What size allen wrench do I need to remove the front brake calipers

Allen wrenches usually come in a set, try 3/8.

It is about 3/8 just test till you get a snug fit.
this is important use a pipe or tube over the end of the allen wrench to make it longer. The extra leverage will allow you to break it loose without stripping the hex bolt which can be done very easily. Then you never get it out.

mike

Allen wrench size to remove brake caliper on my 2008 mercury mariner

i just changed my front rotors and pads on my 2001 escape, 6 cylinder. everyone was wrong on the wrench sizes, including the idiots at my local ford dealer. to get the brake calipers off I needed a 7mm hex bit. to get the caliper bracket off I needed an 18mm socket, it was a very easy job but check your wrench sizes first, it seems that every year and model uses different sizes.

For front brake pads replacement you only need usually wrench set, inclusive 7 mm allen key also. But for rear brake pads replacement you need obligatory a special caliper piston pressing tool, in order to press back rear caliper piston with parking brake automatic adjustment!!!
Instructions for front brake pads replacement.
For change front brake pads you must raise vehicle, remove wheels, extract the retaining spring of the caliper, and remove the caliper as follow:
1. Do not disconnect the brake hose from the caliper, and do not allow the caliper to hang by the brake hose!
2. Remove top and bottom caps (on back side of the caliper) for access to guide pins, then unbolt and remove them from the brake carrier. Remove the caliper.
3. Now you must thoroughly clean the brake calipers (free of grease).
4. Remove outer brake pad from brake carrier.
5. Pull inner brake pad out of brake caliper piston.
6. Check up the brake fluid level on the reservor, and emptying if neccessary!
7. Push piston back into brake caliper housing.
8. Install inner brake pad (with expanding spring) in brake caliper piston. (Arrow marked on pad - if exist, must point in direction of brake disc rotation when vehicle is moving forward).
9. Install outer brake pad into brake carrier.
10. Bolt brake caliper housing to brake carrier using two guide pins. Tightening torque is 25 Nm.
11. Install both caps.
12. Insert retaining spring into brake caliper housing.
Important note: Depress the brake pedal firmly several times while the car is stationary so that the brake pads adjust to their normal operating positions!!!
Check brake fluid level and top up as neccessary!

You will need a 7mm allen to remove the front brake caliper.

i just changed my front rotors and pads on my 2001 escape, 6 cylinder. everyone was wrong on the wrench sizes, including the idiots at my local ford dealer. to get the brake calipers off I needed a 7mm hex bit. to get the caliper bracket off I needed an 18mm socket, it was a very easy job but check your wrench sizes first, it seems that every year and model uses different sizes.

if i remember correctly its a 3/8

I think it is a 7 or 8 mm metric. Buy at sears and return the one that does not work.

Make sure you do not have a Torx head caliper bolts, that is what comes from factory. T40 maybe

it is a 3/8 allen wrench