Installing 2005-2007 Ford Focus Front Brake Pads

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Featured Guide

This guide has been found to be exceptionally cool by the iFixit staff.

Replacing the brake pads on all 2005-2007 Focus models with rear drum brakes.

  • Author: David Hodson
  • Time required: 1-1.5 hours (per side)
  • Difficulty: Moderate
  • Add Note x
  • x 9

The steps in this guide are used to replace the brake pads on all Focus models in the 2005-2007 generation, except for the ST model, which has slightly different brakes. Caution should be exercised when working with brake and suspension components, and proper safety goggles should be worn at all times.

Whenever working on your car's brakes and suspension, work on one side at a time. Keep the other side completely assembled so that you can reference it at any time.

Never drive a car if the brakes on one side only are changed, because the car will "pull" to one side.

Sections
Tools
Tools (continued)
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Add Note Edit Step 1 — Front Wheel  ¶ 

  • Put the car in park (automatic) or neutral (manual).

  • Apply the parking brake.

  • Place chocks behind the rear wheels.

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Add Note Edit Step 2  ¶ 

  • Use a 19 mm lug wrench to loosen each lug nut a half turn.

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Add Note Edit Step 3  ¶ 

  • Use a hydraulic jack on the car's frame to jack the car.

  • A small notch shows where to place the jack.

  • It is only necessary to jack the car until the wheel no longer touches the ground.

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Add Note Edit Step 4  ¶ 

  • Place a jack stand on the frame and remove the jack.

  • Never work on or underneath a car that is only supported by a jack. The car may fall, causing serious injury, or even death.

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Add Note Edit Step 5  ¶ 

  • Use a lug wrench to completely remove the four lug nuts.

  • Remove the wheel.

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Add Note Edit Step 6 — Front Brake Pads  ¶ 

  • The brake fluid reservoir is located towards the back of the engine compartment.

  • Unscrew the cap and remove it.

  • Be careful when handling brake fluid. Wash hands immediately if they come in contact with it. Do not let the fluid touch any painted parts; it will strip the paint.

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Add Note Edit Step 7  ¶ 

  • Use a turkey baster to remove 2-3 ounces of brake fluid from the reservoir.

  • Never let the fluid level drop below the minimum mark. This will let air into your lines, which will require bleeding to remove.

  • Properly dispose of old brake fluid. Do not reuse it.

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Add Note Edit Step 8  ¶ 

  • Use a flat head screwdriver or brake spoon to remove the outer pad retaining clip.

  • The clip has a lot of spring energy. Hold onto it with a pair of pliers when removing it to keep it from flying off and injuring someone.

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