How to Replace Pads Without Changing Rotors

Iskandar Blogger 1:47 PM

Disc brakes slow your vehicle down when the brake calipers compress the brake pads against the brake rotors. This friction of the pads coming against the rotors will slow or stop your vehicle. All this friction will create wear, necessitating the replacement of the brake pads. Although disc brake rotors will eventually need to be replaced, the rotors are made from cast iron and should last through several sets of brake pads. The brake pads can be replaced without having to remove the rotors.

Instructions

    1

    Raise your vehicle with a hydraulic jack and place jack stands under the vehicle's frame. Lower the hydraulic jack. Remove the wheels by loosening and removing the lug nuts with a lug wrench in a counterclockwise direction. Lower the wheels to the ground.

    2

    Remove the brake caliper holding bolts (though it can vary, usually there are two bolts) in a counter-clockwise direction with an adjustable wrench. Slide the caliper off of the rotor. Be careful: The flexible rubber brake hose will still be attached to the caliper.

    3

    Slide the brake pads (two per caliper) out of the caliper. Use a flat-blade screwdriver to pry the pads out if necessary. Hang the caliper to the vehicle's wheel well with a bungee cord, so you don't strain the rubber brake hose.

    4

    Compress the pistons back into the caliper by attaching a C-clamp to the back of the caliper and over the end of the piston and tightening it down by turning the handle in a clockwise direction. Remove the C-clamp once the piston is fully retracted into the caliper.

    5

    Slide the new brake pads into the caliper. Remove the bungee cord and slide the caliper back onto the rotor until the mounting holes line up. Replace the holding bolts and tighten them with an adjustable wrench in a clockwise direction.

    6

    Repeat these steps for the other side of the vehicle. Replace the wheels and tighten the lug nuts with a lug wrench in a clockwise direction. Raise the hydraulic jack enough to release the jack stands and remove them. Lower the hydraulic jack slowly and set it aside. Re-tighten the lug nuts with the lug wrench.