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Autopapyrus · Ford Focus III
https://autopapyrus.com/guides/ford/focus/front-brake-pad-replacement/
Compiled automatically from service literature and owner experience. Specs are for the typical configuration — check them against your exact car before you start.

Ford Focus III: Front Brake Pad Replacement

The front brake pads on the Ford Focus III should be replaced every 20,000-30,000 km (12,000-18,000 miles), depending on driving style. The procedure does not require removing the caliper from its guide pins. It is enough to swing it out of the way.

Difficulty: Easy Time: 30-40 minutes per side Steps: 13

Part

№PartAlternatives
01 Front brake pads Ford (Ferodo) or Ford (Motorcraft)set Bosch, Ferodo, Textar

Tools

6
  • jack
  • lug wrench
  • 13 mm socket
  • flat-blade screwdriver
  • torque wrench
  • brake caliper piston retraction tool or C-clamp
There's a full repair manual for this car Every system, wiring diagrams and torque specs — not just this job. Haynes and 25 more. See manuals →

Step by step

13 steps
  1. Raise the front of the vehicle with a jack and remove the wheel.
  2. Loosen the brake fluid reservoir cap in the engine bay so that fluid does not get forced out when you push the piston back.
  3. Carefully press the caliper piston inward with a flat-blade screwdriver inserted between the rotor and the pad (do not damage the rotor).
  4. Remove the lower caliper guide bolt with a 13 mm socket.
  5. Swing the caliper upward around the upper bolt. Do not let the caliper hang by the brake hose. Support it or tie it to the suspension with wire.
  6. Remove the old pads from the caliper bracket and take out the retaining springs (if fitted).
  7. Clean the pad seats on the bracket of dirt and rust, and apply a thin layer of dedicated caliper grease to the guide pins (not to the friction surfaces of the pads).
  8. Install the new pads with the retaining springs.
  9. Lower the caliper back into place and tighten the guide bolt to 28 N·m (21 lb-ft).
  10. Install the wheel, tighten the wheel bolts, and lower the vehicle.
  11. Press the brake pedal firmly several times until the piston brings the pads up against the rotor.
  12. Check the brake fluid level and top up to the MAX mark if necessary.
  13. Bed in the new pads over the first 200-300 km (125-185 miles) and avoid hard braking.

Common mistakes and warnings

  • For the first several stops after replacing the pads, braking performance will be reduced
  • This is normal, as the pads are bedding in to the rotors
  • Do not overload the brakes during the first few kilometers
  • Check the condition of the brake rotors: if the thickness is less than 20-21 mm or there are deep grooves, replace them along with the pads
  • New rotors are 25 mm thick, and the minimum allowed by Ford specification is 23 mm
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