Safety Warning
DIY auto repair can cause serious injury, fire, or vehicle damage. These guides are for informational purposes only. Always follow OEM torque specs, wear PPE, and consult a certified mechanic if you are unsure. You are solely responsible for your safety.
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HOMESERVICE MANUALSFORD2012EXPLORER FWD V6-3.5LREPAIR AND DIAGNOSISBRAKES AND TRACTION CONTROLDISC BRAKE SYSTEMBRAKE PADSERVICE AND REPAIRREAR DISC BRAKE
2012 Ford Explorer FWD V6-3.5L
Rear Disc Brake
2012 Ford Explorer FWD V6-3.5LSECTION Rear Disc Brake
Brake Pads
Special Tool(s)
Material(s)
Removal
WARNING: Do not use any fluid other than clean brake fluid meeting manufacturer's specification. Additionally, do not use brake fluid that has been previously drained. Following these instructions will help prevent system contamination, brake component damage and the risk of serious personal injury.
WARNING: Carefully read cautionary information on product label. For EMERGENCY MEDICAL INFORMATION seek medical advice. In the USA or Canada on Ford/Motorcraft products call: 1-800-959-3673. For additional information, consult the product MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet), if available. Failure to follow these instructions may result in serious personal injury.
NOTICE: Do not spill brake fluid on painted or plastic surfaces or damage to the surface may occur. If brake fluid is spilled onto a painted or plastic surface, immediately wash the surface with water.
1. Check the brake fluid level in the brake fluid reservoir.
- If required, remove fluid until the brake master cylinder reservoir is half full.
2. Remove the wheel and tire. REFER to Wheel and Tire .
3. Remove the brake caliper bolts.
4. NOTICE: Do not allow the caliper to hang from the brake hose or damage to the hose may occur.
NOTICE: Care must be taken when servicing rear brake components without disconnecting the parking brake cable from the brake caliper lever. Carefully position the caliper aside using a suitable support or damage to the parking brake cable end fittings may occur.
Using hand force and a rocking motion, separate the brake caliper from the anchor plate. Position the brake caliper aside.
- Support the caliper with mechanic's wire.
5. NOTICE: When the brake pads are separated from the brake caliper, new brake pads must be installed to prevent brake noise and shudder. The brake pads are one-time use only.
Remove and discard the 2 brake pads and spring clips from the brake caliper anchor plate.
6. NOTE: Do not remove the anchor plate guide pins. The guide pins are press fit to the brake caliper anchor plate. If the guide pins are damaged, a new anchor plate must be installed.
Inspect the brake caliper anchor plate assembly.
- Check the guide pins and boots for binding or damage.
- Install a new brake caliper anchor plate if it is worn or damaged.
Installation
WARNING: Do not use any fluid other than clean brake fluid meeting manufacturer's specification. Additionally, do not use brake fluid that has been previously drained. Following these instructions will help prevent system contamination, brake component damage and the risk of serious personal injury.
WARNING: Carefully read cautionary information on product label. For EMERGENCY MEDICAL INFORMATION seek medical advice. In the USA or Canada on Ford/Motorcraft products call: 1-800-959-3673. For additional information, consult the product MSDS (Material Safety Data Sheet), if available. Failure to follow these instructions may result in serious personal injury.
WARNING: Always install new brake shoes or pads at both ends of an axle to reduce the possibility of brakes pulling vehicle to one side. Failure to follow this instruction may result in uneven braking and serious personal injury.
NOTICE: Do not spill brake fluid on painted or plastic surfaces or damage to the surface may occur. If brake fluid is spilled onto a painted or plastic surface, immediately wash the surface with water.
1. NOTE: A moderate to heavy force toward the caliper piston must be applied. If sufficient force is not applied, the internal park brake mechanism clutch cone will not engage and the piston will not compress.
Using 206-026 (T87P-2588-A) (or equivalent such as OTC tool 7317A), rotate the caliper piston clockwise to compress the piston into its cylinder.
2. Clean the residual adhesive from the brake caliper fingers and piston using specified brake parts cleaner.
3. Position the notch in the caliper piston so that it will correctly align with the pin on the backside of the inboard brake pad.
4. NOTICE: Do not allow grease, oil, brake fluid or other contaminants to contact the pad lining material, or damage to components may occur. Do not install contaminated pads.
Install the new spring clips and brake pads to the brake caliper anchor plate.
5. NOTICE: During installation, make sure brake flexible hose does not become twisted. A twisted brake hose may make contact with other components causing damage to the hose.
Position the brake caliper and install the 2 bolts.
- Tighten to 33 Nm (24 lb-ft)
6. If necessary, fill the brake fluid reservoir with clean, specified brake fluid.
- Apply brakes several times to verify correct brake operation.
7. Install the wheel and tire. REFER to Wheel and Tire .
RENDER: 1.0x
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When to See a Mechanic
Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:
- • You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
- • Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
- • The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
- • You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
- • You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.