Your Guide to Ford Edge Rear Disc Brake Pads

Maintaining your vehicle's braking system is paramount for your safety and the safety of others on the road. The Ford Edge, a popular SUV and CUV in the UK, relies on a robust braking system, and its rear disc brake pads play a critical role in its stopping power. This comprehensive guide is designed to assist Ford Edge owners, particularly those with first-generation (2007-2014) and second-generation (2015-2022) models, in understanding and confidently undertaking the replacement of their rear brake pads. By following these detailed instructions, you can ensure your Ford Edge remains safe and responsive, potentially saving on garage labour costs.

Understanding Your Ford Edge's Rear Brakes

Like most modern vehicles, the Ford Edge utilises disc brakes on all four wheels. This system consists of a brake rotor (or disc) that rotates with the wheel, and a caliper which houses the brake pads. When you press the brake pedal, hydraulic pressure forces the caliper to clamp the brake pads against the rotor, creating friction that slows and stops the vehicle. Over time, the friction material on the brake pads wears down, necessitating their replacement to maintain effective braking.

Do Ford Edge Models Use Rear Disc Brake Pads?

Absolutely, yes. All Ford Edge models, from the first generation introduced in 2007 right through to the latest models, are equipped with rear disc brake pads. This design provides consistent and reliable braking performance, which is essential for a vehicle of the Edge's size and capability.

Generations of the Ford Edge: What You Need to Know

While the fundamental principles of brake pad replacement remain similar, there are key distinctions between the Ford Edge's generations, primarily concerning the parking brake mechanism. Understanding your model year is crucial for a successful DIY brake job:

• First Generation (2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014): These models typically feature a traditional, mechanical parking brake. This simplifies the brake pad replacement process as there's no electronic system to disengage.
• Second Generation (2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022): Many second-generation Ford Edge vehicles are equipped with an EPB (Electronic Parking Brake). If your Edge has this system, you must place it into a specific 'maintenance' or 'service' mode before attempting any brake work. Failure to do so can cause significant damage to the braking system.

Essential Tools and Materials for the Job

Before you begin, gather all the necessary tools and replacement parts. Having everything to hand will make the process smoother and safer. While some tools are universal, others depend on your Edge's generation.

Universal Tools & Materials:

• Lug nut wrench (often found with your spare tyre in the boot)
• Floor jack
• Two jack stands (for crucial safety)
• Brake parts cleaner spray
• Brake caliper grease (specifically high-temperature, synthetic grease)
• Twine or rope (to suspend the caliper)
• Blue medium strength Permatex Threadlocker (optional, for caliper bolts)
• CRC Disc Brake Quiet gel (optional, for anti-squeal)

First Generation (2007-2014) Specific Tools:

• 14mm socket and ratchet
• 'C' or 'F' clamp (for compressing the piston)
• Breaker bar or rubber mallet (optional, for stubborn bolts)

Second Generation (2015-2022) Specific Tools:

• Flat head screwdriver or a pair of pliers (for retaining clip)
• 7mm hex head socket with a 3/8" drive ratchet or a 7mm Allen key spanner
• Lisle 28600 disc brake piston tool or a sturdy pair of needle nose pliers (essential for rotating and compressing the piston)

Compatible Rear Brake Pads:

Always ensure you purchase high-quality brake pads compatible with your specific Ford Edge model year. Here's a table of common compatible part numbers:

Preparing Your Ford Edge for Rear Brake Pad Replacement

Proper preparation is key to a safe and efficient brake job. Always prioritise safety above all else.

1. Park on a Level Surface: Drive your Ford Edge onto a firm, level surface, such as a concrete driveway.
2. Engage Park & Turn Off Ignition: Shift the gearbox into 'Park' and turn off the engine. Remove the key from the ignition or ensure the push-button start system is completely off.
3. Disengage Parking Brake (Crucial for Mechanical Brakes): Ensure the emergency/parking brake is NOT engaged. If it is set, you will not be able to remove the caliper or old brake pads.
4. Loosen Lug Nuts: Using your lug nut wrench, slightly loosen the five lug nuts on the rear wheel you intend to work on. Turn them 1/4 to 1/2 turn in the counter-clockwise direction. Do not remove them completely yet.
5. Raise and Support the Vehicle: Carefully raise the rear of the vehicle using the floor jack, positioning it at the designated jacking point (often indicated by an arrow on the underside). Once raised, immediately place at least two sturdy jack stands securely under the vehicle's frame. NEVER rely solely on the floor jack to support the vehicle. For added safety, consider chocking the front wheels.
6. Remove the Wheel: Once the vehicle is safely supported by the jack stands, fully remove the five lug nuts and carefully pull off the wheel to expose the brake caliper and rotor.

Navigating the Electronic Parking Brake (EPB) on Second-Generation Models (2015-2022)

If your Ford Edge (typically 2015 onwards) has an EPB (Electronic Parking Brake), you MUST place it into 'service' or 'maintenance' mode before proceeding. This retracts the electronic piston, preventing damage and allowing the caliper to be removed. Proceed with extreme caution and at your own risk!

1. Ignition ON (Engine OFF): Turn the ignition switch to the 'ON' position but do not start the engine. If you have a push-button 'START' system, simply tap the 'START' button once without pushing the brake pedal.
2. Depress Accelerator Pedal: Press and hold the accelerator (petrol) pedal all the way down.
3. Hold EPB Switch Down: Press and hold the EPB switch down in the 'RELEASE' (downward) position.
4. Maintain Hold: Continue to hold both the accelerator pedal and the EPB switch down.
5. Cycle Ignition: Switch the ignition to the 'OFF' position and then immediately back to 'ON' within 5 seconds. Do not start the engine.
6. Continue Holding: Continue to hold both the accelerator pedal down and the EPB switch in the 'Release' position.
7. Confirmation: You may hear the parking brakes deactivating. A yellow EPB indicator light should illuminate on the instrument cluster, and 'Park Brake Maintenance Mode' will be displayed on the LCD screen between the tachometer and speedometer gauges.

Important Warning: If you cannot successfully place your electronic parking brake into 'maintenance mode', DO NOT continue with this procedure. Consult a qualified mechanic or your Ford dealership. Attempting to force the caliper can cause expensive damage.

To exit brake maintenance mode, typically reverse the procedure or simply cycle the ignition off and on while holding the EPB switch in the "Engage" (upward) position for a few seconds until the message clears.

Step-by-Step Guide: Replacing Rear Brake Pads on a 1st Gen Ford Edge (2007-2014)

With the wheel removed and the vehicle securely supported, you can now begin the replacement process for first-generation models:

1. Remove Caliper Bolts: Locate the upper and lower 14mm caliper bolts. Use your 14mm socket and ratchet to remove both bolts. They might be stiff, so a breaker bar or a tap with a rubber mallet on the ratchet can help.
2. Remove and Suspend Caliper: Once the bolts are out, gently wiggle and slide the caliper off the old brake pads and the brake rotor. If it's stubborn, ensure the emergency brake is fully disengaged. Crucially, do not let the caliper hang by the brake fluid line; this can damage the line. Use twine or rope to suspend the brake caliper securely from the suspension spring.
3. Remove Old Brake Pads: With the caliper out of the way, simply grab the edge of the old brake pads and pull them away from the rotor. Pay close attention to where the wear indicator (or 'squeal' bar) is installed on the old pads. This will help you correctly position the new pads.
4. Clean Components: Thoroughly spray down the brake rotor and the caliper body with brake parts cleaner. This removes accumulated brake dust and debris, which can contribute to noise and uneven wear.
5. Apply Anti-Squeal (Optional): If your vehicle has experienced squealing or squeaking during braking, apply a thin, even layer of CRC Disc Brake Quiet gel to the backs of the new pads, specifically where they contact the caliper. NEVER apply anything to the friction material (the side that touches the rotor).
6. Prepare for Piston Compression: Remove the cap from the brake fluid reservoir located in the engine bay. This allows the brake fluid to flow back into the reservoir as you compress the caliper piston, preventing overflow and making the compression easier.
7. Compress the Piston: The new brake pads are thicker than the worn ones, so the caliper's piston needs to be compressed back into the caliper body to make room. Attach your 'C' or 'F' clamp to the brake caliper, using the back of an old pad against the piston to distribute pressure evenly. Compress the piston very slowly and steadily. Continuously monitor the brake fluid level in the reservoir to ensure it doesn't overflow. Only compress the piston as much as necessary to fit over the new pads.
8. Install New Brake Pads: Carefully slide the new brake pads into position between the upper and lower anti-rattle abutment clips until they sit flush against the brake rotor. Double-check that the wear indicator bar is installed in the same position as on the old pads.
9. Reinstall Caliper: Once the new pads are in place, you can carefully cut the rope supporting the caliper and lower it back over the new pads. Ensure that the upper and lower caliper pin dust boots align correctly with the bolt holes on the caliper.
10. Secure Caliper Bolts: If you have blue medium strength Permatex Threadlocker, apply a tiny bit to the threads of the caliper bolts. Insert the two caliper bolts and tighten them with your 14mm socket or spanner. Torque them down to the setting specified in your Ford Edge's service manual, typically around 20 to 25 ft-lbs (27-34 Nm) of torque.
11. Replace Reservoir Cap: Once finished, replace the cap on the brake fluid reservoir.

Step-by-Step Guide: Replacing Rear Brake Pads on a 2nd Gen Ford Edge (2015-2022)

Assuming you have successfully placed your EPB (Electronic Parking Brake) into 'maintenance mode', proceed with these steps:

1. Remove Brake Line Retaining Clip: Use a flat head screwdriver or a pair of pliers to carefully remove the brake line retaining clip that secures the brake line to the caliper. This allows for easier movement of the caliper.
2. Remove Caliper Guide Pin Bolts: Locate the two caliper guide pin bolts (often covered by dust caps). Use your 7mm hex head socket with a 3/8" drive ratchet or a 7mm Allen key spanner to remove these bolts.
3. Remove and Suspend Caliper: Gently slide the caliper off the old pads and rotor. As with the first generation, use twine or rope to suspend the caliper securely from the suspension spring. Do not let it hang by the brake fluid line.
4. Remove Old Brake Pads: Pull the old brake pads out from their retaining clips. Note the position of any wear indicators.
5. Clean Components: Thoroughly clean the rotor and caliper with brake parts cleaner. Ensure all brake dust and debris are removed.
6. Apply Anti-Squeal (Optional): If desired, apply CRC Disc Brake Quiet gel to the non-friction side of the new pads.
7. Prepare for Piston Compression: Remove the cap from the brake fluid reservoir in the engine bay.
8. Compress and Rotate the Piston: This is the most critical step for second-generation models. The piston on these calipers needs to be both compressed AND rotated simultaneously to retract fully. Use a dedicated disc brake piston tool (like the Lisle 28600) or, with care, a sturdy pair of needle nose pliers, to engage the notches on the piston face. As you rotate the piston clockwise, gently push it back into the caliper body. Do this slowly, monitoring the brake fluid level in the reservoir to prevent overflow.
9. Install New Brake Pads: Carefully slide the new brake pads into their respective positions, ensuring they sit correctly within the anti-rattle clips. Confirm the wear indicator is oriented correctly.
10. Reinstall Caliper: Guide the caliper back over the new pads and rotor, ensuring the guide pins align with their respective holes.
11. Secure Caliper Guide Pin Bolts: Reinsert the two caliper guide pin bolts. If using Permatex Threadlocker, apply a small amount. Tighten them to the manufacturer's specified torque, typically around 20-25 ft-lbs (27-34 Nm).
12. Reinstall Brake Line Retaining Clip: Secure the brake line back to the caliper with its retaining clip.
13. Replace Reservoir Cap: Reinstall the cap on the brake fluid reservoir.

Brake Rotor Considerations: To Turn or Replace?

When replacing brake pads, it's a common dilemma whether to 'turn' (machine) the existing brake rotors or replace them entirely. Unfortunately, the brake rotors on the Ford Edge, particularly at the rear, often do not have an abundance of material. This means that after some wear, it can be difficult to get even one machining turn out of the rotors before they fall under the minimum thickness specification. Overall runout and thickness variation on a rotor should ideally be less than 0.001 inches (0.025 mm).

If your rotors show significant grooving, scoring, or if you've experienced vibration or shuddering during braking, it's highly recommended to replace them. Given the limited material on Edge rotors, replacing them with new ones is often the safer, more reliable, and ultimately more cost-effective option in the long run. New rotors ensure a perfectly flat and smooth surface for your new pads to bed into, maximising braking performance and longevity.

Post-Replacement Checks and Best Practices

Once the new brake pads are installed and the wheels are back on, there are a few crucial final steps:

1. Reinstall Wheel & Torque Lug Nuts: Carefully reinstall the wheel, hand-tighten the lug nuts, then lower the vehicle. Once on the ground, use your lug nut wrench to fully tighten the lug nuts in a star pattern to the manufacturer's specified torque (consult your owner's manual for the exact figure, typically around 100 ft-lbs or 135 Nm).
2. Pump the Brake Pedal: Before starting the engine or driving, get inside the vehicle and pump the brake pedal several times. The pedal will initially feel soft or go nearly to the floor. Pumping it will push the caliper pistons back out, seating the new pads against the rotors and restoring a firm pedal feel. Do this until the pedal feels consistently firm.
3. Check Brake Fluid Level: After pumping the pedal, recheck the brake fluid level in the reservoir. Top it up to the 'MAX' line if necessary, using only the specified DOT 3 brake fluid for your Ford Edge. Do not overfill.
4. Bedding-In New Pads: New brake pads require a 'bedding-in' period to properly mate with the rotors and achieve optimal performance. For the first 200 miles or so, avoid sudden or harsh braking. Instead, perform a series of gentle stops from moderate speeds, gradually increasing the pressure. This allows the friction material to transfer evenly to the rotor surface.
5. Test Drive: Take your Ford Edge for a cautious test drive in a safe area, starting at low speeds. Listen for any unusual noises and pay attention to the brake pedal feel. If anything feels amiss, pull over immediately and re-inspect your work.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How often should I replace my Ford Edge rear brake pads?

The lifespan of brake pads varies greatly depending on driving style, environment, and pad material. Generally, rear pads might last between 30,000 to 70,000 miles. Regular inspection during tyre rotations or servicing is the best way to determine their condition.

What are the signs of worn brake pads?

Common signs include a squealing or grinding noise when braking, a dashboard brake warning light, a softer or 'mushier' brake pedal, a longer stopping distance, or the vehicle pulling to one side during braking.

Can I replace just the pads, or do I need new rotors too?

If your rotors are smooth, free of deep grooves, and above their minimum thickness specification, you can often replace just the pads. However, given the limited material on Ford Edge rotors and the cost-effectiveness, replacing both pads and rotors simultaneously often provides the best and safest outcome.

Is bleeding the brakes necessary after changing pads?

If you only replace the pads and do not open any brake lines, bleeding the brakes is not strictly necessary. However, if your brake fluid is old, dark, or if the brake pedal feels spongy after replacement, bleeding the system to replace the old fluid with fresh DOT 3 fluid is highly advisable.

What is 'brake shuddering' and how do I fix it?

Brake shuddering is a vibration felt through the brake pedal or steering wheel when braking. It's typically caused by warped brake rotors or uneven deposits of friction material on the rotor surface. The solution usually involves machining (turning) the rotors if they have enough material, or more commonly, replacing them with new ones.

What is 'maintenance mode' for the EPB?

'Maintenance mode' (or 'service mode') is a special diagnostic setting for vehicles equipped with an electronic parking brake. It electronically retracts the caliper piston, allowing the brake pads to be replaced without damaging the EPB mechanism. It is essential for second-generation Ford Edge models with this feature.

Are the front and rear brake pads the same on a Ford Edge?

No, the front and rear brake pads on a Ford Edge are different. They vary in size, shape, and often material composition due to the different braking demands on the front and rear axles. Always ensure you purchase the correct pads for the specific axle you are working on.

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