Tools and Materials:
- New brake pads
- C-clamp or brake caliper tool
- 13 mm socket wrench
- Flat-head screwdriver
- Wire brush
- Brake cleaner
- Jack and jack stands
- Wheel chocks
Instructions:
1. Prepare the vehicle:
- Engage the parking brake.
- Loosen the lug nuts on the wheel covering the brake assembly, but don't remove them completely.
2. Raise the vehicle:
- Use the jack to carefully lift the vehicle until the wheel is off the ground.
- Place a jack stand under the car for safety before removing the wheel entirely.
3. Remove the wheel:
- Remove the lug nuts and gently pull the wheel toward you to take it off.
4. Locate the brake caliper:
- The brake caliper is typically the larger, more prominent component that houses the brake pads.
5. Remove the caliper:
- Using a 13 mm wrench or socket, loosen the bolts holding the brake caliper in place.
- Don't completely remove the bolts, just enough to loosen the caliper.
6. Use a C-clamp:
- Now use the C-clamp or brake caliper tool.
- Place it on the brake piston inside the caliper and slowly turn the tool to compress the piston back into the caliper.
- This will create space for the new pads.
7. Remove the old brake pads:
- The brake pads are typically held in place by a retainer clip or spring.
- Carefully pry it up with a flathead screwdriver and slide the old pads out.
8. Clean the caliper:
- Use the wire brush and brake cleaner to thoroughly clean the brake caliper and the area where the brake pads sit.
- This ensures better contact with the new pads.
9. Install the new brake pads:
- Check that the new pads have a small chamfer on the edges.
- This chamfer helps reduce noise during braking.
- Place the chamfered side away from the caliper piston.
- Insert the new pads into the caliper, ensuring they fit snugly.
- Secure them with the retainer clips or springs if needed.
10. Reinstall the brake caliper:
- Re-install the brake caliper by tightening the bolts you loosened earlier.
11. Inspect and verify:
- Double-check that the brake pads are properly aligned and that the caliper is secure.
- Verify that the caliper piston is fully seated and not leaking.
12. Replace the wheel:
- Put the wheel back on and tighten the lug nuts just snugly.
- Do not overtighten at this point.
13. Lower the vehicle:
- Use the jack to slowly lower the car back onto the ground.
14. Test the brakes:
- Lightly depress the brake pedal a few times to ensure proper operation and brake pressure.
15. Tighten the lug nuts:
- Once the car is on the ground, tighten the lug nuts fully with a star pattern to maintain even pressure.
16. Test drive:
- Take the vehicle for a test drive to assess brake performance.
Remember, working with brakes requires attention to safety and proper procedures.
If you are not comfortable performing this task, it's best to have it done by a professional mechanic.
