Replace Brake Pads
Parts Required:
- Brake Anti Squeal Paste
- Brake Pad Set
Tools:
- Dial Indicator
- C-Clamp
This How-to is generic and should give you the general idea behind what needs to happen to change your pads. it'll probably take you about an hour a side.
Step 1:
Park your vehicle on a solid level surface. Set the parking brake and chock the rear wheels.
Step 2:
Open the hood and check the brake fluid level in the master cylinder. If the fluid is full, siphon some of it out with a turkey baster. This will prevent the fluid from overflowing when the piston is pressed back into the calliper.
Step 3:
Using a breaker bar, loosen - but do not remove - the front wheel lug nuts. Raise the front of the vehicle and support it securely on jack stands. Make sure the front wheels are off the ground.
Step 4:
Remove the lug nuts and the front wheels.
Step 5:
Wash off the brake assembly to remove the dust using the brake spray cleaner. Catch the runoff using an oil drain pan. Check the brake rotor thickness at this time - replace the rotor if worn below minimum limits or if badly scored. Remove the brake caliper mounting bolts or pins.
Step 7:
Remove the caliper assembly and support it with wire or length of rope. Do not allow the caliper to hang from the brake hose.
Step 8:
Remove the brake pads, lift out any anti-squeal shims that may be present.
Step 9:
Press the caliper piston back into the housing. Use a brake pad spreader or c-clamp. The brake caliper piston must be retracted to allow for the new pads to be installed.
Step 10:
If applicable, apply anti-squeal lubricant and install the shims on the new pads. Place the new pads into the caliper or mounting bracket.
Step 11:
Inspect the brake hardware and caliper pins. Use a suitable, synthetic brake lubricant to properly lubricate the brake pins and guides.
Step 12:
Install the caliper back onto the brake rotor and torque the caliper bolts to the manufacturer's specifications. Press the brake pedal to move the piston outward and seat the pads against the rotor.
Step 13:
Repeat steps 4 to 12 for each pad you want to replace.
Step 14:
Install the wheels and torque the lug nuts to the manufacturer's specification in a start pattern.
Step 15:
Check the brake fluid level in the master cylinder. Add fluid of the correct type if necessary.
Step 16:
Verify that you have a solid brake pedal. Drive your vehicle up to 25mph and gently apply the brakes until the vehicle stops. Repeat the process several times to break-in the new pads.
