Here's a general overview. Specific steps may vary slightly depending on the exact configuration of your brakes. Always consult a repair manual specific to your vehicle year and model for detailed instructions and diagrams.
1. Safety First:
* Engage the parking brake: This is crucial to prevent the car from rolling.
* Jack up the car safely: Use jack stands under the frame, never rely solely on the jack. Consult your owner's manual for proper jacking points.
* Chock the wheels: Place wheel chocks behind the front wheels to further prevent rolling.
2. Gather Tools and Parts:
You'll likely need:
* Jack and jack stands
* Wheel chocks
* Socket wrench set (metric)
* Wrenches (metric)
* Brake caliper compression tool (essential!)
* C-clamp (optional, alternative to caliper compression tool)
* Brake cleaner
* New brake pads
* New rotors (if needed; inspect for scoring or excessive wear)
* Possibly new caliper slide pins and boots (inspect for damage)
* Wheel lug wrench
* Gloves
* Penetrating oil (like PB Blaster)
* Wire brush (for cleaning)
* Shop rags
3. Removing the Wheel:
* Loosen the lug nuts slightly before jacking up the car.
* Remove the wheel.
4. Inspecting the Components:
* Brake Pads: Check the thickness of the brake pads. Replace them if they're worn below the minimum thickness (check your owner's manual).
* Rotors: Inspect the rotors for scoring, excessive rust, or wear. If they're damaged, they'll need to be replaced.
* Caliper: Check the caliper for leaks, sticking pistons, or damaged slide pins and boots. If any issues are present, these parts may need replacing.
5. Replacing the Brake Pads:
* Compress the caliper piston: This is crucial. Use a brake caliper compression tool to push the piston back into the caliper. A C-clamp can be used carefully, but a compression tool is safer and easier. Be aware that brake fluid will be displaced when you compress the piston. Make sure the brake fluid reservoir is not overfilled.
* Remove the caliper: Usually held on by bolts. They may be difficult to remove due to corrosion. Penetrating oil applied beforehand can help.
* Remove the old brake pads: They should slide out easily.
* Install the new brake pads: Make sure they are correctly oriented.
* Reinstall the caliper: Ensure the caliper bolts are tightened to the manufacturer's specification.
6. Replacing the Rotors (if needed):
* Remove the caliper: If replacing rotors, you'll need to remove the caliper and brake pads (as above).
* Remove the rotor: They usually slide off or can be removed with a few taps from a rubber mallet. Be careful not to damage the wheel hub.
* Install the new rotors: Make sure they are correctly seated.
7. Replacing Caliper Components (if needed):
* Remove the caliper: (As described above)
* Replace slide pins and boots: Clean the pins and lubricate them with high-temperature brake grease.
* Reassemble the caliper.
8. Reassembly:
* Reinstall the wheel.
* Tighten the lug nuts to the manufacturer's specified torque.
* Lower the car.
9. Bleeding the Brakes (Possibly):
If you've worked on the caliper, you may need to bleed the brakes to remove any air introduced into the system. This usually involves opening a bleed valve on the caliper and pumping the brake pedal several times. This is best done with a helper. Refer to your owner's manual for proper bleeding procedure.
10. Test Drive:
After completing the repair, test drive the car cautiously, making sure the brakes work properly.
Important Notes:
* Always consult a repair manual for your specific vehicle.
* This is a general guide, and the specific steps may vary.
* Improper brake repair can be dangerous. If unsure, seek professional help.
* Brake fluid is corrosive. Wear appropriate eye protection and gloves.
This is a complex task. If you lack experience, professional assistance is strongly recommended. A mistake with brakes can have serious consequences.
