how to fix my Ford F-150 12th Generation (2009-2014) grinding brakes noise

Solution

1. Preparation

• Gather tools and parts needed for the repair.
• Ensure the vehicle is parked on a level surface and the parking brake is engaged.
• Disconnect the negative battery cable to prevent any electrical issues during the repair.

2. Remove Wheel

• Tools Required: Lug wrench, jack, jack stands.
• Loosen the lug nuts slightly while the wheel is still on the ground.
• Lift the vehicle using the jack and secure it with jack stands.
• Completely remove the lug nuts and take off the wheel to access the brake components.

3. Inspect and Replace Brake Pads

• Check the brake pads for wear; if they are worn down to 1/8 inch or less, replace them.
• Remove the caliper bolts using a socket wrench and carefully slide the caliper off the rotor.
• Use a C-clamp to compress the caliper piston back into the caliper housing.
• Remove the old brake pads and install new ones, ensuring they are oriented correctly.
• Reinstall the caliper and tighten the caliper bolts to the manufacturer’s torque specifications (typically around 20-30 ft-lbs).

4. Inspect and Replace Brake Rotors (if necessary)

• If the rotors are below the minimum thickness or have scoring, replace them.
• Remove the caliper bracket if rotors are being replaced, and take the rotor off the hub.
• Clean the hub surface and install new rotors.
• Reinstall the caliper bracket and caliper as previously described.

5. Reassemble and Reinstall Wheel

• Put the wheel back on and hand-tighten the lug nuts.
• Lower the vehicle back to the ground and torque the lug nuts to the manufacturer’s specifications (typically around 100 ft-lbs).
• Reconnect the negative battery cable.