How To Put Brake Pads On When Replacing Brakes
December 20, 2009 by: mr.know it all
So the time has come when you’ve decided to take on the task of doing your own brakes. This can go smoothly if you have all the right tools handy. So first we’ll run down the list of tools that you may need to perform a successful brake pads replacement After that we’ll get into how to remove brake pads, then how to put brake pads on.
Note: Disc brake pads should be replaced on both front wheels at the same time, never replace the pads on only one wheel. In addition, the dust created by the brake system may contain asbestos, which is harmful to your health.
Tools & Supplies Needed:
Lug wrench(To remove wheel)
C-clamp(To compress caliper)
Metric or SAE socket and/or wrench set(To remove caliper)
Phillips head impact driver(depends on vehicle)
caliper grease(To grease caliper slides)
Brake cleaner
How To Replace Disc Brake Pads Steps:
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1.) Set parking brake to prevent rolling, if your only doing the front brakes
2.) Remove brake fluid reservoir cap
3.) Break loose wheel lug nuts, but do not remove yet
4.) Jack up car, and rest car on jackstands
5.) Now finish removing lug nuts and both front wheels, but work on only one brake assembly at a time
6.) Inspect rotors and brake pads carefully(rotors should be smooth to the touch, without any deep grooves, chips, or cracks)
6a.) If rotors need to be turned(machined), then remove after you have finished removing caliper, pads, and bracket.
7.) Using the C-clamp, push caliper piston back into the bore
8.) Use the appropriate size wrench or ratchet & socket to loosen top bolt and remove the bottom bolt on the backside of caliper
9.) Lift up caliper to gain access to brake pads, they should slide out
9a.) If you need to turn the rotor, then loosen the two bolts holding on the caliper bracket
9b.) Depending on the vehicle, the rotor should slide off. May need to hit edge of rotor with rubber mallet to break free(Some makes of car use Phillips head bolts to hold rotor in place. You will need an impact driver to remove those)
9c.) If rotor was removed, reinstall it and the caliper bracket. Tighten bolts on the bracket
10.) Spray brake rotor with brake cleaner
11.) Clean caliper and brake pad slides, grease them with caliper grease
12.) Install new inner and outer brake pads
13.) Swing caliper down over the rotor and new pads
14.) Install and tighten bolts to mfg. specifications
14a.) Repeat these steps for the opposite side of vehicle
15.) When done replacing brakes on both sides you can install the wheels and lug nuts
16.) Tighten lug nuts to mfg. specifications
17.) Lift vehicle off of jack stands, remove jack stands and lower vehicle to the ground
18.) Start the car and pump brakes until you have a firm brake pedal
19.) Once that is done, take vehicle for a test drive
If all is well, pat yourself on the back…you have successfully performed a brake job. Now that you have the experience of brake pad replacement, you can now save on brake pad replacement cost. In these trying times, well all need to save money where we can. However, there’s plenty more to learn about how to repair brakes and other automotive systems.
