How to Replace the Brake Rotors on a 1997 F-150

If your 1997 F-150's brakes are making a screeching sound or are no longer very effective, it might be time to to replace the brake rotor. Changing the rotor sounds complex, but it's really not. With a little elbow grease and about a half hour of time, you can have the old rotor replaced and up to road safety standards once again. With the right tools and instructions, changing a rotor can be done by just about anyone.

• 1

  Put on a face mask and safety glasses before you begin any work on brakes as some brake pads and brake pad dust can contain asbestos. Park the truck on a flat surface and set the parking brake.

• 2

  Raise the truck with a jack and secure it on jack stands placed under the frame. Loosen all four wheel lugs holding the wheel in place with a lug wrench or tire iron then pull the wheel off to access the braking system. Inspect the braking system: if you notice any severe scarring, wear, warping or rust on the rotor, you need to replace it.

• 3

  Remove the two caliper mounting bolts. Lift the caliper off of the rotor and gently set it aside or tie it out of the way. Be careful not to pinch or kink the caliper flex hose to avoid damaging the brake fluid line.

• 4

  Pull the rotor off of the wheel mounting. If the rotor is stuck on, use a rubber mallet to loosen it then try pulling it again, this time with more force and using both hands to twist and pull simultaneously.

• 5

  Clean the new rotor with brake cleaner spray. Wipe away any cleaner residue with a shop rag. Slide the new rotor onto the wheel mounting until it sits evenly against the axle plate.

• 6

  Reassemble the braking system in the reverse order of removal. Remount the wheel and secure it in place with the wheel lugs. Raise the truck with the jack, remove the jack stands then lower it to the ground.