How to change/replace brake pads for 2023 Ford F-150?

Here is the full 2023 Ford F-150 Brake Pads Guide – By Model / Powertrain with critical safety protocols Ford Techs use.

2023 FORD F-150 BRAKE PADS – COMPLETE MODEL-SPECIFIC GUIDE

1. Identify Your 2023 Model – Brakes Are NOT The Same

2023 has 3 different brake systems:

2. Critical Safety Protocols (Ford Official)

READ THIS BEFORE TOUCHING ANYTHING:

A. General Safety – All 2023 Models:

1. Work on level concrete, chock opposite wheels, use jack stands — never only a jack
2. Engine OFF, key fob 15ft away from truck to prevent auto EPB engagement
3. Wear safety glasses + nitrile gloves — brake dust contains metal
4. DO NOT inhale brake dust, use brake cleaner, not compressed air
5. After job: Pump pedal 5 times BEFORE shifting to Drive, or you will have zero brakes

B. PowerBoost Hybrid Specific – HIGH VOLTAGE DANGER:

1. PowerBoost has electric brake booster that can prime even with truck OFF. Disable it:
– Open hood, disconnect 12V negative battery (in rear under seat for PowerBoost)
– Wait 5 minutes for capacitor discharge
2. Do NOT open driver door during job — it triggers brake pump
3. If you get RED brake warning, you need dealer scan tool to bleed

C. Lightning (Electric) Specific:

1. Turn OFF One-Pedal Driving in touchscreen
2. Pull high-voltage disconnect loop in frunk is NOT needed for pads, but DO disconnect 12V negative under frunk panel
3. Lightning is 6500+ lbs — use 3-ton minimum jack

D. Raptor / Tremor Off-Road:

– Remove wheel well debris, calipers pack with mud — clean slide pins thoroughly or they seize
– Blue Loctite 243 on caliper bracket bolts due to vibration

3. All Parts Needed for 2023 by Model

For XL/XLT/Lariat 2.7L/5.0L:
– Front Pads: Motorcraft BRF-1585 / PowerStop Z36-1585
– Rear Pads: BRF-1768
– Hardware: Carlson H5846 Front, H6216 Rear
– Fluid: DOT 4 LV (Low Viscosity) PM-20 – 2023 requires LV only

For 3.5L EcoBoost / PowerBoost / Platinum / Limited:
– Front Pads: BRF-2039 (Heavy Duty version)
– Rear Pads: BRF-2002
– Same hardware but heavy-duty shims

For Raptor / Raptor R / Tremor:
– Front Pads: BRF-2075 (Raptor specific high-temp)
– Rear Pads: BRF-1768
– Rotors often drilled – replace as set if grooved

For Lightning:
– Front Pads: ML3Z-2001-C (Electric specific low-noise)
– Rear Pads: ML3Z-2200-B

4. Model-Specific Replacement Steps

Step 1: Enter EPB Service Mode (All 2023 models – MANDATORY)

This is critical. If you skip, you will destroy $450 EPB motor.

Method without scanner (works on all 2023):

1. Ignition ON (press START without brake)
2. Press gas pedal to floor + hold
3. While holding gas, press and HOLD EPB switch DOWN (release position) for 5 seconds
4. Keep holding gas + EPB, press START to OFF, then immediately back to ON
5. Dash shows “Park Brake Maintenance Mode”
6. Release gas and switch

With scanner: Tools > EPB > Service Mode

Step 2: Front Axle (Same for all models)

1. Loosen lugs 21mm, lift, jack stands, remove wheel
2. Remove caliper bolts 13mm, hang caliper
3. Remove old pads + clips, wire brush bracket
4. Clean, grease new clips with silicone grease
5. Compress front piston straight back with C-clamp — open brake fluid cap to ease pressure
6. Install pads, reinstall caliper, torque to 27 ft-lbs
7. Bracket bolts (if rotor change): 184 ft-lbs XL/XLT, 184 ft-lbs Raptor

Step 3: Rear Axle (EPB – Different)

1. After service mode, rear piston is retracted but still needs screwing
2. Remove caliper bolts 13mm
3. Use wind-back tool to SCREW piston clockwise while pushing — DO NOT just push
4. Install new hardware + pads
5. Torque caliper bolts 27 ft-lbs, bracket bolts 122 ft-lbs

Step 4: Exit Service Mode & Relearn

1. Install wheels, lower, torque lugs 150 ft-lbs all models
2. Reconnect 12V if disconnected
3. Exit EPB mode: Ignition ON, hold gas, PULL EPB switch UP 5 seconds until “Normal Mode”
4. Press brake pedal 5 times slowly, hold 10 sec on last press
5. For PowerBoost/Lightning: Start truck, you will hear booster pump hum 3-5 sec — normal
6. Check for lights: No ABS, no BRAKE light should remain

5. Bed-In & Torque Specs for 2023

Torque Chart 2023:
– Lug Nuts ALL models: 150 ft-lbs
– Front Caliper Slide: 27 ft-lbs
– Rear Caliper Slide: 27 ft-lbs
– Front Bracket: 184 ft-lbs
– Rear Bracket: 122 ft-lbs

Bed-In (Critical for Warranty):
– Do 5 moderate stops 30mph to 5mph
– Do 3 hard stops 50mph to 20mph without full stop
– Drive 5 min to cool, no hard braking for 200 miles
– Lightning: Do bed-in with 1-pedal OFF

6. Final Safety Check List (Do Not Skip)

– [ ] Fluid level between MIN/MAX
– [ ] No leaks at caliper
– [ ] Pedal firm before driving
– [ ] No warning lights
– [ ] Pumped brakes before moving
– [ ] EPB holds on incline
– [ ] Torque wrench used on all bolts

When to STOP and go to dealer: Brake pedal goes to floor, ABS light stays on, EPB won’t exit service mode, or red brake warning on PowerBoost/Lightning.