Changing front brake pads/rotors 2003 Escape V6

[nepadriver]

Never tried this job before, want to tackle it, if I back away at least I can rotate the tires.

That being said, I've got on hand a 2 ton floor jack, naked V6 4x4 Escape is 3340 lbs or so if I recall, I'll empty the [censored] out of it before I start to be on the safe side. I also have 2x2 ton jack stands. Also have heavy duty ramps.

The maintenance manual, btw, only assume you jack car up using their jack, to replace 1 tire. I'd like to rotate if I could, otherwise this wouldn't be an issue. So there is really only one spot near each tire to jack/support from what I can tell.

Issue: How the heck does one safely jack up the Escape and then place the stands in the correct location? Not really an easy fit, can't get it to work. Saw a picture of someone else with same issue in Escape forums using a 2x4 on what looks like sheet metal to use floor jack, then placing jack stand at the spot (arm joint) recommended by Ford in the manual.

Anyone hear doing this on your Escape/Mariner/Tribute? earlier (2005 & earlier) models?

My plan , because of this, was to drive both wheels of one side onto ramps (lets say passenger side), block the opposite 2 wheels (driver side), place jack stands at correct spot passenger side now support, remove ramps & tires, and then try to tackle front brakes, then rotate tires on that side. Bad idea?

Also, anyone use ACDelco ceramic pads and their rotors (front disc)? Anything better for similar price?

 

[Eddie]

The ramp idea don't sound good to me. I'd jack the front up buy using a 2X6 under a center cross member and the floor jack. Place the jack-stands and lower the jack. I assume this is a FWD which probably means you will need to do a rear to front cross and fronts straight back on the same side which is a pain to do at home.

 

[abycat]

If it were me I would get the whole vehicle off the ground. You only have two stands but you need 4 for the job. Get some 2x4 or 2x6 Pieces of wood and use those on the rear and the two stands on the front. Make sure your on level groung and jack up each wheel independantly and block it. Then have at it. While its safely in the air take a look underneath for obvious signs of something else to be replaced or addressed. Good luck and be safe.

I once jacked up my old car when i was young (doing the brakes) and i had the jack on gravel and it tipped over when i was pulling the rear drum off with my hands on the top and bottom. The drum hit the ground with my 4 fingers under it. I had to reposition the jack and jack it up with my hand pinned under the drum for a few minutes.

I have all my fingers and they work just fine but for three months I had some messed up fingers.

 

[bepperb]

There isn't a center jack point front and rear?

I've always jacked from the center, then let my cars down on jack stands one axle at a time. I've never needed four jack stands to do a brake job or to rotate tires.

 

[nepadriver]

I think this thread explains what I see:
http://www.escape-city.com/viewtopic.php?f=8&t=1814&sid=14f4c114357fee54091fa9a763d6f61f

 

[bepperb]

I just don't see how you can drive a car on ramps, place jackstands underneath, and remove ramps. Each ramp will have hundreds of pounds of weight on it, they aren't going to slide out.

I'd jack using the jack points on each corner (a first for me) and then put the jack stands at the pinch welds or the locations in that thread.

I do an axle at a time, not a side. That way you're working on the same thing at the same time and if you have to stop halfway though it isn't wildly unsafe to drive.

 

[mechtech2]

Ramps won't work for a brake job!
You could rotate the tires one at a time by integrating a spare tire [temporary] as you go to each corner.

 

[cos]

nepadriver,

I have an '02 Escape. I jack up the front by placing my floor jack (with a small piece of wood in the round metal cup) under the boxed section of frame where the back portion of the A-arm attaches. Look just behind the either front tire and you'll see it. It is very sturdy! As for the back I place the jack under the rear frame section that houses the rear diff (which I don't have, mine is 2WD). I also place jack stands under the frame rails for safety.

 

[MysticGold04]

Yep,

just recently did a brake job and rotated tires on my Focus..
Jacked up the front one side at a time and lowered onto jackstands, then lifted the back with a shop jack to rotate the tires. Then reversed when done...

 

[Quest]

to OP:

Sorry to rain on your parade but after weighing all the postings and your original post, I'd go against most other poster's wishes and recommend you to find a shop or indy to get your brakes done, citing that (a) you don't seem to know what's the best/safest way to jack up an automobile securely to service brakes; (b ) you haven't mention/seem to know how to do brakes.

remember 1 thing: properly installed, functional braking system is what brings your vehicle safely to a stop, and provide you the proper braking functionality when called for. I don't want to see you or your loved ones get into life-threatening situations in this case.

An improperly serviced braking system will compromise your/your loved ones safety, and you are liable for that.


**just a thought**

Q.

 

[threeputtpar]

If you do go through with changing your front brakes, you may want to get a 9mm hex head socket for the caliper bolts. I did a 2006 Escape and nobody carries a 9mm socket or allen key, unless you buy one off of the Snap-On truck for $$$.

I special ordered one from Fastenal and it was less than $8 and took two days to come into my local store.