1. *Preparatory Work:*
- Park your vehicle on a level surface and engage the parking brake.
- Loosen the lug nuts but do not remove them completely.
2. *Chock the Front Wheels:
- Place chocks in front of the front wheels to prevent the vehicle from rolling.
3. *Jack Up the Vehicle:*
- Using a floor jack, carefully lift the rear of the vehicle until the tire you're working on is off the ground.
- Secure the vehicle using jack stands.
4. *Remove the Wheel:*
- Use a lug wrench to completely remove the lug nuts and take off the wheel.
5. *Locate the Brake Caliper:*
- Behind the wheel, you will see the brake caliper. It is a metal housing that contains the brake pads and piston.
6. *Remove the Caliper:*
- There will be two bolts holding the caliper in place. Use a wrench to loosen and remove these bolts.
- Be careful not to lose any of the hardware, including the bolts and the metal clips.
7. *Remove the Old Brake Pads:*
- Once the caliper is removed, you can access the brake pads. Pull the old pads straight out of their slots.
8. *Inspect the Rotor:*
- While the caliper is off, inspect the brake rotor for any signs of wear or damage. If the rotor is excessively grooved or worn out, it will need to be resurfaced or replaced.
9. *Install the New Brake Pads:*
- Slide the new brake pads into the slots in the caliper. Make sure they are properly seated.
10. *Reinstall the Caliper:*
- Replace the caliper over the brake pads and secure it using the bolts you removed earlier. Tighten the bolts to the manufacturer's recommended torque specifications.
11. *Reinstall the Wheel:*
- Reattach the wheel and tighten the lug nuts until they are snug. Do not fully tighten them at this point.
12. *Lower the Vehicle:*
- Carefully lower the vehicle using the jack stands, then remove the floor jack.
13. *Tighten the Lug Nuts:
- Use the lug wrench to fully tighten the lug nuts in a star pattern.
14. *Test the Brakes:*
- Start the vehicle and gently apply the brakes to test that they are functioning properly.
15. *Dispose of Old Parts:*
- Properly dispose of the old brake pads and any replaced components.
Remember to follow all safety guidelines when performing brake repairs. If you are uncomfortable with any of these steps or are not mechanically inclined, it is recommended that you seek the assistance of a qualified mechanic.
