my Ford Mustang S550 (2015-2023) makes a grinding noise when braking

Solution

1. Preparation

• Gather necessary tools and parts.
• Ensure the vehicle is parked on a level surface.
• Engage the parking brake and place wheel chocks behind the rear wheels.

2. Remove Wheel

1. Loosen the lug nuts on the affected wheel with a socket wrench.
2. Lift the vehicle using a jack and secure it with jack stands.
3. Remove the lug nuts and take off the wheel to access the brake components.

3. Inspect and Replace Brake Pads

1. Remove the caliper by unscrewing the caliper bolts using a socket set (typically 13mm or 15mm).
2. Carefully slide the caliper off the rotor, supporting it with a bungee cord or similar to avoid strain on the brake line.
3. Remove the old brake pads from the caliper bracket.
4. Inspect the pads for wear; if they are less than 1/8 inch thick or show signs of damage, replace them with new pads.
5. Apply brake grease to the backing of the new pads to reduce noise.
6. Install the new brake pads into the caliper bracket.

4. Inspect and Resurface or Replace Rotors

1. Check the rotor surface for scoring or warping. If excessive, resurface or replace the rotors.
2. If resurfacing, ensure to follow manufacturer specifications for thickness.
3. If replacing, remove the rotor by unscrewing the retaining screws (if applicable) and sliding it off the hub.

5. Reassemble Braking Components

1. Reinstall the caliper over the new brake pads and rotor.
2. Tighten the caliper bolts to the manufacturer’s torque specifications (usually around 25-35 ft-lbs).
3. Reinstall the wheel and hand-tighten the lug nuts.
4. Lower the vehicle and fully tighten the lug nuts in a crisscross pattern to ensure even pressure.