How to Change the Rear Pads on a Ford Focus

The Focus is the entry-level car offered by the Ford Motor Company. It is a front-wheel drive vehicle and is available in a coupe or sedan. Over time, your Focus will need new rear brake pads to maintain proper handling and braking. Replacing the brake pads is a task you can do yourself without the assistance of a professional.

• 1

  Lift the rear of the Focus off the ground with a floor jack. Secure it with jack stands. Make sure the parking brake is engaged and that the car is in the park position.

• 2

  Remove the rear wheels. Use a socket wrench and turn the bolts in a counterclockwise direction until they come off. Pull off the wheel.

• 3

  Remove the brake drums by detaching the bolts that are in the spindle. Turn the bolts counterclockwise with socket wrench until the brake drums can be pulled off. If you encounter difficulty reaching the bolts, use a swivel adaptor and extension piece to get to them.

• 4

  Press the retaining clips that are on the sides of the brakes with a screwdriver. This will detach the brakes.

• 5

  Pull the cable that connects the parking brake to the rear brakes. The brakes with the brake pads will come out. Remove the brakes. Attach the parking cable to the new brakes and brake pads.

• 6

  Reattach the clips to secure the brakes.

• 7

  Replace the brake drums and screw the bolts back in. Replace the wheels and secure with bolts.

• 8

  Lower the car off of the jack stand and continue to tighten the bolts until they are secure.