Changing brakes and rotors on my 2023 Premium AWD with PowerStop K8805 brake kit from RockAuto

[RodHower]

Pictures didn't upload, so I'll try again

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[RodHower]

All of the brakes are installed and they look awesome!

 

[RodHower]

All of the brakes are installed and they look awesome!

Here's another view, they are a real PITA to install, I've never changed brakes like this!

 

[Mach1E]

Disagree not all metallurgy is created equal. Almost like they need to give service something so install these rotors.

Rotor rust for this vehicle is ridiculous for it just sitting there and then next time used the wheels and tires are covered in rust. I have a GM that sits around more than the MME and they are shiny and never rust. The rusting is not normal with a big rust stain on the front rotors where the pads stuck on. That has been the case since the beginning and the whole cars shakes if used. My service said nothing about it until it was out of warranty now they say the rotors need to be turned and new pads installed for $900 after only 20K miles (both still green). I would also be interested in a set of rotors that are better quality than what comes with this vehicle.

Any other alternate rotor options appreciated.

Rusty rotors is NOT a sign of low quality rotors.

In fact the higher performance brakes I’ve had all tend to rust easier.

If it makes you feel better, the Porsche 911 brakes rust easily too- https://911uk.com/porsche/brake-discs-rusting.119363/

For the most part it’s just a cosmetic thing. Brakes work great despite surface rust. But if it really bothers you, you can swap them out like the OP.

 

[RodHower]

So here's my revised notes after installing the brakes successfully.
Video showing how to activate brake service mode,



Because the MME doesn’t follow the normal rules for getting into and out of brake service mode, here is a plain language version adapted from the tech manual.
First, a couple caveats. You will not be able to enter or exit Brake Service mode if you have any fault codes pertaining to the brakes. These must be cleared with a diagnostic computer first. If you don’t have one, and you have faults, you‘re SOL. Bleeding the brakes also requires a diagnostic computer, so really don’t open the brake line.
To enter Brake Service Mode:
1. Car turned “on” and in park – Accessory mode, turn on without pressing the brake, green light will be flashing on the start button.
2. Hold the accelorator down. Do not release until told to.
3. Hold the parking brake switch DOWN. Do not release until told to.
4. Turn the car off.
5. Turn the car “on” within 5 seconds.
6. Release the accelerator pedal and parking brake switch.
The main issue requiring brake service mode is the electric parking brake which engages automatically. If you don’t enter service mode, the parking brake will have the pads hard against the rotor and you won’t be able to get the caliper off to change the pads. Service mode disabled this allowing you to freely remove the caliper, change the pads and rotors if needed, then put it all back together.


Video showing how to use the AOSK Mach-E Jack pads



AI Notes,

Steps for safely jacking up a Mustang Mach-E:

Locate the jacking points: These are found on the perimeter frame around the battery, marked with arrows on the plastic body panels.

Prepare the jack and stands: Ensure the floor jack is in good working condition. Use jack stands with rubber tops to protect the frame.

Position the jack: Place the jack under the designated jacking point, ensuring the rubber puck is properly positioned to protect the frame.

Lift the vehicle: Raise the car slowly and evenly, ensuring the jack is stable.

Position jack stands: Place the jack stands at the factory locations near the jacking points, ensuring they are stable and properly supporting the vehicle.

Lower the vehicle: Slowly lower the car onto the jack stands, ensuring the car is stable and supported by the stands.

Repeat on the opposite side: Repeat the process on the opposite side of the vehicle.

Inspect the work area: Ensure the ground is stable and clear of any obstructions.

My notes about changing the brakes,

The bolts that hold the inner caliper are 8mm Allen head.

The caliper bolts are 15mm in the front. They have plenty of Loctite on the threads, so they are difficult to remove for most of the length of the bolt.

Caliper bolts in the back are 13mm, they also have Loctite.

When installing the spring clip on the back, install the bottom first, that’s the easy step. Installing the top of the clip is much more difficult because it has lots of spring force and requires you to hold the flat part from slipping off, so you have to hold that in place and use a long screwdriver propped on the rotor and pull up the portion that goes in the hole. It’s difficult to get in fully, so you may have to tap it with a hammer to seat. If you have slotted and drilled rotors make sure you install the slots on the proper side, the rotor should be marked for passenger or driver side.

I used a brake caliper compression tool in the back to turn the piston CW while pushing. I’ve used this set on several different vehicles and it’s low cost, https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07GXL18WP



To cancel/escape/leave/or otherwise deactivate Brake Service Mode
1. Car turned “on” and in park – Accessory mode, turn on without pressing the brake, green light will be flashing on the start button.
2. Hold the accelerator down. Do not release until told to.
3. Hold the parking brake switch UP. Do not release until told to.
4. Press the brake pedal down for at least 1 second.
5. Release the brake pedal (continue holding the accelerator and parking brake switch)
6. Turn the car off,
7. Turn the car back “on” within 5 seconds.
8. Release the accelerator and parking brake switch immediately after turning the car back on.
If you wait to long to release it stays in brake mode.

 

[KidGalahad]

Looks great! This would be a purely cosmetic change if I did it, just as it's been on past cars I've had. Any closeup shots of just the wheels with the new rotors behind them?

 

[Shayne]

Rusty rotors is NOT a sign of low quality rotors.

In fact the higher performance brakes I’ve had all tend to rust easier.

If it makes you feel better, the Porsche 911 brakes rust easily too- https://911uk.com/porsche/brake-discs-rusting.119363/

For the most part it’s just a cosmetic thing. Brakes work great despite surface rust. But if it really bothers you, you can swap them out like the OP.

You are just joking right? It does not make me feel any better and I would prefer a set of rotors that do not warp and rust so much. Mine have never worked well and are the worse set of rotors I have ever owned. If the whole car shaking every time the friction brakes engage is working well I do not need that type of performance.

 

[RodHower]

Looks great! This would be a purely cosmetic change if I did it, just as it's been on past cars I've had. Any closeup shots of just the wheels with the new rotors behind them?

Here's a picture of the front passenger side

 

[Mach1E]

You are just joking right? It does not make me feel any better and I would prefer a set of rotors that do not warp and rust so much. Mine have never worked well and are the worse set of rotors I have ever owned. If the whole car shaking every time the friction brakes engage is working well I do not need that type of performance.

No, not joking. But I also have the bigger GTPE Brembo brakes.

I prefer brake performance vs cosmetics. But the point is the same either way- rust doesn’t necessarily mean low quality and lack of rust doesn’t mean high quality either.

You can have crappy rusty brakes or good rusty brakes. Mine are the latter and so are Porche’s.

The GTPE’s Brembos are great….. and rusty. We have one of the shortest stopping distances for a 5,000 lb vehicle out there.

The Brembos on my last car (2015 Chevy SS sedan) were also great……. And rusty from day 1.

 

[Shayne]

No, not joking. But I also have the bigger GTPE Brembo brakes.

I prefer brake performance vs cosmetics. But the point is the same either way- rust doesn’t necessarily mean low quality and lack of rust doesn’t mean high quality either.

You can have crappy rusty brakes or good rusty brakes. Mine are the latter and so are Porche’s.

The GTPE’s Brembos are great….. and rusty. We have one of the shortest stopping distances for a 5,000 lb vehicle out there.

The Brembos on my last car (2015 Chevy SS sedan) were also great……. And rusty from day 1.

I like performance that preforms well and does not warp and rust. Mine are definitely the former.

 

[Shayne]

Here's a picture of the front passenger side

Looks good. You will need to let everyone know how these hold up over time. Keep us posted they look like a good option new.

 

[PJS3]

Question.
Do the rear caliper pistons need to be spun/turned in order to retract for new pads or do you just use a C-Clamp to compress them?

 

[RodHower]

Just a follow up! My daughters 2023 Mach E premium was a total mess after a really bad January and February in NE Ohio. We got a few warm days and I power washed the car and the rotors and caliper paint held up quite well!

 

[RodHower]

I also washed my 2023 GT

 

[Shayne]

Just a follow up! My daughters 2023 Mach E premium was a total mess after a really bad January and February in NE Ohio. We got a few warm days and I power washed the car and the rotors and caliper paint held up quite well!

You lucky guy. No signs of being able to get the power washer out here in the near future.

They have changed in tint a bit or maybe lighting. How would you say they are holding up when inspected up close? Bit of a review would be gr8. No problems with the brakes for her anymore? What does the driver say?

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