AutoZone is a nationwide auto parts store that sells direct-fit calipers for almost all passenger vehicles and light trucks. There are commonly two types and brands of calipers the company sells. Fenco remanufactured calipers come as half calipers; meaning just the top half of the caliper without the caliper bridge. On some models, loaded calipers are available at AutoZone as well. The calipers are manufactured by Morse and come assembled with the caliper anchor, pads and hardware. AutoZone charges a core fee for all of its calipers. This core fee is refunded once your old caliper is removed and returned to the store (as long as it is not damaged and can be remanufactured).
Instructions
- 1
Remove half to two-thirds of the fluid from the master cylinder using a brake fluid suction baster; discard the old fluid. Replace the master cylinder cap or cover.
2Place a wheel block behind or in front of one tire on the opposite axle from where you're lifting the vehicle to prevent it from rolling. If you're replacing the front caliper, apply the parking brake. If you're replacing a rear caliper, do not apply the parking brake or you'll be unable to remove the rear caliper.
3Use a lug nut wrench to loosen the lug nuts on the wheel or wheels on which you're replacing a caliper, then lift the vehicle (you only have to lift one wheel if you're only replacing one caliper) with the jack and support it onto jack stand(s). Finish removing the lug nuts and then remove the wheel.
4Place a drain pan beneath the brake hose connection to the caliper and then place a brake hose crimp tool on the brake hose close to the banjo bolt connection.
5Remove the banjo bolt with a ratchet and socket or a box-end wrench. Remove the copper washers from each side of the banjo bolt and discard them. New washers are provided with AutoZone calipers.
6Remove the rear parking brake cable from the caliper (rear calipers only), if applicable.
7Remove the two caliper mounting bolts using the appropriate tools. Most calipers employ hex-head mounting bolts that can be removed with a ratchet and suitable socket. Other types of calipers may require a Torx head or hex-head bit inserted into the caliper mounting bolt. Refer to the vehicle-specific repair manual to determine what tools will be needed to remove these bolts.
8Pry the caliper off the caliper anchor using a pry bar or large flathead screwdriver. Remove the pads from the caliper, if applicable. Some vehicles have pads clipped to the calipers while other models employ pads retained in the caliper anchor. Place the caliper into the drain pan so the brake hose hole is face down to allow brake fluid to drain from it.
9Remove the pads from the caliper anchor if replacing a loaded Morse caliper only, and then remove the caliper anchor bolts using a breaker bar and suitable socket. If you're only replacing a Fenco caliper housing, leave the caliper anchor intact but apply fresh brake silicone lubricant to the pad contact points on the caliper anchor. Be careful not to get any on the brake rotors.
10Disassemble the loaded Morse caliper, if applicable. The loaded Morse calipers come from AutoZone without lubricant on the hardware for the pads to slide properly on. You'll need to disassemble the unit and replace it in parts (anchor first, then pads and caliper) while adding lubricant to the hardware clips that the pads come into contact with. If you're replacing a Fenco caliper, skip this step.
11Reassemble the caliper by reversing the disassembling procedure. Remove the red rubber plug from the brake hose hole in the new caliper and set it aside. Be sure to refer to the vehicle-specific repair manual for the proper torque specification of the caliper anchor bolts and the caliper mounting bolts. If applicable, apply a coat of brake silicone lubricant to the smooth section of the caliper mounting bolts and/or slides. Be sure to remove the brake hose crimp tool from the brake hose once reattached.
12Top off the master cylinder brake fluid reservoir with the vehicle-specific brake fluid. While most vehicles use DOT 3 brake fluid, your vehicle will dictate what it uses on the master cylinder cap or cover or it will be listed in the vehicle repair manual. Leave the cover of the master cylinder off.
13Place the drain pan beneath the bleeder screw of the caliper. Remove the black rubber cover on the bleeder screw and then loosen it with a box-end wrench or ratchet and socket. Wait for brake fluid to begin trickling out of the bleeder screw. This is called "gravity bleeding" and will assist in purging air from the brake line system. Close the bleeder screw snugly with a box-end wrench and then add more brake fluid to the master cylinder to top it off. Replace the cap or cover to the master cylinder.
14Place an assistant carefully into the hoisted vehicle and have him pump the foot brake pedal four to five times and then hold pressure down onto the pedal. Reopen the bleeder screw while the assistant is still applying pressure to the brake pedal until air and fluid purges from the bleeder screw. Have him release the brake pedal and repeat this step until the brake fluid lacks air bubbles and the brake pedal feels firm. Be sure to check the master cylinder brake fluid level during this step to ensure it does not run dry and then replace the black rubber cover to the bleeder screw when done.
15Replace the wheel(s) and lug nuts, lower the vehicle and then torque the lug nuts to the proper torque specifications specified in the vehicle repair manual with the torque wrench and suitable socket. Test drive the vehicle for proper braking operation.
16Place the red rubber plug from the new caliper brake line hose hole to plug the brake line hose hole on the old caliper. Place the caliper into the box the new caliper came in. Return the caliper in the box to AutoZone to receive a refund on your core charge for the Fenco or Morse caliper.
