How to replace the brakes?

Tiny
CARFIXES
  • MEMBER
  • 1998 FORD E-SERIES VAN
  • 5.4L
  • V8
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 300,000 MILES
Doing front and rear brake job on the vehicle listed above Econoline Club Wagon E-150. I need the following information:

1. Procedure for the front and rear brakes job.
2. All torque specs for the job, including, but without limitation to, the banjo bolt that holds the brake hose to caliper (front brake), caliper bolts, and caliper bracket bolts.
3. Brake bleeding procedure (i know how to bleed brakes but not familiar with the 4wabs unit. I read on older years that ford has a special tool that holds the 4wabs unit open during the bleeding procedure. I'd like to know the location of the 4wabs unit and whether the ABS can be bled with a scanner that does "abs bleeding" but without this Ford tool)
4. Could you also send a picture of what the 4WABS unit looks like?


Thank you.
Saturday, June 24th, 2023 AT 3:59 PM

3 Replies

Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 42,968 POSTS
I can provide you with general instructions for a front and rear brake job on a 1998 Ford Econoline Club Wagon E-150. However, please note that torque specifications and specific procedures may vary, so it's always a good idea to consult the vehicle's service manual for accurate information. Additionally, I'm unable to provide pictures directly, but I can describe the 4WABS unit for you. Here's the information you requested:

Procedure for the Front Brake Job:
Lift the front of the vehicle and secure it on jack stands.
Remove the wheels.

Locate the brake caliper and remove the caliper bolts.
Hang the caliper using a wire or bungee cord to prevent stress on the brake hose.
Remove the brake pads and inspect them for wear. Replace if necessary.
Use a C-clamp or brake caliper tool to compress the caliper piston back into its housing.

Install new brake pads into the caliper.
Reinstall the caliper onto the caliper bracket and tighten the caliper bolts to the specified torque.

Replace any worn or damaged hardware, such as shims or clips.
Repeat the process for the other side.
Install the wheels and lower the vehicle.
Pump the brake pedal a few times to restore brake pressure before driving the vehicle.

Torque Specifications:
Caliper Bolts: Torque the caliper bolts to the manufacturer's specifications, typically around 25-35 lb-ft (34-47 Nm).
Caliper Bracket Bolts: Torque the caliper bracket bolts to the manufacturer's specifications, usually around 80-100 lb-ft (108-135 Nm).
Banjo Bolt: The torque specification for the banjo bolt holding the brake hose to the caliper may vary. Consult the service manual or use a torque wrench to tighten it securely.

Brake Bleeding Procedure:
To bleed the brakes on a vehicle with a 4WABS (4-Wheel Anti-Lock Brake System) unit, you generally need a scan tool that supports ABS bleeding functionality. However, some scan tools may not be able to perform this function on older vehicles like the 1998 Ford Econoline Club Wagon. In such cases, you can still perform a manual brake bleeding procedure without using the Ford tool for holding the 4WABS unit open.
Locate the brake bleeder valves on each wheel cylinder or caliper. They are usually located on the backside of the caliper or wheel cylinder.
Start with the wheel furthest from the master cylinder (usually the passenger rear) and then move progressively closer to the master cylinder.

Have a helper pump the brake pedal several times and then hold it down.
Open the bleeder valve slowly to allow air and fluid to escape. You should see a steady stream of brake fluid without air bubbles.
Close the bleeder valve before your helper releases the brake pedal.
Repeat the process, ensuring there is no air in the system and the brake pedal feels firm.

Remember to check and refill the brake fluid reservoir periodically to prevent it from running dry during the bleeding process.
4WABS Unit Location and Appearance:

The 4WABS unit on the 1998 Ford Econoline Club Wagon E-150 is typically located in the engine compartment, mounted to the brake lines or the frame. It may resemble a rectangular or box-shaped module with brake lines connected to it. The specific appearance and location may vary slightly, so it's advisable to consult the vehicle's service manual or refer to online resources for accurate images.
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Sunday, June 25th, 2023 AT 11:12 AM
Tiny
CARFIXES
  • MEMBER
  • 4 POSTS
Hi Ken,

Thanks for replying. I don't have a service manual to get the exact torque specs, that's why I posted the question on this site. I attempted tightening the banjo bolt that holds the brake hose to the caliper, but fluid kept leaking from there. I don't want to go through bunch of washers and/or keep introduce air into the brake system every time I reopen the hose to replace the washers that's why I'm hoping someone on here could lookup those torque specs for this specific vehicle. If you could find me the torque specs, at least for the Banjo Bolt and caliper bolts (front brakes), I would really appreciate it. Thanks
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Sunday, June 25th, 2023 AT 5:50 PM
Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 42,968 POSTS
Here are the torque specs and I found more instructions for you in the images below:

Caliper Bleeder Screws 13-17 ft. Lb
Disc Brake Caliper Bolts 22-26 ft. Lb
Front Caliper Anchor Plate Bolts 141-191 ft. Lb
Front Brake Hose-to-Caliper Flow Bolt 23-29 ft. Lb

I would check the sealing surfaces of the banjo bolt and use new washers only. Check out the images (below). Please let us know if you need anything else to get the problem fixed.
.
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Monday, June 26th, 2023 AT 12:08 PM

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