When the brakes are nearly gone and the rotors are equally worn, it is time to replace the entire brake assembly. This project can be accomplished successfully with a socket set and a rubber mallet. Of course, it is imperative to have sockets that match the bolt sizes, whether metric or standard. The front brakes usually differ from the rear brakes; but because the rear brakes are more difficult to replace, those who can do the rear brakes find they have little problem with the front ones.
Instructions
- 1
Raise the car with a jack and set it on jack stands. Remove the lug nuts with a lug nut wrench then pull off the wheel and the lug studs.
2Locate the bolts holding the brake caliper in place. These are usually located on the backside of the caliper. Remove them with a socket and ratchet. Lift the caliper from its mount.
3Check the space into which the caliper slides to be certain it is free of debris. Remove the brake pads along with the brake pad hardware.
4Back out the bolts holding the brake caliper mount in place. Lift the caliper mount free from the car. Remove the retaining screw from the front of the rotor. Tap the rotor with a rubber mallet to free it from the hub. Remove the rotor.
5Clean the surface against which the rotor sits with a putty knife. Slip the new rotor over the hub and insert the retaining screw.
6Reset the caliper with a caliper reset tool so the new brake pads can be installed properly. Put the caliper mount back into place and secure it with the bolts that you removed.
7Match the new brake pads with the old ones for proper installation. Once the new pads are in place, install the caliper onto the caliper mount. Reinstall the lug studs, wheel and lug nuts. Repeat this step for the other wheels.
