Disclaimer: Working on your brake system is dangerous. Incorrectly installed brakes can lead to serious injury or death. If you're unsure about any step, consult a professional mechanic.
General Steps (Highly Simplified):
1. Safety First: Disconnect the negative battery terminal. Use jack stands to securely lift the vehicle. Block the wheels.
2. Wheel Removal: Remove the wheels you'll be working on.
3. Caliper Removal: Remove the brake calipers. This typically involves removing caliper bolts and possibly disconnecting brake lines (use a catch container to prevent brake fluid spillage).
4. Rotor Removal: Remove the brake rotors. These may be held on by bolts or may simply slide off after the caliper is removed.
5. ABS Sensor Removal: Locate the ABS wheel speed sensor. It's usually located near the wheel hub. Carefully unplug the electrical connector and then remove the sensor. Note its position and orientation.
6. Install New Parts: Install the new rotors, calipers, and pads. Make sure the calipers slide smoothly in their brackets.
7. ABS Sensor Installation: Carefully install the new ABS sensor (if needed) ensuring it's seated correctly and the connector is securely attached.
8. Bleeding the Brakes: This is CRUCIAL. After reassembling everything, you'll need to bleed the brakes to remove any air that may have entered the system. This usually involves opening bleeder valves on each caliper while someone pumps the brake pedal. Consult your repair manual for the correct bleeding order. *Bleeding ABS systems can be more complex than standard brakes and may require specialized tools.*
9. ABS Module Diagnostics (Potentially Necessary): If you replaced any ABS components, you might need a scan tool to clear any ABS fault codes and ensure the system is working correctly. Many auto parts stores can do this for a small fee.
10. Reassembly: Reassemble the wheels, lower the vehicle, and reconnect the battery.
11. Testing: Test the brakes thoroughly before driving. Check for proper stopping power and ABS function (carefully and safely!).
Parts You Might Need:
* Brake rotors
* Brake calipers
* Brake pads
* ABS wheel speed sensors (if needed)
* Brake fluid
* Bleeder valve tool
* Possibly a torque wrench
Why This is Difficult:
* ABS System Complexity: The ABS system is sophisticated. Incorrectly installing or bleeding it can lead to malfunctioning brakes or damage to the ABS module.
* Specialized Tools: You might need specialized tools for removing certain components, bleeding the ABS system, or diagnosing faults.
* Brake Fluid Handling: Brake fluid is corrosive and can damage paint. Proper handling and disposal are essential.
* Bleeding the System: Improper bleeding can leave air bubbles in the lines, resulting in spongy brakes or brake failure.
Recommendation: Unless you have significant experience working on braking systems and are comfortable with the complexities of the ABS system, it's strongly recommended that you take your vehicle to a qualified mechanic for this repair. The cost of professional repair is far less than the potential cost of a brake failure.
