1 of 1

by Nic R.

• A
• A
• A

You hear the telltale squeal or feel a pulsing in your pedal as you apply the brakes,
Yes, your front brake pads are worn and need to be replaced.
This is really a very simple operation.
You will need a Lug wrench, Jack, Block of wood, Screwdriver ( Large Flat Blade ), C Clamp, Wrenches or Sockets
First block the rear wheels of the vehicle, Place your jack under one side of the vehicle in the front, Loosen the lug nuts slightly and jack up the car.
Once the wheel is off of the ground, remove the lug nuts and take the tire / wheel assembly off.
You will see the brake rotor and the caliper.
The caliper will be towards the top of the rotor slightly forward or rearward of center depending on the make of your vehicle.
Gently slide the screwdriver into the hole at the top of the caliper and pry the brake pad slightly inward ( you will be able to spin the rotor when the pad is pried back far enough ).
Remove the screwdriver, Look at the inside of the caliper, there will be two fasteners holding the caliper on, Usually two 12mm bolts, Two 3/8 allen head bolts, Or in the case of some trucks, One allen head bolt and two slide pins.
Remove the two bolts and raise the caliper off of the rotor.
Now use your screwdriver to pry the pads off of the caliper.
Place a thin block of wood on top of the piston, Squeeze the piston back into the caliper using the C-Clamp.
Now place the supplied clips onto the new pads and place the pads onto the caliper.
You may have bushings on the top and bottom of the caliper that the bolts go through.
remove these bushings with a pair of pliers. Clean them off and lube using the supplied small package of white grease.
Place the bushings back into the caliper, making sure you place them flush with the inside edge of the caliper.
Slide the caliper back onto the rotor and start and tighten the bolts.
Replace the wheel and repeat for the other side.
Lower the vehicle, remove the jack, raise the hood and check the brake fluid.
It should be at the top of brake reservoir.
start the vehicle and PUMP THE BRAKES A FEW TIMES BEFORE DRIVING THE VEHICLE !.
The first few times you press the brake pedal it will feel like you have no brakes, However they will pump up after a few pushes of the pedal.
You are actually seating the new pads against the rotors during this step.
Recheck the brake fluid, Re fill as necessary.
And Happy Motoring Again

Learn more about this author, Nic R..

Add your voice
Know something about How to replace front brakes? We want to hear your view. Write now!