Tools You'll Need:
* Jack and jack stands: Essential for safety. Never work under a car supported only by a jack.
* Wheel chocks: To prevent the car from rolling.
* Lug wrench: To remove the wheels.
* C-clamp or brake caliper compressor: To compress the caliper piston. A C-clamp works, but a caliper compressor is easier and less likely to damage the piston.
* Sockets and wrenches: The sizes will depend on your specific car, but you'll likely need sockets for the caliper bolts, lug nuts, and potentially the caliper bracket bolts.
* Penetrating lubricant (PB Blaster or similar): Helps loosen rusted bolts.
* Wrench for bleeder valve: You might need to bleed the brakes afterwards, depending on how much fluid is lost.
* Brake cleaner: To clean brake parts.
* New brake pads: Make sure you get the correct ones for your vehicle.
* Gloves: To keep your hands clean.
* Safety glasses: To protect your eyes.
Procedure:
1. Safety First: Park on a level surface, engage the parking brake, and chock the rear wheels. Jack up the front of the car and securely support it on jack stands.
2. Remove the Wheel: Remove the lug nuts and take off the wheel.
3. Expose the Caliper: You should now see the brake caliper clamped around the rotor.
4. Compress the Caliper Piston: Use the C-clamp or caliper compressor to push the caliper piston back into the caliper. This creates space for the new, thicker brake pads. Important: Turn the piston in slowly and evenly, to avoid damaging the seals. Some fluid will likely be pushed back into the brake line.
5. Remove the Brake Pads: Most likely, there are two pins holding the brake pads in place. Remove these pins (usually with a small wrench or pliers) and carefully pull out the old brake pads. Clean any debris from the caliper and caliper bracket.
6. Install the New Brake Pads: Install the new brake pads, making sure they slide smoothly into their slots. Reinsert the pins.
7. Reinstall the Wheel: Put the wheel back on and tighten the lug nuts.
8. Lower the Vehicle: Carefully lower the vehicle from the jack stands.
9. Bleed the Brakes (Possibly): If you pushed back a significant amount of brake fluid, you might need to bleed the brakes to remove air bubbles from the brake lines. This involves opening the bleeder valve on the caliper while someone else pumps the brake pedal. Consult your repair manual for the correct bleeding procedure. If you are unsure, take the vehicle to a professional.
10. Test the Brakes: Carefully test the brakes several times to make sure they are working properly. The initial few stops might feel a little soft as the pads bed into the rotor. Check for any unusual noises or vibrations.
Important Considerations:
* Rotor Inspection: While you're in there, inspect the brake rotors for wear and scoring. If they are worn below the minimum thickness (check your repair manual), they should be replaced as well.
* Caliper Condition: Inspect the caliper for leaks, sticking pistons, or excessive wear. If there are issues, you might need to replace the caliper.
* Brake Fluid: Keep an eye on your brake fluid level. If it's low, you might need to add more.
* Professional Assistance: If you're uncomfortable performing this repair, take your car to a qualified mechanic. Brake repairs are crucial for safety.
This guide provides a general overview. Always refer to a repair manual specific to your 1996 Eagle Talon ESI for detailed instructions and torque specifications. Improper brake repair can be extremely dangerous. Remember safety first!
