How to Replace Focus Brake Pads?
3 Answers
Steps to replace Focus brake pads are as follows: 1. First, determine the model of the brake pads. The original front brake pads for Ford Focus are 7M512K021AALC, and the original rear brake pads are BV612M007BA. 2. Before replacing the brake pads, check the brake fluid. If the brake fluid level is above the maximum limit, some of the brake fluid should be extracted to prevent overflow during the replacement process. 3. Remove the wheel where the brake is located, and use a wrench with a socket to remove the bolts of the brake caliper. 4. Take off the old brake pads and replace them with the new ones.
I've tried changing the brake pads on my Focus a few times, and it feels like doing a little DIY project. First, park the car on level ground and engage the handbrake, then use a jack to lift the front wheel—remember to secure the rear wheels with wheel chocks to prevent rolling. After removing the tire, unscrew the caliper bolts, but don’t use too much force to avoid damaging the brake line. I used a C-clamp to gently push the piston back, creating enough gap to fit the new pads. After taking out the old pads, compare them with the new ones to check the thickness, then reinstall everything and tighten the bolts without over-torquing—about 15 Nm is enough. After remounting the tire, slowly lower the car and pump the brakes a few times to reset the piston. The first time I did it, I was a bit clumsy, but after watching a few YouTube videos, it became smoother. A quick tip: wear gloves to avoid grease stains, and check the brake discs for wear marks—if the grooves are deeper than 2mm, it’s best to replace them together to ensure braking performance. The whole process takes less than an hour, saving a few hundred bucks while boosting your confidence in car repairs.
Be extra careful with safety when changing brake pads. I've seen a friend almost have an accident. The Focus is heavy, so make sure the jack is placed on a hard surface when lifting, and add bricks under the wheels for extra security. Before removing the caliper, loosen the brake fluid cap a bit to release pressure and avoid overflow. When pushing the piston back, use a C-clamp and do it slowly to prevent damaging the seals. Pay attention to the direction when installing new pads—don’t put them in backward. The Focus caliper has sliding pins, so clean and lubricate them before reuse. After completion, test the brakes by gradually increasing speed to check stopping distance—it should be silent under normal conditions. If unsure, replace one side first to compare the effect, and don’t work alone—get an assistant. Replacement intervals depend on driving habits; for city commuting, check pad thickness every 40,000 km. Replace if thinner than 3mm, or else you’ll wear out the brake discs, costing more. Safety first—avoid attempting this at night or in the rain.
