How to Replace Brakes and Rotors on Ford E150 Van

This video will show you how to replace the front rotors on a E150 Ford van. It goes step by step of removing the wheel and tire, removing and replacing the brake calipers, removing and replacing the brake pads, removing and replacing the brake caliper bracket, removing and replacing the wheel bearings, and packing the wheel bearings with grease.

[@IndiAcres]

Just wanted to say thank you. Money is tight and you helped me get this done. God bless you.

[@davidlis6709]

thank you The reason I make these movies is to help people.

[@METROMEDIAFILMS]

Very detailed video....excellent! Compared to other videos that go on and on for a long time. You were straight to the point step by step.

[@davidlis6709]

I try to make them short but I want to cover everything so everyone can do it themselves.

[@jonindiana]

Great Video I just bought a 1997 Ford E-150 and have to change all you did and your video will help me do it myself and save a bunch of money,Thank You

[@Go4Corvette]

Good job. Air tools make it even easier, lol. Some tips, While the wheel is still on check for bearing wear, grab the tire at 12 & 6 o'clock, and see if you feel any play while moving the tire in and out, if you do replace the bearings. After removing the outer wheel bearing put the nut back on just a few turns grab the rotor, and pull it while letting it slide on the spindle, when you feel the inner bearing hit the nut push the rotor a little forward then pull back hard, this will pop out the seal and the inner bearing all at one time. When repacking the bearings put a big ball of grease in the palm of your hand and while pushing and pulling the bearing towards you push the grease into the bearing on both sides, do this till you see grease coming out of the bearing cage then add some extra to the outer part of the bearing and the race in the rotor. Wash your rotors in dish soap to remove all oil and metal contaminants then dry, if you don't this can get into your pads and cause noise problems later. Replacing the grease seal with a new one is a good idea. Always check bearings for wear, you can look up photos of what they should look like when still good. While tightening the nut spin the rotor while tightening and losing at the same time then back up till the cotter pinhole lines up. It's also a good idea to do a brake fluid flush at this time, DO NOT PUSH THE PISTONS IN without opening the bleeders, if you do you can damage the brake master seals or ABS system. You will need to bleed the brakes, best way is with a vacuum bleeder. Good luck, ASE Master Technician

[@davidlis6709]

Thank you Great information.

[@charleswilson4598]

Nice video. I am replacing the rotors on my 1992 F150, and even though I pretty much know what I have to do, I like to look at other you tubes for a refresher, and sometimes I pick up a tip I didn't know. Also, I have two steel tubes about two feet long specifically for the purpose of extending the leverage on breaker bars and ratchets. They work well and have never caused a problem. Anyway, well done.

[@davidlis6709]

I like to look and see how others are presenting their videos. I try to keep them short but them I don't feel like I am showing the entire process.

[@russwentz3957]

Thank you very much for taking the time to make and share your very straight forward service video.

[@davidlis6709]

Makes it easier when you watch someone do it before you do it.

[@kriskjellquist1758]

Solid vid....just did this job in 3 hours for both wheels, first time. Thanks.

[@everygoodtree]

Love your video! First time I had to deal with bearings when changing rotors. Hard to find Econoline videos on KZbin. You made it a cinch. 1,000 thanks!!!

[@davidlis6709]

I am happy it helped you out.

[@jangles55]

It's also a good idea to put moly or silicone grease where the pads make contact with the clips!

[@davidlis6709]

Yes, it is a good idea. I don't think about it because I live in California were we do not have a rust problem.

[@jangles55]

@@davidlis6709 It's not so much about where you live it's about the pads being able to freely slide.

[@davidlis6709]

@@jangles55 You are right

[@chrislg4519]

Can WD40, lithium grease, bearing grease, vasoline, or others be used instead of silicone? Thanks

[@keiths1101]

Very good and detailed video, But you should use rubber mallet to pound the stuff off and back on.

[@johnnydollars]

Zen and maintaining a econoline, very nicely done 😀

[@davidlis6709]

Thank you, I love my van

[@82dupont]

Thanks for posting, I have to replace front left side caliper, pads and rotor on E250. This helps a lot.

[@jameshuang1496]

Thanks so much for taking the time to make this video.

[@davidlis6709]

I make them to help people like you.

[@andyf80]

Thanks for the video! Gasoline to clean the rotors is not something I'd have thought of...makes sense to me. Good tip.

[@davidlis6709]

In a soda bottle, easy and convenient, been doing it forever

[@FLboyshuffle]

@@davidlis6709 this is a very old post I realize. My Dad was in the habit of using a root beer bottle for gas just like this. Little boy from next door came in the garage " Look Mister I have beer too" and quickly downed a big gulp. Trip to hospital emergency room for the kid. Scare for my Dad. Lesson never store solvents in a coke or soft drink container or mislabeled container.

[@davidlis6709]

@@FLboyshuffle WOW,,, That was scary, good thing he was ok.

[@fortimheng1394]

Thank you for the details video David. You just save me couple hundred bucks by doing it myself.

[@davidlis6709]

It is a little heaver than a regular car.

[@kevinsheffield2110]

Nice job! Yes pliers work, tighten and back off works just fine.

[@davidlis6709]

Thanks. All my mechanic friends just use pliers. Maybe in shop class they us torque wrenches.

[@alexanderwilliamsorby2634]

Great video...love this one..explanation is clear...thank you sir

[@davidlis6709]

Happy it helped you.

[@ebersilv6496]

Thanks. Good instructions, few words, great.

[@davidlis6709]

I bought new rotors from my local auto parts store and they were made in China. The Ford ones are not very good, they warp easy. My van shook so bad, I thought it was going to fall apart.

[@qx4n9e1xp]

Thanks for the helpful tutorial!

[@davidlis6709]

Hope it make your job easier.

[@mmills7802]

Great video. Changed the right rotor without a problem. Thanks

[@denisecompton3205]

THANKS FOR THE VIDEO. HUBBY GOT IT DONE!

[@virgilmoore5092]

Great video. We'll detailed. Thank you.

[@davidlis6709]

Now you can do yours.

[@joelgarcia5362]

Thanks Good job.

[@davidlis6709]

Thank you. Not hard but heaver than regular car brakes.

[@WKUTZTV69]

Nice Video, Thanks For Your Help

[@chrislg4519]

Great video 👍

[@michaelphillips-nxs]

put lock tight on the carriage bolts, otherwise they may come loose and even fall out before you know it. The older, the more likely it will happen.

[@davidlis6709]

I never use lock tight but it is a good idea.

[@GDISinc]

I would have left the jack under there as well. 2 supports are always better than one!! Lower jack to land on the stand than apply a little lift to even to the stand now you have two supports! Much smarter way to work!! If that stand fails for any reason your in trouble!

[@davidlis6709]

Everyone does it a little different

[@lightofthworld2870]

always make sure you grease the slide pins and the part of the brake pad that touches the caliper top and bottom

[@zaidchalabi1599]

LightofThWorld u mean the metal top and bottom part of brake pads?

[@bulliontoy]

Pin was super tweeked must make sure super straight. Caliper was one large 4in cylinder not 2 tiny ones. Took 2 hand clamps to get it pressed, took 5-10min each side to press.

[@davidlis6709]

I just use the same old pin, straighten it out a little, unless it is broken. I believe that in 2008 and above Ford went to 2 pistons. What year is your van?

[@janddschannel6646]

Hey good video thank you I now know what to do on my van :)

[@ah4810]

Thanks for the advice

[@davidlis6709]

Just take your time and follow the video. You will save a lot of money.

[@Stvzbnk]

Thanks Pal - I don't Care if you've got an e150 or an e250. Steve from Las Vegas and his e150 Econoline

[@davidlis6709]

I bought this E150 van new and it came with those wheels.

[@rayperrenoud6210]

Great attention to detail!

[@OnTheGoLoft]

Best vid...thanks

[@davidlis6709]

Now you can do it.

[@marcsmith3881]

Good video but I have to admit that I cringed at the repacking of the bearings bearings and seating them part. There is a 3 step torque process to putting on the rotor. This could lead to premature bearing wear. My work van I use in my auto repair business has just under 190K on the original bearings. I have repacked them once because of ABS wheel speed sensors, but there is no play or noise.

[@davidlis6709]

How do you repack bearing? I have been doing this since I was 16 years old. Never have one come back.

[@marcsmith3881]

David Lis There are 2 ways to do it properly. You can put the grease on your hand and work the grease through the cage a little at a time. You can buy a bearing grease packing tool that will push the grease through the bearing. You are very fortunate that none have come back that you are aware of. I own a repair business and have plumbing and heating customers with fleets of these vans. I can't afford to do things improperly. What you do on your own is fine, but when you post a video for public consumption, people should know the proper way to make repairs.

[@davidlis6709]

So, what is the difference between using your fingers or using your palm, as long as the bearing is full of grease. Miss the point.

[@chrislg4519]

@@davidlis6709 i think he meant that grease packing tool may be more efficient and faster at squeezing out dirty old grease with new grease.

[@davidlis6709]

@@chrislg4519 Everyone has their preferred way of doing it and they are all right.

[@gtgl2x]

Thanks!

[@davidlis6709]

You are welcome, glad it helped.

[@petergoldwing3698]

Great presentation. Thank you.

[@joshavila8580]

Thank David! Just did my front brakes and new rotors this weekend. Love your video and the details on each step. Going to try the rear next, do you have a video for those? Thanks again.You rock MAN!

[@davidlis6709]

Yes, just uploaded it

[@WizzRacing]

E-150 with 8 lug rotor are you sure?

[@F6HemiCharger]

Claude Rains 5 lug wheels were phased out in 2006-07 and totally gone in 2008.

[@reowhite4862]

F6HemiCharger mine is a late 07 e150 with 8lugs

[@F6HemiCharger]

Claude Rains reread what I said previously. Seems your comment is redundant, since I was saying 8 lug wheels came in on E150s in 06-07.

[@reowhite4862]

My comment was actually meant for the other comment

[@OnTheGoLoft]

150 to 350 mostly all same parts. I have both

[@waynegomillion4976]

Appreciate it. Any idea whats the recommended brand rotor and brakes?

[@davidlis6709]

I would not use Ford

[@lonsomecrow]

Do you need to lift both fron tires? I need to replace both sides rotor, caliper coil and suspension ..obviously one at a time.

[@davidlis6709]

You can do one side at a time.

[@loganscarbrough5001]

For no more than the cost of the new pads it would be wise to install new pads new rotors and new bearing all at the same time. You're already there with the labor and the pads in hand.

[@davidlis6709]

This was at 20,000 miles. Ford E 150 and E 250 vans had bad rotors from the factory. Ford should have recalled the rotors but they made so many vans and it would have cost them millions. I even wrote a letter to Ford, since I purchased the van new but received no response.

[@chrislg4519]

@@davidlis6709 Great video. If OEM rotors were bad, is it possible that bearings were also bad quality? Thanks David

[@Brandon-wd9si]

It's a e150 but they call it a heavy half so it's got bigger brakes and oil cooler

[@davidlis6709]

When I went to buy the van, the sales person told me to wait until the 2008s came out because it is going to be a heaver duty truck. Bigger brakes, bigger springs. The old E250 to going to be the new E150. He said they are doing that because companies are complaining that when you put in all your tools and equipment the van is not very stable and does not stop the best. The brakes are a lot bigger and better. The gas mileage sucks, 12 to 13.

[@SanitysVoid]

I have a 2005 E-150 Is it the same thing? I am worried I will get into it then find I can't pull off the job. Will be stuck with a van on a jack stand :(

[@davidlis6709]

Might be a little different but not sure. I know in 2008 Ford put disc brakes in the back. It has to be real close.

[@davidlis6709]

It is not that hard.

[@ivanzucconi]

Never use a scaffold pipe to extend a tool. Use instead a calibrated torque wrench set to Veich manufacturer spec. Other than that good effort.

[@fzz1952]

liked this video. Do you have video on just replacing calipers?

[@davidlis6709]

How to Replace the Brakes on a 1997 Toyota Camry - if that helps

[@tarsusbroughton7055]

Wah wah I want my Chevy!!!

[@davidlis6709]

I am a Chevy man myself but not for the vans. I researched them and found out that Ford makes a stronger van. the thing that really pissed me off is that they only get 12 mpg, empty or full. Upon further research, the car companies don't care because if you noticed, cars only started to get better gas mileage when the Japanese cars came along. But, how about the oil companies and the sneaky basters is the federal government, they get tax money on each gallon of gas. Why would they want better gas mileage. They say " cars are going to get 30 mpg in 2030, what? Cars companies can change the micro chips for this van to get 50 mpg in one or two years. Don't get mad because it only upsets you. Have a nice day. have a beer, you might feel better.

[@joseortiz-nf9qz]

My Friend, The video is excellent, but you never put grees on the studs.

[@davidlis6709]

Why not? It makes it easier to take them off, especially it you live in places that are cold and use salt on the roads.

[@flipztuh24]

How come you did not tightened the axle nut?

[@davidlis6709]

You were not watching at minute marker 14:oo

[@spikeshostagetv5935]

I bought some new rotors and the new ones do not have that gear looking ring behind the rotor and the old one does

[@dcuoscissorkickz1614]

DJ.Spikes Hostage it's for abs

[@brentjones4153]

Do i have to compress the wheel bearings on the front of the 1991 E150 ford van and how black it diagrams on the instructions of replacing them

[@davidlis6709]

I don't understand your question 100% but Compress the bearings - it you mean how much do you tighten the nut when you install the rotor and small bearing - I tighten it real tight and then back off about a 1/8 turn. This allows the rotors to spin free and keep the bearings tight. Ask the second part again in a different way.

[@alawabidingcitizen]

I did the same job but now brakes are spongy and pedal goes almost to the floor. How to bleed it?

[@davidlis6709]

Look at my video: How to Convert Drum Brakes to Disc Brakes 43 minute mark kzbin.info/www/bejne/qIGsq4xjodGXm6c&lc=z220spzzrwfmxp2etacdp434rjusnlcklvwjtslpmmxw03c010c&feature=em-comments

[@ptaing8]

You need to torque rotor nut to specification by Ford?

[@davidlis6709]

I never do. I tighten it until it get hard to turn the rotor and back off just a little.

[@korzynski]

Great video, thanks! What brand of knee pads are you wearing?

[@davidlis6709]

I bought them from Orchard Supply Hardware for $50. They are a little pricy but they have a jell pack so they are very comfortable. Brown Bag Company FloorWa ers GEL PRO; Pro Hinge. My knees are really bad, so I need nice ones. They have something similar at home Depot but not as nice.

[@johnnyray7790]

You have the right idea but so many things you did wrong, just being honest. Gas is petroleum based it doesn't clean the rotors properly. Gas in a plastic bottle, really? Also mount the tire spin it tighten the axle nut until you get 2-3 full revolutions. You did pack the bearings well. Don't hate but I've been doing this for over 30 years and did an apprenticeship in Germany...I know just a little bit. Not to mention wear gloves for your health my man.

[@michaelappelmans1298]

Hi david, i have a e250 from 2005 and have some questions. is this the same procedure for a e250 from 2005? What kind of pads, rotor and grease should i buy to do this? What kind of bearings are in there? Why didnt you replace them?? Greetz from Spain. Mike

[@davidlis6709]

I believe all the E series vans are the same or real close. I buy the cheap pads because they don't have as much metal in the brake pad material. They wear faster and leave more dust on the wheels but you don't have to replace the rotors every time you replace the pads. The rotors I bought came from China and not from Ford. Ford is to expensive. The grease is standard wheel bearing grease. I did not replace the bearing because it only had about 30,000 miles on the van. The reason I changed the rotors because the ones that came with the van when I bought the truck where cheap and warped in 10,000 miles. This made the steering wheel shake when I put on the break.

[@davidlis6709]

I live in Silicon Valley, California. My wife and I went to Spain in 2014 - we loved it. We think it is the nicest country in Europe. Stated in Madrid, went North to Santander, Pamplona, Barcelona, Valencia, Granada, Del Sol, Gibraltar, Seville, Cordoba, Toledo, and back to Madrid. All this in 16 days.

[@michaelappelmans1298]

Hi david, do you have a link on the internet or something to the parts? I'm really lost whicch ones and where to buy them...

[@michaelappelmans1298]

Thx for loving Spain, id did same as you and fell in love with Granada, so after working 10 years as a soundengineer in Belgium i decided to leave my home country and move to Granada

[@davidlis6709]

I did not buy any of the parts from the internet. You must have a local auto parts store in the area. If they don't have the parts, they will be able to order them for you. You need a set of brake pads, wheel bearing grease, grease for the back of the brake pads, and rotors. You may not need rotors if they are not damaged. Before buying new rotors take them to a machine shop and see if they will turn the rotors to get them straight and get rid of all the wear groves. If the machine shop tells you that they can not do it, you will have to buy new rotors. You probable will not have to buy new bearings because they usually last a long time.

[@AylaRandom2]

is that gas clean Osha approved?? O.o nice Vid!

[@davidlis6709]

Yes it is approved to go in my gas tank. Been using it as a solvent since age 14. Can't be that dangerous. Going to die of something.

[@Dr2009king]

People use ratchets as breaker bars then complain when it breaks :D .

[@davidlis6709]

I am guilty

[@nazgaming5689]

What if your rotor won’t fit back on?

[@davidlis6709]

Then you are doing something wrong. Is the bearing in the right place? What won't fit?

[@82dupont]

Where did you buy the parts? I have heard experiences from other guys that had difficulty with parts and fit, based on store they purchased from.

[@davidlis6709]

+Edwin Rojas I purchased them at PEP Boys, O Reilly also has them. There is no need to buy them from Ford.

[@82dupont]

Thanks

[@js4512]

yes... do not buy off the internet!!!! you have to pay to get the part, then pay to return the core, and if you are gathering parts and can't vrtify if correct for a while you may find they shipped the wrong parts in the right box and you will be screwed. I know...this has happened multiple times with my friend. He got a ford e250 caliper in a box labeled correctly for his infinity q 45...also got wrong front hub assembly for same car....they fit 2017 q 50... Don't buy anything without using a true credit card, as you have protections with credit card vs debit!

[@RTF111]

Rock Auto... for best selection and discount pricing. It will take several days for your shipment to arrive but is well worth the wait.

[@illotoko1]

Drum brakes in the back?

[@davidlis6709]

2008 and up they changed to disc. I did notice that the back brakes wear out a little faster than the fronts. Maybe Ford decided to have more braking on the back instead of always on the front. Don't know

[@IEnjoydebeer]

This the same as a 95 e150?

[@eynkeehoohoohaechad4997]

What year is the van?

[@davidlis6709]

2008

[@charleswilson4598]

Where did you get those nice knee pads?

[@davidlis6709]

Home Depot - make sure you get the ones with the gel. It makes it easier to kneel. Harbor Freight sells a cheaper version

[@davidlis6709]

Orchard Supply Hardware in Sunnyvale, Ca Home Depot has about the same. Harbor Freight has little different ones. Make sure you get the jell packs because it makes it easier on your knees. I use mine all the time. I have bad knees.

[@bmfsports2490]

Lots of grease on that black hole and rod

[@davidlis6709]

I put a little more because this is a heavy truck. Once you put the seal on, it is not going anywhere. If it is to much, it just migrates to the center of the rotor.

[@bmfsports2490]

@@davidlis6709 👌

[@kmet222]

Thank you ! ^_^ Yes 2011 E-150 has 8 lugs. My new knee pads below. facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10210250014318406&set=pcb.10210250016238454&type=3&theater

[@davidlis6709]

I saw new rotors but no more pictures because I do not have a facebook account. My van used to shake so bad when I stepped on the brakes, I thought my front end was falling off. I installed the new rotors and the problem stopped.

[@TheCSI101]

need to change your title on this since IT IS NOT A HALF TON VAN!! e150 has 5 lug nuts not 8. this is a 250 or 350.

[@davidlis6709]

In 2008, Ford changed from 5 lugs to 8 lugs on the E150 vans.

[@mikefrasher5951]

Yup i have 09 e150 and it has 8 lug also but factory hubcap looks like 7 lug

[@davidlis6709]

I bought it new and it came with 8 nuts.

[@danielarchundia5870]

You can keep the roller with your hammer in the floor

[@pjbmo5930]

Those pads and rotors looked fine, why were you wasting money?

[@davidlis6709]

The pads I re used. The rotors from Ford suck. After 15,000 miles when I put on the brakes the entire front end would shack so hard I thought the van was falling apart. I went to a brake shop and they told me that is normal for vans in that age bracket. He said, put on after market rotors on and the problem would go away. It did. I wrote Ford and got no response. If they acknowledged the problem they would have a major recall.

[@toddbenson2689]

Yes NOT a E-150

[@Tehbigsexy]

I like to keep my gasoline in the root beer too

[@davidlis6709]

I was filling a couple of bottles at a gas station and the guy came out and said "you can't do that". So I said him, "do you want me to spill it out". He was mad and said "it is to late now" and walked away.

[@davidlis6709]

And to fill the bottle I use a 3/8 inch plastic tube and suck it out of the gas tank because I am to lazy to go to the gas station with a gas can. This way I only get what I need.

[@chrislg4519]

@@davidlis6709 Great tip but why not use alcohol, kerosene, paint thinner, or any other cleaning solvent? Thanks

[@davidlis6709]

@@chrislg4519 Because gas is the easiest thing for me to get

[@johnroman3048]

guess this gentleman does not own a torque wrench , maybe he will invest in one when his tire comes off at sixty miles per hour. must torque lug nuts to the specific ft lbs as per stud diameter learned the hard way

[@davidlis6709]

Been doing this since I was 14 and never had any problems. I have never seen anyone torque the wheels, just tighten them real tight.

[@johnroman3048]

No disrespect to you David that's the way I was taught why do tire stores use torque tubes my only thought keep doing what you are doing and be safe and well thanks Jr

[@davidlis6709]

@@johnroman3048 No problem, everyone does things a little different.

[@danielarchundia5870]

You'll scratch the road already

[@davidlis6709]

Don't understand the comment.