Disc brakes are the most common brakes on modern automobiles. They are found in the front position on most automobiles, and many also have disc brakes in the rear position as well. Disc brakes are more effective and reliable than drum brakes, and they are simpler to maintain and repair. Installing new brake pads is a routine part of disc brake maintenance, and car owners can save time and money by learning how to perform this task themselves.
Instructions
- 1
Park the vehicle on a hard, level surface. Set the parking brake. Loosen the wheel lug nuts about one full turn and jack the vehicle up. Support the vehicle securely on an axle stand. Completely remove the lug nuts and remove the wheel.
2Remove the two caliper guide rod bolts. Roll the caliper back and forth a few times to spread the brake pads slightly, then lift the caliper off the disc and hang it out of the way on a wire hook or a bungee cord. Be careful not to damage the flexible brake hose.
3Remove any retaining clips that hold the brake pads in the caliper. Take care not to damage the clips so that they can be reused during reassembly. Slide the brake pads and shims out of the caliper.
4Retract the brake caliper piston with a piston retractor. Place the retractor metal plate on the inner surface of the outer caliper frame and the retractor spindle swivel on the piston face. Advance the spindle to push the piston back into the cylinder bore. Be careful not to damage the piston rubber seal.
5Follow the steps in reverse order to reassemble the brake with new brake pads and shims. Clean the caliper guide bolts with brake cleaning fluid and then coat them with liberally brake grease before reinserting them in the caliper mounts. Start the vehicle and test the brake operation. Replace the wheel and lower the vehicle.
