Stay gold.

[@alexmiller499]

great video. at my shop ford's are always very touchy with brake noise. I use many of these same tips. works like a charm

[@grommit700]

Thanks for posting this video. I did this to my Fusion and it worked!! So much better without buying new pads!!!

[@humidbeing]

I like the wood clamp idea! I use c-clamps but they take too long to tighten down. Wood clamp is quickly adjustable. Going to use one next time! Thx for the great vids.

[@JanoyCresva]

I might be a good candidate for this job. Got a free brake check last time i got a tire rotation on my 98 Exploder and they said the brakes looked great. But i get a really horrible squeak when breaking while going 20mps or slower. Coming off the freeway there is just a tiny squeak or no squeak at all. Gonna try doing this over the weekend. Thanks bro.

[@sherkhan808]

One day could you do a full car tune up please? Even a walk through so that I know all the points to check. Thank you!

[@FordTechMakuloco]

+sherkhan808 That will be the next video actually on the 2.0L but I show best practices that can be applied to any engine.

[@sherkhan808]

You're the man!!! Thank you for all you do! You are helping alooooot of people that can't afford a mechanic.

[@stephencooper4987]

I'd like a video on changing spark plugs on a 5.0 F150.

[@mtmals9786]

very helpful series. I'm studying my 2005 zx3 focus so I'm paying attention. thanks ... Mike

[@matthewjoniec9000]

I get your point, but if your going through all that crap throw new pads on.

[@scurfie2343]

I was thinking the same thing. I would replace the rotors too since they are cheap ..

[@LTVoyager]

Given how easy it is to replace the pads, it makes zero sense to replace them before they are worn out. It isn’t like we are talking about a throw-out bearing or something that takes hours to get at.

[@charleswilson4598]

There are "some" excellent auto technicians on you tube. You are definitely one of those. Always great videos. I see you have made a change, so now maybe you can make some real money. I was in the Navy, but I have always loved the Marines and what they do.

[@fergusonhr]

I know this has nothing to do with this video but, for any of you out there with a snowmobile or a quad that needs to replace your pads...a lot of those pads are just the pad without a steal backer...what I do is, instead of spending 40 bucks for the pads just by a set of riveted pads that's are cheap...I found the for 10 bucks...drill put the rivets and cut the shape you need out of the pad and use a bench grinder to finely shape it...the ones I usually do are small circles with a flat spot on the edge...you can make pads for about 3 vehicles from one set...it has never failed me

[@rodneysmith1684]

I would be very interested in a video discussing the concept of "warped rotors", where when you brake you feel the pulsing of the brake grab. I have a 2008 Ford Expedition that has had chronic brake pulsing after only low miles were put on the brakes. This vehicle gets very careful driving, no towing with hard stops, no brake riding whatsoever. I am not sure if the Ford rotors are the culprit. Only Ford motorcraft rotors and brakes are being used. Should I be considering upgraded slotted and drilled rotors and better ceramic brake pads?

[@lh98]

Rodney Smith Who's torquing your lug nuts because if someone over torques them that will cause the problem of warping the rotors. Seen it many times. Follow specs. Especially cars vs trucks. Cars generally have lower torques like 80-90 ft pounds. I'd bet someone is overtightening them.

[@desertrider325]

What about the glaze on the rotor? Hit it with the disc or I always do it by hand with emery cloth. Big fan of the channel man. Thanks for all the videos and helpful insights.

[@FordTechMakuloco]

Never use anything but a brake lathe.

[@desertrider325]

Could you elaborate on that. Every shop I worked at always had a die grinder next to it to hit the surface with an aluminum oxide pad while it was spinning. After it was machined. Just before pulling it off the lathe. I thought the whole idea is to not have a perfect finish. Because it will glaze faster and or cause noise. If the pads are glazed doesn’t that mean the rotors are too in a sense. And just a quick crosshatch by hand with emery cloth you can see it knock the glaze off the rotors the same way it does on the pads. But I very well could be doing something wrong. Just in my experience especially on my street bike and dirt bike it helps a lot on those thin discs. Again huge fan of your work and channel. Thanks for the reply.

[@timm8797]

Does disc brake quiet work better on the back side of the pads to reduce brake squeal instead of applying brake grease. When it dries it’s supposed to absorb the vibration.

[@FordTechMakuloco]

Use the special thick grease from Ford you won't have a problem.

[@ejcsds]

When refreshing, would you ever remove by grinding the outer rust ring on the rotor?

[@arthurhardy]

You can, I have. you can use a right angle die grinder with a sanding pad, try to keep the tool moving don't stop in one place. also don't forget the back.

[@jdigitalseven7]

Had back pads installed when I didnt need them (along with a few things to front done with brakes added). I kept hearing a sound as I drove until I applied brakes.....finally figured it was pads and switched to motorcraft, noise went away immediately and hasnt came back.

[@LeeFromEngland]

What’s the part number for those little rubber boots? Thanks

[@woog74]

In addition to doing these steps to minimize noise, do you ever break the glaze on the rotor?

[@FordTechMakuloco]

The only way I would on the rotor is to have them cut but most time you end up making multiple passes to remove then 3-5k miles later you have a brake pulsation from the rotors because they are too thin now.

[@CaptainNero]

great video, my 13 fusion with 32000 is starting to make some noise and im about to follow your recommendations. Thank you for the vid.

[@mattinthehat22]

Really weird how I can find just the right video! The other day I had a tire plugged and visually checked my front pads. They still have plenty of meat, but they squall - especially in city traffic with repeated stopping for red lights (which we don't have out here). This video looks like JUST the ticket for me. ONE question, tho: the rotors on that Escape are really, really shiny like mine, so after sanding the pads will that look go away on the rotors also??

[@uipray4]

Good job as always thanks for sharing

[@hawaiianf1504]

Double Ditto's

[@zuluvoyager6037]

would this procedure be the same on the superduty? the front brakes on mine are really noisy.

[@FordTechMakuloco]

Yes they are all don't the same way.

[@glasser2819]

@@FordTechMakuloco Mercedes uses the exact same setup: floating caliper with rattle clips squeezing hard pads over soft discs. Very effective design... Silicon lube ✌️

[@knunne1]

No hardware kit for this vehicle? My ford 500 2006 uses hardware. Do you recommend lubing both sides of the clips or only clip to bracket letting the pads ride dry in clip? Thanks for your advice.

[@lh98]

What about the emergency/parking brake? Say 2015 F150 and its notorious squeal as you back up! If there's one thing I hate about my truck is that damn squeal every day. Replaced rear disc pads thinking that was it but it still does it. Thinking it's the brake shoes instead.

[@08StreetGlide]

As Eric O would say, "Every tool has a hammer side....."

[@jasonrucker4255]

Question. When doing your front brakes is it required to replace the caliper bolts that hold on The caliper bracket to the axle? Or is that just a recommendation.

[@ronhart4166]

Brian , I am a little old school. I have always used High temp copper anti-zeeze on all hardware. Even caliper pins. Are they a problem with this ? Just asking. I do not think I have ever had a problem but I am always willing to Learn. Thanks

[@FordTechMakuloco]

The only place I use anti seize is under the caliper bracket anti rattle clips. I would not use it as anti seize seems to gum up over time especially when exposed to the elements. I would only use silicone grease on anything to do with the boots for maximum compatibility also.

[@ronhart4166]

+FordTechMakuloco Thanks Brian . I will change my ways.

[@RobertKohut]

Great video!! As usual!

[@noylebacani4315]

Hi, do you have a video on how to adjust the break booster push rod of 2008 ford escape? I am having a problem with engaging brakes even after replacing all new calipers and brake booster. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks

[@ericdavis5759]

I use a piece of glass and 220 sand paper to remove the glaze.

[@MrPami9899]

hey, my 02 ford explorer was stuck on 3rd gear, once I took my feet off the gas, it slowed real quick,I disconnected the battery cable, it shifted fine after, but the cooler line is leaking slowly, could it be the problem? the od light is off

[@FordTechMakuloco]

The servo may have been stuck in the bore. Check out my video on this common problem.

[@MrPami9899]

+FordTechMakuloco do u think it might need a rebuilt? if that's the case, it is working fine now

[@rosswade5958]

Any tips on how to keep new pads and rotors from squealing when the brakes are applied? They only squeal when light to medium pressure is applied to the brake pedal.

[@westhavenor9513]

Yes, watch this video!

[@gomerhondo7249]

Why did you not clean off the ears on the pads. They ride where you greased. Also you did not remove the rust ring or deglaze the rotors.

[@FordTechMakuloco]

I cleaned off the entire backing plate including the ears when I flipped the pad over after sanding it. Now the rotors are a gamble it is ideal to get them cut but most times in order to remove all of the run out it must be cut in multiple passes. If you do that you will find in 3-5k miles you now have a new problem warped rotors that shake the steering wheel while braking not good.

[@arthurhardy]

Most likely the squeal is coming from all the crap built up in the slot. It produces a high spot in the middle of the pad and the outsides will hit the rotor first.

[@Effay513]

Without them flying across the room... lol

[@hawaiianf1504]

I once did a drum brake job and I had a bear of a bad time getting on side break springs to do what I wanted them to do. The darn vise grips slid off and smacked my shin really hard. Left a mark for almost a month. And you betcha bruddah - those sucking pliers were air borne within seconds and headed down the driveway with many loud and potent cuss words following right behind them. They landed right next the Pastors feet as he and his wife were walking up for a meet-n-greet. Seems I totally forgot they were dropping by that day. Great way to have your first home visit with your new Pastor. Hey, at least he got to know the real me ;) Now I look before I toss and only buy vehicle's with disc brakes.

[@Effay513]

Shit happens, and I'm sure he knew what you were going through!! My Pastor would have looked at me and laughed then jumped in to help! Much love Brother!!

[@hawaiianf1504]

Roger That Bruddah. I'm glad he used a Bible like no one else could. But not so much with hand tools. Give him a wrench and you'd see his hands sort of twitch, his body would start to take on Shrek features and he'd and go into spasms and such.

[@hawaiianf1504]

Oh Yeah - we didn't mind the Shrek stuff but I tell Ya - that gas problem was killer. Could clear an airport in minutes.

[@Effay513]

I just cleared myself out of a room!! Gotta love meatloaf!! lol

[@MsJulianmanzo]

no break hardware?

[@FordTechMakuloco]

Not on this model

[@brakedd]

Only way I got mine to stop squeaking was buy Motorcraft pads. No more parts store pads for my Fords.

[@FordTechMakuloco]

Definitely a good organic pad for sure.

[@howardthompson5403]

Same here. Nothing but Motorcraft.

[@alb12345672]

I try to get the Ford Factory Pad. Motorcraft is aftermarket, excellent choice, but it is still aftermarket. Those (Ford) are only available at a dealer or maybe Ebay. They are the only pads that stopped dusting my Grand Marquis wheels.

[@jdigitalseven7]

alb12345672 Factory stuff is next to impossible to get on cars 5-10 years old it seems. Maybe balljoints and body parts, but motorcraft has never let me down. Top quality.

[@glasser2819]

@@alb12345672 beware eBay has tons of genuine counterfeits! Lately even the Amazon marketplace is starting to have counterfeit plugs in Motorcraft packaging 🙄

[@newwavepressure6478]

I only have hi temp red grease is that ok to put on the pins and all

[@JesseEdwards-is1km]

It works just as good and last as long as that fancy stuff they yes if you have plenty of money like they do red grease I use to grease my bearings

[@glasseyi]

Great tips nice video Brian. Thanks for the post. #tiacrew

[@jagoss45]

Dumb question. Why is there never any caliper grease on a new vehicles brakes?

[@FordTechMakuloco]

I saw it all the time working at the dealer they use very small amounts though. I have seen fronts brakes time to time with no grease due to the pad shim design and anti rattle clips on the bracket.

[@hawaiianf1504]

Great Video!! That I saw what looked like a rotor starting to delaminate between the rotor face and the rotors vents. What was the grit on that sander disc that you used on the pads to deglaze? 60 / 80? That's was a 3" disc? Was there a special reason that you used that size disc? I like a 2" 60grit only because i had a bunch of them left over and they let me use a little more finesse.

[@FordTechMakuloco]

No these rotors were like new maybe only 1 1/2 years old. The sanding disc I use are the 3M version course which is 80 grit I beleive. I like to use a 3" disc for cleaning the pads so it cleans the area evenly with a larger sanding area. I normally use 2" disc though for everything else.

[@hawaiianf1504]

Ah, Kool Thanks!

[@kellyc2425]

Instead of a wire brush, can't you throw the parts in the blast bin?

[@nickayivor8432]

KNOWLEDGEABLE FordTechMakuloco Great tutorial video Brilliant thank you FordTechMakuloco From Nick Ayivor from London England UK 🇬🇧

[@eddie0175b]

love your video

[@Jacob1986]

My pads squeak only in morning but then gone.

[@JRobert111111]

Old video, or glimpses of your hair growing longer?

[@FordTechMakuloco]

Brand new just shot it a few days ago. You can tell by the use of my new Snap On Torque wrench I just posted about on my facebook page.

[@JRobert111111]

Great information in this video, I'm constantly getting complaints on the Windstar for this, so I appreciate you sharing this invaluable info. with us. Take care!

[@nhojrem1]

Just put a lot of oil on them!

[@nhojrem1]

That’s a joke by the way.

[@Blackford86]

I was just going to say that, ""make it new""

[@jtford8180]

awesome nice vid

[@TheBasscomander]

Yeah and good luck finding a 9mm..... wtf don't they add those in a set.....

[@FordTechMakuloco]

+TheBasscomander I know right I had to buy mine separate links are in the video description for those that need it.

[@fergusonhr]

just buy a 10 mill or a 3/8 and use a bench grinder to slim it down a bit...I did that 15 years ago and have using the same one ever since

[@FordTechMakuloco]

But then you lose your 10mm and the socket only cost a few dollars.

[@howardthompson5403]

I bought the 9mm from Snap-on for 26 dollars. I later found it at Napa for 1/2 the price.

[@TheBasscomander]

I ended up getting one at lowes for 5 bucks

[@arthurhardy]

Also a very BAD idea to blow around brake dust, Use brake clean, wet's it and prevents blowing that dust around.