- Floor Jack
- Jack Stands
- Lug Wrench
- C-Clamp
- Flat Head Screwdriver
- Brake Caliper Grease
- Brake Cleaner
- New Brake Pads
- Safety glasses
- Gloves
Step-by-Step:
1. Park your vehicle on a level surface and apply the parking brake.
2. Loosen the lug nuts on the rear wheels but don't remove them completely.
3. Place the floor jack under the frame of your vehicle, near the rear wheel you'll be working on and raise it until the tire is off the ground.
4. Fully remove the lug nuts and take off the wheel.
5. Locate the brake caliper, it's attached to the rotor by two bolts.
6. Use a wrench to loosen the bolts holding the caliper in place.
7. Once loosened, remove the bolts with your hand and carefully lift the caliper off the rotor. Place the caliper on top of the suspension components near the strut so it doesn't hang by the brake hose.
8. Inspect the old brake pads for wear. It's recommended to replace the pads if 1/4 inch or less of the friction material remains.
9. Now that the caliper is off, carefully compress the piston.
- Use the C-clamp and place the jaws over the brake piston.
- Screw the C-clamp inward till the brake piston is compressed all the way.
- You can also use a large flathead screwdriver to carefully pry back the brake caliper piston back into the caliper. Be cautious using the screwdriver as improper positioning can damage the brake components.
10. Insert the new brake pads into the caliper. Make sure the lining of the pads faces the rotor.
11. Re-install the caliper bolts and hand-tighten them.
12. Check that the caliper is positioned correctly over the rotor before you tighten the bolts. Then tighten them with a wrench.
13. Repeat steps 6 to 12 on the other rear wheel.
14. Put the wheels back on, secure the lug nuts and lower the vehicle with the jack. Finish tightening the lug nuts with the wrench.
15. Before you drive the car, firmly press down on the brake pedal a few times. This will force the brake fluid to adjust to the new pads and they will make contact with the rotor.
16. After changing your brake pads, try doing some light braking to allow everything to get settled.
