why is my Ford Explorer making a grinding noise when I brake

Solution

1. Preparation

• Gather necessary tools and parts.
• Ensure the vehicle is on a flat surface and secure it with wheel chocks.
• Wear safety glasses and gloves.

2. Remove Wheel

• Loosen the lug nuts on the affected wheel using a socket wrench.
• Lift the vehicle with a jack and secure it on jack stands.
• Remove the lug nuts and take off the wheel.

3. Inspect and Replace Brake Pads

• Remove the caliper bolts using a ratchet and socket.
• Carefully slide the caliper off the rotor and support it without straining the brake line.
• Remove old brake pads from the caliper bracket.
• Install new brake pads, ensuring they are properly aligned in the caliper bracket.

4. Inspect and Replace Brake Rotors (if necessary)

• Check the rotor condition; if warped or scored, remove the rotor by unscrewing any retaining screws.
• Clean the hub surface with a wire brush.
• Install new rotors, ensuring they are properly seated and secured.

5. Reassemble Braking Components

• Reattach the caliper over the new brake pads and rotor.
• Tighten the caliper bolts to the manufacturer’s specified torque value (usually around 20-30 ft-lbs).
• Reinstall the wheel and hand-tighten the lug nuts.

6. Lower Vehicle and Test Brakes

• Lower the vehicle off the jack stands.
• Torque the lug nuts to the manufacturer’s specifications (typically 75-100 ft-lbs).
• Pump the brake pedal a few times to seat the pads.
• Test drive the vehicle to ensure the grinding noise is resolved.