What tools do you need to change the brakes on a 2013 Ford Fusion?

To change the brakes on a 2013 Ford Fusion, you'll need a specific set of tools. This article will provide a detailed overview of the necessary tools and the steps involved in the brake replacement process.

Required Tools

• Jack and jack stands


• Lug wrench or socket set


• Brake caliper tool or C-clamp


• Brake pad spreader tool


• Brake cleaner


• Brake grease


• Torque wrench


• Brake pads


• Brake rotors (if needed)

These tools are essential for safely and effectively changing the brakes on your 2013 Ford Fusion. Let's go through each tool and its purpose in more detail.

Detailed Tool Descriptions

Jack and Jack Stands: You'll need a jack to lift the vehicle and jack stands to securely support it while you work on the brakes. This ensures the car is stable and safe during the brake replacement process.

Lug Wrench or Socket Set: You'll use this to remove the lug nuts and wheels, providing access to the brake components.

Brake Caliper Tool or C-Clamp: This tool is used to compress the brake caliper piston, which is necessary to remove the old brake pads and install the new ones.

Brake Pad Spreader Tool: This specialized tool helps to spread the brake caliper pistons apart, making it easier to install the new brake pads.

Brake Cleaner: This solvent is used to clean the brake components, removing any dirt, debris, or old brake fluid.

Brake Grease: This lubricant is applied to the brake caliper slides and other moving parts to ensure smooth operation and prevent binding.

Torque Wrench: This tool is used to properly tighten the lug nuts to the manufacturer's specified torque, ensuring the wheels are securely fastened.

Brake Pads: The new brake pads are the primary replacement component, and they must be the correct size and type for your 2013 Ford Fusion.

Brake Rotors: If the brake rotors are excessively worn or damaged, they may need to be replaced as well. This is typically done in conjunction with the brake pad replacement.

With these tools on hand, you'll be well-equipped to safely and effectively change the brakes on your 2013 Ford Fusion.

What tools do I need to change my brakes?

To change your car's brakes, you will need safety tools like a jack and jack stands, plus a set of tools for the job including a lug wrench, socket set, breaker bar, and torque wrench. You will also need a tool to compress the caliper piston, such as a C-clamp or a specialized brake caliper tool, along with new brake pads, rotors (if needed), brake cleaner, and lubricating grease.
 
This video provides a complete guide on how to change brake pads and rotors: 1mChrisFixYouTube · Oct 17, 2016
Safety and support

• Jack and Jack Stands: To safely lift and support the vehicle. 
• Lug Wrench: To remove the wheels. 
• Tire Chocks: To place on the wheels that remain on the ground for added safety. 

Hand and power tools

• Socket and Ratchet Set: For loosening and tightening bolts of various sizes. 
• Breaker Bar: For extra leverage on stubborn bolts. 
• Torque Wrench: To tighten bolts to the manufacturer's specifications. 
• Brake Caliper Tool or C-Clamp: To compress the caliper piston back into its housing. 
• Flathead Screwdriver or Pry Bar: To help separate parts. 
• Hammer: To help remove a stuck rotor. 
• Wire Brush: For cleaning rust and grime from the caliper and other components. 
• Torx or Allen Wrench Set: Many calipers use these types of bolts, so have a set handy to check what is needed. 

Supplies

• New Brake Pads: The primary replacement part. 
• New Brake Rotors: If they are worn, a brake job is the perfect time to replace them. 
• Brake Cleaner: To clean away dust and grease from the components. 
• High-Temperature Silicone or Brake Grease: For lubricating guide pins and caliper contact points. 
• Threadlocker: For certain bolts, especially caliper bracket bolts. 
• Brake Fluid: May be needed if the fluid is old and needs to be flushed or if you need to top it off. 

Optional but helpful items 

• Bungee Cord or Rope: To hang the caliper from the suspension, keeping it from putting stress on the brake line. 
• Shop Rags or Paper Towels: For wiping up any spills or excess grease. 
• Gloves, Safety Glasses, and Mask: To protect yourself from brake dust and other debris. 

You can watch this video to see what specialty tools are needed for changing brakes: 0:23PowerStop BrakesYouTube · Sep 5, 2025

What size socket to take off rotors?

To remove front brake rotors, typically a 13mm or 15mm socket is needed for caliper bolts, but sizes vary by vehicle. Use a breaker bar for stubborn bolts. After removing caliper bolts, support the caliper to avoid strain on brake lines. If the rotor is stuck, gently tap with a rubber mallet to loosen rust bonds.

What size bolt is a 2015 Ford Fusion caliper?

The 2015 Ford Fusion uses different caliper bolts for the front and rear. The front caliper bracket mounting bolts are M14 x 2 x 40mm, while the rear caliper bracket mounting bolts are M10 x 30mm. For caliper guide pins, the front typically uses M8 x 1.25mm (or 7mm Allen head) and the rear uses 7mm Allen head. 

Component	Bolt Size
Front Caliper Bracket Mounting Bolts	M14 x 2 x 40mm
Rear Caliper Bracket Mounting Bolts	M10 x 30mm
Front Caliper Guide Pins	M8 x 1.25mm or 7mm Allen head
Rear Caliper Guide Pins	7mm Allen head

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How to push caliper back in without a tool?

To push a front brake caliper piston back without a special tool, use a C-clamp with an old brake pad for leverage, or channel locks or a large flathead screwdriver to push it straight in. For rear calipers with integrated parking brakes, you must twist the piston in, which can be done with a pry bar or a 3/8" ratchet in the piston's grooves, or specialized pliers like those with tongue and groove, according to this YouTube video and this YouTube video. Always place an old brake pad against the piston to avoid damage. 
This video demonstrates how to use a C-clamp and an old brake pad to compress a caliper piston: 47sPOWERNATIONYouTube · Aug 22, 2022
For front calipers (straight push)

1. Place an old brake pad against the piston to protect it from damage. 
2. Use a C-clamp, channel lock pliers, or a large flathead screwdriver to slowly and carefully push the piston straight back into the caliper. 
3. If using pliers, place them on the piston and the rear of the caliper, then slowly close the jaws. 
4. Be careful not to damage the rubber seal or brake line. 

For rear calipers (twist-in)

1. Place an old brake pad against the piston to protect it. 
2. Insert the tabs of a pry bar, or the end of a 3/8" ratchet extension, into the slots on the piston face. 
3. Apply gentle inward pressure while rotating the tool clockwise to screw the piston back into the caliper. Some pistons may require a counter-clockwise rotation, so consult your vehicle's repair manual if needed. 
4. Specialized pliers can also be used to grip the piston and turn it. 

Important considerations

• For both types: It's crucial to check your vehicle's repair manual, as some hybrid or other specialized vehicles may require specific procedures or tools. 
• For both types: Place an old brake pad between the tool and the piston to avoid damage. 
• Brake fluid: Check your brake fluid level in the reservoir and be prepared to top it off after compressing the pistons, as the fluid will be pushed back into the reservoir. 
• Damage: If the piston is seized or very difficult to move, the caliper may be failing and need replacement.