1. Gather the necessary tools and materials
- New brake pads
- Brake fluid
- C-clamp
- Jack and jack stands
- Lug wrench
- Socket wrench set
- Screwdriver
- Pliers
2. Prepare your vehicle
Park your vehicle on a level surface and engage the parking brake. Turn off the engine and allow it to cool down completely. Raise the front of the vehicle with a jack and support it on jack stands. Remove the lug nuts and take off the wheel.
3. Remove the brake caliper
Use a screwdriver to pry open the cotter pin that holds the brake caliper in place. Remove the cotter pin and slide out the caliper guide pin. Remove the two bolts that hold the brake caliper in place. Lift the brake caliper off the rotor.
4. Inspect the brake rotor
The brake rotor should be smooth and free of cracks or deep grooves. If the rotor is damaged, it will need to be replaced.
5. Install the new brake pads
Push the caliper piston back into the caliper bore using a C-clamp. Insert the new brake pads into the caliper. Make sure that the pads are seated properly.
6. Reinstall the brake caliper
Slide the caliper guide pin into the caliper bracket and secure it with the cotter pin. Reinstall the two bolts that hold the brake caliper in place. Tighten the bolts securely.
7. Bleed the brakes
Open the bleeder screw on the brake caliper and allow the old brake fluid to drain out. Continue to bleed the brakes until new brake fluid comes out of the bleeder screw. Close the bleeder screw.
8. Reinstall the wheel
Put the wheel back on the vehicle and reinstall the lug nuts. Lower the vehicle and remove the jack stands.
9. Test the brakes
Gently press the brake pedal to test the brakes. The brake pedal should feel firm and the vehicle should stop smoothly.
10. Refill the brake fluid reservoir
Check the brake fluid level in the reservoir and add brake fluid if necessary. The brake fluid level should be between the "MIN" and "MAX" marks on the reservoir.
