Table of Contents
Getting Ready for the Job
Before you touch a single bolt, make sure the vehicle is on a flat surface and the parking brake is fully engaged. Use a jack to lift the rear of the Ford Edge and secure it with jack stands. Remove the center cover on the rear wheel hub if your model has one; this gives you better access to the brake components. A small tab on the cover can be pried out with a pry bar, then the cover is set aside for the duration of the job.
Wheel and Caliper Removal
With the wheel off, locate the five 19‑mm lug nuts that hold the wheel to the hub. Remove them and set the wheel aside. The caliper sits over the rotor and is held in place by a set of slider bolts and a bracket. Use a 14‑mm socket to loosen the slider bolts, then slide the caliper away from the pads and rotor. Keep the caliper bracket and the two mounting bolts in a safe spot; they will be re‑installed later.
Releasing the Caliper Piston
Before removing the pads, the piston must be pushed back to make room for new, thicker pads. Insert a small pry bar into the slot on the caliper and gently push the piston toward the rotor. This may require several attempts; the piston will resist until it moves enough to clear the rotor. Once the piston is fully retracted, inspect the outer boot for tears or fluid leaks. If the boot is intact, set the piston aside and keep the caliper bracket clean.
Rotor and Pad Replacement
Remove the caliper bracket bolts (15‑mm sockets) and lift the bracket away. The rotor is now exposed. If it is stuck, use a hammer to tap it gently while keeping the original lug nuts in place to prevent the rotor from falling. Once the rotor is free, clean the hub mating surface with a wire brush, removing rust and debris. Install the new rotor, aligning it with the hub and securing it with the original lug nuts. Adjust the parking brake shoes by turning the adjustment cog until the brake shoes just touch the rotor, then back off slightly to avoid binding.
Reassembling the Caliper and Final Checks
Reinstall the caliper bracket, making sure the vibration dampener on the slider pin matches the side it came from. Apply a thin coat of high‑temperature caliper lubricant to the piston and the backside of the bracket ears. Tighten the slider bolts to 20 ft‑lb and the mounting bolts to 66 ft‑lb. Reattach the wheel, hand‑tighten the lug nuts, then torque them to 100 ft‑lb in a criss‑cross pattern. If your vehicle has a center cover, install it and align the lug nuts with the corresponding ports. Pump the brake pedal a few times to seat the pads and ensure the pedal feels firm before taking the vehicle for a test drive.
Wrapping Up
Replacing the rear brakes on a Ford Edge is a methodical process that begins with proper safety measures and ends with a thorough inspection. By carefully removing the wheel, caliper, and rotor, cleaning every surface, and reassembling with the correct torque specifications, you can restore braking performance without compromising safety. After both sides are finished, give the brake pedal a final pump to confirm that the system is fully engaged. With the new pads and rotors in place, your Edge should feel responsive and ready for the road.