How to Install Wilwood Tactical Xtreme TX6R Front Brake Kit - Red on your F-150

Important Notice - Read This First

Before any tear-down or disassembly begins, review the following information:
• Review the Wheel Clearance Diagram (Figure 2, page 3) to verify that there is adequate clearance with the
wheels you will be using with the installation.
• Due to OEM production differences and other variations from vehicle to vehicle, the fastener hardware and
other components in this kit may not be suitable for a specific application or vehicle.
• It is the responsibility of the purchaser and installer of this kit to verify suitability / fitment of all components
and ensure all fasteners and hardware achieve complete and proper engagement. Improper or inadequate
engagement can lead to component failure.

Photographic Tip

Important and highly recommended: Take photos of brake system before disassembly and during the disassembly process. In the event, trouble-shooting photos can be life savers. Many vehicles have undocumented variations, photos will make it much simpler for Wilwood to assist you if you have a problem.

Assembly Instructions

Assembly Instructions (numbers in parenthesis refer to the parts list and Figure 1 on the preceding pages):

The caliper mount bracket (1) should initially be installed with clean, dry threads on the mounting bolts. Orient the bracket as shown in Figure 1 and Photo 1, and install using bolts (2) and washers (3). Initially place one .024 thick shim (4) on each bolt between the bracket and upright, Figure 1. Temporarily tighten the mounting bolts. NOTE: The bracket must fit squarely against the mount bosses on the upright. Inspect for interference from casting irregularities, machining ridges, burrs, etc. Later, after the caliper alignment has been checked, the mount bolts will be secured using red Loctite® 271.

Orient the rotor (5) and the hat (6) as shown in Figure 1 and Photo 2. Attach rotor to hat using bolts (7) and washers (8). Using an alternating sequence, torque to 25 ft-lbs. For an added measure of security, the bolts may be safety wired using standard 0.032 inch diameter stainless steel safety wire as shown in Figure 3. Refer to Wilwood’s data sheet DS-386 (available at www.wilwood.com/Pdf/DataSheets/ds386.pdf)  for complete safety wire installation instructions.

Slide the hat/rotor assembly onto the axle hub. NOTE: The hat must fit flush against the axle hub flange or excessive rotor run out may result. Install three lug nuts (finger tight) to keep the hat/rotor assembly in place while continuing with the installation. NOTE: This kit contains distinct right and left hand calipers that must be mounted in a specific direction, as described below. Lubricate the caliper mounting studs (12) with lightweight oil. Initially place one .032” thick shim (13) on each stud as shown in Figure 1 and Photo 3. Mount the caliper (9) onto the bracket (1) using lock nuts (10) and washers (11), Figure 1. Ensure that the caliper is mounted so that the largest pistons are at the rotor exit end of the caliper, in relation to the direction of rotor rotation. Temporarily tighten the lock nuts and view the rotor through the top opening of the caliper. The rotor should be centered in the caliper, Photo 4. If not, adjust by adding or subtracting shims (4) between the bracket and the upright. Always use the same amount of shims on each of the two mounting bolts. Once the caliper alignment is correct, remove the bracket mounting bolts (2) one at a time, apply red Loctite® 271 to the threads, and torque to 120 ft-lb.

Remove the two pad retaining pins from the caliper by carefully popping out the pin retaining clips and sliding out the pins. Insert the brake pads (14) into the caliper, with the friction material facing the rotor, as shown in Photo 5 and secure the brake pads in place with the pad retaining pins and clips, Photo 6. Check that the top of the brake pad is flush with the outside diameter of the rotor, Photo 7. If not, adjust by adding or subtracting shims (13) between the caliper and the bracket. After the caliper pad height is set, torque the caliper lock nuts (10) to 65 ft-lb. Temporarily install the wheel and torque the lug nuts to the manufacturer’s specification. Ensure that the wheel rotates freely without any interference.

NOTE: OEM rubber brake hoses generally cannot be adapted to Wilwood calipers. The caliper inlet fitting is a 1/8-27 NPT. Wilwood offers two stainless steel braided flexline hose kits, P/N 220-12862 (2013-2014) and 220-15263 (2015-present), which includes hoses, fittings, etc. all in one package for this application. Carefully route hoses to prevent contact with moving suspension, brake or wheel components. NOTE: Wilwood hose kits are designed for use in many different vehicle applications and it is the installer's responsibility to properly route and ensure adequate clearance and retention for brake hose components.

NOTE: Specified brake hose kits may not work with all Years, Makes and Models of vehicle that this brake kit is applicable to, due to possible OEM manufacturing changes during a production vehicle's life. It is the installer's responsibility to ensure that all fittings and hoses are the correct size and length, to ensure proper sealing and that they will not be subject to crimping, strain and abrasion from vibration or interference with suspension components, brake rotor or wheel.

In absence of specific instructions for brake line routing, the installer must use his best professional judgment on correct routing and retention of lines to ensure safe operation. Test vehicle brake system per the 'minimum test' procedure stated within this document
before driving. After road testing, inspect for leaks and interference. Initially after install and testing, perform frequent checks of the vehicle brake system and lines before driving, to confirm that there is no undue wear or interference not apparent from the initial test. Afterwards, perform periodic inspections for function, leaks and wear in a interval relative to the usage of vehicle.

Bleed the brake system, referring to the additional information and recommendations below for proper bleeding instructions. Check system for leaks after bleeding.

Install the wheel and torque the lug nuts to manufacturer’s specification.

Additional Information and Recommendations

Fill and bleed the new system with Wilwood Hi-Temp° 570 grade fluid or higher. For severe braking or sustained high heat operation, use Wilwood EXP 600 Plus Racing Brake Fluid. Used fluid must be completely flushed from the system to prevent contamination.

NOTE: Silicone DOT 5 brake fluid is NOT recommended for racing or performance driving.

To properly bleed the brake system, begin with the caliper farthest from the master cylinder. Bleed the outboard bleed screw first, then the inboard. Repeat the procedure until all calipers in the system are bled, ending with the caliper closest to the master cylinder.

NOTE: When using a new master cylinder, it is important to bench bleed the master cylinder first.

Test the brake pedal. It should be firm, not spongy and stop at least 1 inch from the floor under heavy load. If the brake pedal is spongy, bleed the system again.

If the brake pedal is initially firm, but then sinks to the floor, check the system for fluid leaks. Correct the leaks (if applicable) and then bleed the system again.

If the brake pedal goes to the floor and continued bleeding of the system does not correct the problem, a master cylinder with increased capacity (larger bore diameter) may be required. Wilwood offers various lightweight master cylinders with large fluid
displacement capacities.

NOTE: With the installation of after market disc brakes, the wheel track may change depending on the application. Check your wheel offset before final assembly.

WARNING • DO NOT DRIVE ON UNTESTED BRAKES BRAKES MUST BE TESTED AFTER INSTALLATION OR MAINTENANCE MINIMUM TEST PROCEDURE

• Make sure pedal is firm: Hold firm pressure on pedal for several minutes, it should remain in position without sinking. If pedal sinks toward floor, check system for fluid leaks. DO NOT drive vehicle if pedal does not stay firm or can be pushed to the floor with normal pressure.

• At very low speed (2-5 mph) apply brakes hard several times while turning steering from full left to full right, repeat several times. Remove the wheels and check that components are not touching, rubbing, or leaking.

• Carefully examine all brake components, brake lines, and fittings for leaks and interference.

• Make sure there is no interference with wheels or suspension components.

• Drive vehicle at low speed (15-20 mph) making moderate and hard stops. Brakes should feel normal and positive. Again check for leaks and interference.

• Always test vehicle in a safe place where there is no danger to (or from) other people or vehicles.

• Always wear seat belts and make use of all safety equipment.

Pad and Rotor Bedding

BEDDING STEPS FOR NEW PADS AND ROTORS – ALL COMPOUNDS
Once the brake system has been tested and determined safe to operate the vehicle, follow these steps for the bedding of all new pad materials and rotors. These procedures should only be performed on a race track, or other safe location where you can safely and legally obtains speeds up to 65 MPH, while also being able to rapidly decelerate.

• Begin with a series of light decelerations to gradually build some heat in the brakes. Use an on-and-off the pedal technique by applying the brakes for 3-5 seconds, and then allow them to fully release for a period roughly twice as long as the deceleration cycle.
If you use a 5 count during the deceleration interval, use a 10 count during the release to allow the heat to sink into the pads and rotors.

• After several cycles of light stops to begin warming the brakes, proceed with a series of medium to firm deceleration stops to continue raising the temperature level in the brakes.

• Finish the bedding cycle with a series of 8-10 hard decelerations from 55-65 MPH down to 25 MPH while allowing a proportionate release and heat-sinking interval between each stop. The pads should now be providing positive and consistent response.

• If any amount of brake fade is observed during the bed-in cycle, immediately begin the cool down cycle.

• Drive at a moderate cruising speed, with the least amount of brake contact possible, until most of the heat has dissipated from the brakes. Avoid sitting stopped with the brake pedal depressed to hold the car in place during this time. Park the vehicle and allow the brakes to cool to ambient air temperature.

COMPETITION VEHICLES

• If your race car is equipped with brake cooling ducts, blocking them will allow the pads and rotors to warm up quicker and speed up the bedding process.

• Temperature indicating paint on the rotor and pad edges can provide valuable data regarding observed temperatures during the bedding process and subsequent on-track sessions. This information can be highly beneficial when evaluating pad compounds and
cooling efficiencies.

POST-BEDDING INSPECTION – ALL VEHICLES
• After the bedding cycle, the rotors should exhibit a uniformly burnished finish across the entire contact face. Any surface irregularities that appear as smearing or splotching on the rotor faces can be an indication that the brakes were brought up to temperature too quickly during the bedding cycle. If the smear doesn’t blend away after the next run-in cycle, or if chatter under braking results, sanding or resurfacing the rotors will be required to restore a uniform surface for pad contact.

PRE-RACE WARM UP
• Always make every effort to get heat into the brakes prior to each event. Use an on-and-off the pedal practice to warm the brakes during the trip to the staging zone, during parade laps before the flag drops, and every other opportunity in an effort to build heat in
the pads and rotors. This will help to ensure best consistency, performance, and durability from your brakes.

NOTE:
NEVER allow the contact surfaces of the pads or rotors to be contaminated with brake fluid. Always use a catch bottle with a hose to prevent fluid spill during all brake bleeding procedures.