- lug wrench
- jack or car ramps
- jack stands
- chocks
- brake cleaner
- C-clamp
- new brake pads
- new brake rotors (if necessary)
- brake grease
1. Park the car on level ground and engage the parking brake.
2. If using ramps, drive the car up on them. If using a jack, place the jack under the car's frame, near the front wheel that you're going to be working on. Lift until the car is off the ground.
3. Place the chocks behind the rear wheels.
4. Loosen the lug nuts on the front wheel that you're going to be working on.
5. Jack the car up until the wheel is off the ground.
6. Remove the lug nuts and take off the wheel.
7. Inspect the brake pads. If they are worn out, you'll need to replace them.
8. To replace the brake pads, first, remove the caliper bolts. These are the two bolts that hold the caliper in place.
9. Once the caliper bolts have been removed, you can remove the caliper.
10. Pry the old brake pads off the rotor.
11. Clean the caliper and the rotor with brake cleaner.
12. Apply brake grease to the back of the new brake pads.
13. Install the new brake pads on the rotor.
14. Reinstall the caliper and tighten the caliper bolts.
15. Put the wheel back on and tighten the lug nuts.
16. Lower the car down and remove the ramps or jack stands.
17. Test the brakes by driving the car around.
Changing the brake rotors
1. If the brake rotors are worn out, you'll need to replace them.
2. To replace the brake rotors, first, remove the caliper as described above.
3. Remove the two bolts that hold the rotor in place.
4. Take the rotor off of the hub.
5. Clean the hub with brake cleaner.
6. Install the new rotor on the hub.
7. Reinstall the two bolts that hold the rotor in place.
8. Reinstall the caliper.
9. Put the wheel back on and tighten the lug nuts.
10. Lower the car down and remove the ramps or jack stands.
11. Test the brakes by driving the car around.
Safety Tips
- Always use jack stands when you are working under a car. Never rely on a jack to hold the car up.
- Be careful when working around brake fluid. Brake fluid can damage your eyes and skin.
- Wear safety glasses when working on your brakes.
- If you have any questions about changing your brakes, consult with a professional.
