Tools You'll Need:
* Jack and jack stands: Absolutely essential for safety. Never work under a vehicle supported only by a jack.
* Wheel chocks: To prevent the vehicle from rolling.
* Lug wrench: To remove the wheels.
* Socket wrench set: Including metric sizes.
* C-clamp or brake caliper compressor: To compress the caliper piston.
* Wrench for caliper mounting bolts: Likely 14mm or 15mm.
* Wrench for brake line bleeder valve: Typically 8mm or 10mm.
* Pliers or a brake caliper pin tool: To remove and install caliper pins.
* Brake cleaner: To clean brake parts thoroughly.
* New brake pads and rotors (if needed): Get the correct parts for your specific Tracker model.
* New caliper bolts (recommended): These are inexpensive and prevent potential failure.
* Torque wrench: Crucial for proper tightening of bolts to prevent damage.
* Catch basin or rags: To catch brake fluid.
* Gloves: To keep your hands clean.
* Bleeder hose and bottle: For bleeding the brakes after the job.
Steps:
1. Safety First: Park on a level surface, engage the parking brake, chock the rear wheels, and use jack stands to securely lift the front of the vehicle.
2. Remove the Wheel: Use the lug wrench to remove the lug nuts and take off the wheel.
3. Remove the Caliper:
* Locate the caliper mounting bolts and carefully loosen them.
* Use a C-clamp or caliper compressor to push the brake caliper piston back into the caliper. This is necessary to create enough space for the new, thicker brake pads. Be careful not to damage the piston seal.
* Once the piston is compressed, remove the caliper mounting bolts completely and carefully remove the caliper, keeping it suspended with some wire or a bungee cord to avoid stressing the brake line.
4. Remove the Old Brake Pads: The old brake pads should now be easily removed.
5. Inspect and Replace Rotors (If Needed): Inspect the rotors for scoring, grooves, or excessive wear. Replace them if necessary.
6. Install New Brake Pads: Install the new brake pads into the caliper bracket.
7. Install the Caliper: Carefully reinstall the caliper onto the caliper bracket, ensuring it's properly seated. Replace the caliper bolts, tightening them to the manufacturer's specified torque.
8. Reinstall the Wheel: Put the wheel back on and tighten the lug nuts. Don't fully tighten yet.
9. Lower the Vehicle: Carefully lower the vehicle to the ground using the jack.
10. Tighten Lug Nuts: Fully tighten the lug nuts using the lug wrench.
11. Bleed the Brakes: Bleeding the brakes is essential to remove air from the brake lines. This process varies slightly depending on your vehicle's setup, but usually involves opening the bleeder valve on the caliper while someone pumps the brake pedal. Refer to your repair manual for the proper bleeding procedure.
12. Test the Brakes: Before driving, carefully test the brakes in a safe, controlled environment.
Important Notes:
* Brake fluid is corrosive and harmful. Wear appropriate safety glasses and gloves.
* Always consult your vehicle's repair manual. This guide is a general overview, and specific procedures may vary.
* If you are not comfortable performing this repair, take your vehicle to a qualified mechanic. Improperly installed brakes can lead to serious injury or death.
This is a complex repair and should only be attempted by someone with experience working on cars. If you're unsure about any step, seek professional assistance. Your safety is paramount.
