
First, open the engine compartment and check if the brake fluid level is at the normal position to avoid overflow during the brake pad replacement process. Use a jack to align with the support points under the car, then raise it. Once the tire is completely off the ground, remove the tire. Next, use a wrench with a socket to remove the bolts of the brake caliper, then directly take off the old brake pads. Push the brake piston back in and install the new brake pads. Finally, after installation, check the brake fluid level again.

Last year, I replaced the rear brake pads on my Lincoln Navigator myself, and the process felt quite straightforward. First, gather the necessary tools: safety gloves, a jack, a new brake pad kit, a wrench set, and a rubber hammer just in case. Park on a level surface and engage the parking brake to secure the wheels. Slowly lift the vehicle with the jack, ensuring it’s safely positioned. After removing the rear wheel, you’ll see the brake caliper—remove its mounting bolts. Carefully take out the old brake pads—the Navigator’s calipers are quite large, so a bit of force might be needed. Next, retract the piston: use a C-clamp or a specialized tool to press it back slowly to avoid damage. After cleaning the caliper, install the new brake pads and tighten the bolts. Reattach the wheel and lower the vehicle. Finally, perform a test drive: move at low speed and gently apply the brakes a few times to check responsiveness. The whole process took about an hour and saved a lot of money compared to going to a shop. Remember to keep brake cleaner handy to remove any leftover dust. DIY is cost-effective but requires patience—watching a few video tutorials beforehand can help avoid hiccups.

As a not-so-professional car owner, I've tried DIY brake pad replacement on my Lincoln Navigator's rear wheels, which proved quite challenging. First, ensure the vehicle is securely parked and be extra cautious when jacking up the rear wheels to prevent the jack from slipping. After removing the wheel, handling the caliper requires removing several bolts—be careful not to lose them. Retracting the piston is the tricky part and might require special tools. When installing new pads, check for any gaps to avoid squeaking noises. After replacement, always test brake responsiveness and drive a few laps before stopping to feel if the wheel hubs are overheating—excessive heat indicates installation issues. If you're not confident, it's advisable to take it to a repair shop to avoid safety hazards. Given the Navigator's heavy SUV weight, DIY attempts are prone to errors. Overall, buying brake pad kits saves about half compared to dealership service, but requires time for learning and hands-on work. Remember to wear proper protection—gloves are essential.

Replacing Navigator Rear Brake Pads: Park securely, jack up the vehicle, and remove the wheel. Remove caliper bolts to extract old pads. Press pistons back into position—use tools gently. Clean caliper surface before installing new pads. Then install new brake pads, tighten bolts, and reassemble the caliper. Reinstall wheel, lower vehicle, and test: Start engine and check brake function by pressing pedal. Simple but prioritize safety—having complete tools is crucial. Don’t rush the process; proceed step-by-step to avoid errors. Lincoln SUV’s rear braking system is slightly more complex, so consulting the manual beforehand is advisable.


