- Replacement brake pads specific to your vehicle
- Mechanic’s gloves
- Safety glasses
- C-clamp or brake caliper tool
- Flathead screwdriver
- Brake grease
- Wire brush
- Jack
- Jack stands
Instructions:
1. Prepare Your Vehicle:
- Park your Jimmy on level ground and apply the parking brake.
- Engage the wheel chocks to prevent the vehicle from rolling.
- Loosen the lug nuts on the wheel covering the brake caliper but don’t remove them completely.
2. Lift Your Vehicle:
- Use the jack to raise the front of your Jimmy until the wheel is off the ground.
- Secure the vehicle using jack stands.
3. Remove the Wheel:
- Use the lug wrench to remove the lug nuts and take off the wheel.
4. Locate the Brake Caliper:
- Behind the wheel, you'll see the brake caliper. It's usually a metal assembly near the rotor.
5. Remove the Old Brake Pads:
- Open the hood of your Jimmy and identify the brake fluid reservoir.
- Open the bleeder valve slightly (on the brake caliper) to release some of the pressure within the system. Only do this if the fluid level is high enough to prevent air bubbles from entering. Otherwise, you’ll need a brake bleeder kit to remove the fluid without introducing air into the system.
- Use a flathead screwdriver to press the caliper piston back into the caliper. This makes space to remove the brake pads. Be careful not to damage the piston boot.
- Remove the two bolts that hold the brake caliper in place. This will allow you to lift it off the rotor.
- Remove the old brake pads from the caliper. They’re secured with retainer clips or springs that you can usually remove by hand.
6. Clean the Brake Components:
- Use a wire brush to clean the brake caliper, caliper bracket, and rotor.
- Remove any rust, dirt, or grime that may affect the proper operation of the new brake pads.
7. Apply Brake Grease:
- Apply a thin coat of brake grease to the back of the new brake pads.
- This helps reduce noise and improves braking performance.
8. Install the New Brake Pads:
- Place the new brake pads into the caliper bracket, aligning them with the caliper piston.
- Ensure the pads are seated correctly in their designated positions.
- Reattach the caliper to the bracket using the bolts you removed earlier.
- Tighten the bolts securely but avoid over-tightening.
9. Install the Wheel:
- Place the wheel back on the hub and reinstall the lug nuts. Tighten the lug nuts in a star pattern.
10. Test the Brakes:
- Slowly lower your Jimmy from the jack stands and remove them entirely.
- Test the brakes by pressing the brake pedal firmly and gradually. Check for smooth, even braking without any unusual sounds or vibrations.
11. Check the Brake Fluid Level:
- Open the hood and check the brake fluid level in the reservoir.
- If the level is low, add DOT 3 brake fluid to the appropriate marking.
12. Road Test:
- Take your Jimmy for a brief road test to ensure that the brakes are functioning correctly.
Remember, if you’re not confident performing this task or notice any issues during the process, it's best to seek professional assistance from a qualified mechanic.
