How to Change the Brake Pads & Rotors
- 1). Place blocks in front of or behind the tires that will remain on the ground to prevent the car from rolling.
- 2). Jack up the end of the car and support each side with jack stands.
- 3). Remove the tires. At this point, you should be able to see the caliper and rotor assembly.
- 4). Remove the calipers by removing the bolts. You may need to loosen the caliper by inserting a screwdriver between the brake pad and rotor to compress the piston. Remove one caliper at a time to prevent problems. This will allow you to see the remaining caliper should you forget how to reassemble the other.
- 5). Remove the brake pads. Depending on your vehicle, the brake pads may either be sitting in the caliper bracket or connected to the caliper with clips. If pads are clipped to the caliper, remove the outside pad. Use a C-clamp to compress the caliper piston back into the caliper. Leave the inside brake pad on to prevent damage to the piston. This is also helpful with multi-piston calipers in that the inside pad will compress both pistons equally. If your brake pads are mounted on the caliper bracket, remove the outside pad and discard. Place the inside pad against the caliper piston before compressing the piston back into the caliper with the C-clamp. Place the caliper on top of the rotor or hang it with a wire. Do not let it hang by the hose.
- 6). Remove the caliper bracket, but only if it is required for removal of the rotor. The caliper bracket is usually held on by two bolts. Remove the bolts and then the caliper bracket.
- 7). Remove the rotor. It usually comes off quite easily. If it is rusted, you may need to hit the rotor with a hammer between the lug studs to break it loose. Be careful not to hit a lug stud or it may be damaged.
- 8). Measure the rotor for resurfacing or discard it and replace with a new one. Most local parts stores will measure and resurface rotors if you do not have a resurfacing machine.
- 9). Install the new or resurfaced rotor and bolt on the caliper bracket. Tighten the bolts to manufacturer's specifications.
- 10
Install the brake pads into the caliper bracket or caliper, depending on your vehicle. - 11
Place the caliper over the pads and rotor and replace the bolts. Tighten the bolts to the manufacturer's specifications. - 12
Replace the tires and lug nuts and then lower the vehicle to the ground. - 13
Torque the lug nuts to prevent rotor warping - 14
Pump the brakes before driving to seat the brake pads to the rotor. If the brake pedal does not feel right after three or four pumps, remove the tires and recheck the brakes. - 15
Test-drive the vehicle.The brakes may feel a little soft for the first few trips, until the brake pads seat properly.
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