Now they tell me I need brakes? Is this normal?

Hi,

Replacing front brakes isn't too hard to do. You can expect to get approximately 25,000 miles from a set of pads, but that is based on the driver.

First, here is a link that shows how to replace brakes and rotors in general. You can use this as a guide.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-replace-front-brake-pads-and-rotors-fwd
_________________________________

Here are the directions specific to your vehicle. The attached pics correlate with the directions.

________________________________

2006 Mercury Truck Mountaineer 2WD V6-4.0L VIN E
Front
Vehicle Brakes and Traction Control Disc Brake System Brake Pad Service and Repair Procedures Front
FRONT
Brake Pads

Material

pic 1

pic 2

pic 3

Removal

WARNING: Use of any other than approved DOT 3 motor vehicle brake fluid will cause permanent damage to brake components and will render the brakes inoperative. Failure to follow these instructions may result in personal injury.

WARNING: Brake fluid contains polyglycol ethers and polyglycols. Avoid contact with eyes. Wash hands thoroughly after handling. If brake fluid contacts eyes, flush eyes with running water for 15 minutes. Get medical attention if irritation persists. If taken internally, drink water and induce vomiting. Get medical attention immediately. Failure to follow these instructions may result in personal injury.

CAUTION: Brake fluid is harmful to painted and plastic surfaces. If brake fluid is spilled onto a painted or plastic surface, immediately wash it with water.

1. Check the brake fluid level in the brake master cylinder reservoir.
If required, remove brake fluid until the brake master cylinder reservoir is 1/2 full.

2. With the vehicle in NEUTRAL, position it on a hoist.

3. CAUTION: Do not pry in the brake caliper sight hole to retract the pistons as this can damage the pistons and boots.

CAUTION: Do not allow the brake caliper to hang from the brake hose or damage to the hose can occur.

Remove the 2 brake caliper bolts and position the brake caliper aside.
Support the caliper using mechanic's wire.

4. CAUTION: Install new brake pads if they are worn past the specified thickness above the metal backing plate or rivets. Install new brake pads in complete axle sets.

Inspect the brake pads for wear and contamination.
5. Inspect the brake disc, machine or install a new front brake disc as necessary.
6. Remove the brake pads and clips.
Discard the clips.

Installation

1. CAUTION: Do not allow grease, oil, brake fluid or other containments to contact the pad lining material. Do not install contaminated pads.

NOTE: One brake disc pad kit contains the pads and pad clips required for both sides.

Install the new brake pad clips and the brake pads.

pic 4

2. CAUTION: Protect the piston and boots when pushing the caliper piston into the caliper piston bores.

Using a suitable tool and a worn brake pad, compress the disc brake caliper pistons into the caliper.
3. Position the brake caliper and install the 2 bolts.
Tighten to 72 Nm (53 ft. lbs.).

4. Fill the brake master cylinder reservoir with clean brake fluid.
5. Test the brakes for normal operation.

_______________________________________

Brake Rotor Replacement

2006 Mercury Truck Mountaineer 2WD V6-4.0L VIN E
Disc Removal and Installation, Front
Vehicle Brakes and Traction Control Disc Brake System Brake Rotor/Disc Service and Repair Procedures Disc Removal and Installation, Front
DISC REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION, FRONT
Brake Disc

Material
pic 5

pic 6

Removal
1. CAUTION: Do not allow the brake caliper, brake pads and anchor plate assembly to hang from the brake hose or damage to the hose can occur.

Remove the 2 brake caliper anchor plate bolts and position the brake caliper, brake pads and anchor plate assembly aside.

Support the caliper, brake pads and anchor plate assembly using mechanic's wire.

2. NOTE: If the brake disc cannot be removed easily, apply rust penetrant on the brake disc-to-hub mating surfaces.

Remove the brake disc.

Installation
1. Clean any rust or foreign material from brake disc and wheel hub.
Use parts cleaner to clean the front brake disc and hub surfaces.
2. Apply a thin coat of anti-seize lubricant to the hub flange.
3. Install the brake disc.
4. Position the brake caliper, brake pads and brake caliper anchor plate assembly and install the 2 brake caliper anchor plate bolts.
Tighten to 165 Nm (122 ft. lbs.).

_______________

I hope this helps. Let me know if you have other questions.

Take care and God Bless,

Joe