my Ford F-150 14th Generation (2021-2024) has a lot of brake dust on the wheels, is this normal?

Solution

1. Preparation

• Gather all necessary tools and parts.
• Park the vehicle on a level surface and engage the parking brake.
• Ensure the engine is off and the vehicle has cooled down.

2. Remove Wheel

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

3. Inspect and Replace Brake Pads

• Inspection:
  • Check the brake pads for uneven wear or excessive dust accumulation.
  • If pads are worn down to less than 3mm thickness, replace them.
• Replacement:
  • Remove the caliper bolts using a socket set.
  • Carefully slide the caliper off the rotor and support it (do not let it hang by the brake line).
  • Remove the old brake pads from the caliper bracket.
  • Install new brake pads, ensuring they are seated properly in the caliper bracket.
  • Reinstall the caliper over the new pads and secure it with the bolts.

4. Inspect and Replace Rotors (if necessary)

• Check the rotor surface for grooves or uneven wear.
• If the rotor thickness is below specifications or if it is warped, replace it.
• Remove the caliper bracket if needed and then detach the rotor.
• Install the new rotor and reattach the caliper bracket.

5. Reassemble Wheel

• Place the wheel back onto the hub.
• Hand-tighten the lug nuts and then lower the vehicle.
• Tighten the lug nuts to the manufacturer’s torque specifications (typically around 100-150 lb-ft).

6. Test Drive

• After the repair, perform a test drive to ensure proper braking performance and check for any abnormal noises.

Tools Required:

• Lug wrench
• Jack and jack stands
• Socket set
• Caliper tool (if required for piston retraction)
• Brake cleaner

Parts Required:

• Brake pads
• Brake rotors (if necessary)
• Brake grease

Estimated Repair Time: 2-4 hours

Safety Warnings:

• Always disconnect the battery before working on brake systems.
• Allow brakes to cool before touching any components.