Tools You'll Likely Need:
* Jack and jack stands (crucial for safety)
* Wheel chocks
* Lug wrench
* Socket wrench set (metric)
* Pliers or brake caliper pliers (to compress caliper piston)
* Wire or zip tie (to hold caliper back)
* C-clamp (optional, but helpful for compressing piston)
* Brake cleaner
* Gloves
* New brake pads
Steps:
1. Safety First: Park on a level surface, engage the parking brake firmly, and chock the rear wheels. Jack up the front of the car and securely support it on jack stands. Never work under a car supported only by a jack.
2. Remove the Wheel: Remove the lug nuts and carefully take off the wheel.
3. Expose the Caliper: You should now see the brake caliper clamping onto the rotor.
4. Locate the Caliper Bolts: Find the bolts holding the caliper to the caliper bracket. These are typically located at the back of the caliper. They are usually 13mm or 14mm bolts, but again, check your repair manual.
5. Remove the Caliper Bolts: Carefully unscrew these bolts and remove the caliper. It may be helpful to support the caliper with your hand or a rag to prevent it from dangling by the brake line.
6. Compress the Caliper Piston: The brake caliper piston needs to be compressed to allow the new, thicker brake pads to fit. You can use specialized brake caliper pliers, a C-clamp, or even a large pair of pliers. Be careful not to damage the piston. Work slowly and evenly to avoid twisting or damaging the piston seal. As you compress the piston, brake fluid will be displaced back into the master cylinder. Check your brake fluid reservoir and top it off if needed.
7. Remove the Old Brake Pads: The old brake pads should now be easily removable from the caliper. There might be a retaining clip or pin holding them; carefully remove this as well. Observe how the pads are oriented in the caliper, as they might need to go back in the same way.
8. Install the New Brake Pads: Carefully install the new brake pads into the caliper, ensuring they're properly seated.
9. Reinstall the Caliper: Attach the caliper back onto the caliper bracket, using the bolts you removed earlier. Tighten them securely to the manufacturer's torque specification (find this in your repair manual).
10. Reinstall the Wheel: Put the wheel back on and tighten the lug nuts. Don't fully tighten them yet.
11. Lower the Vehicle: Carefully lower the vehicle to the ground.
12. Tighten Lug Nuts: Fully tighten the lug nuts in a star pattern to ensure even pressure.
13. Test the Brakes: Before driving, pump the brake pedal several times to ensure it's firm. Then carefully test the brakes at low speeds in a safe area to verify proper function. If the pedal feels soft or spongy, you may need to bleed the brakes (this is a more advanced procedure).
Important Considerations:
* Brake Fluid: Check and top off your brake fluid reservoir before and after compressing the caliper piston.
* Bleeding Brakes: If the brake pedal feels spongy after reinstalling the caliper, you'll likely need to bleed the brakes to remove air bubbles from the brake lines.
* Rotor Condition: Inspect your brake rotors for wear and tear while you have the caliper off. If they're excessively worn, they may need to be resurfaced or replaced.
* Repair Manual: A repair manual specific to your 1994 Chrysler LeBaron is strongly recommended. It will provide detailed instructions, torque specifications, and diagrams that are crucial for safe and proper brake repair.
If you are not comfortable performing this task yourself, take your vehicle to a qualified mechanic. Brake failure can be extremely dangerous.
