How to Replace Front Brake Pads and Rotors Video
Front brake pads provide up to 70% of a vehicles stopping power. In general,
front brake pads wear out twice as fast as
rear brake pads,
roughly a 2 to 1 ratio on a standard disc-drum brake combination, this will be slightly
different on a disc-disc arrangement due to the efficiency of a rear disc brake
versus drums. Disc brakes have a definite braking power advantage over
drum style brakes and performance
is not compromised as much when wet or hot. Some
disc brakes utilize cooling fins
in-between the braking surfaces of the rotor to maximize cooling efficiency.
Replacing
brake rotors can vary depending on the make and model of car, two or four wheel
drive, front or rear wheel drive. Always replace brake rotors with top quality or
OEM (original equipment manufacturer)
brake rotors, some less expensive
brake rotors can squeak and may not dissipate heat or perform as well because of
their inferior metal quality. The same applies to the
brake pads; they should be high quality
(OEM) to ensure proper performance.
Step 1 - Identify Front Disc Brake Components
Front Wheel Drive Brake Assembly
Most front disc brake components include: brake rotor, brake pads,
brake caliper, caliper
mount and brake flex
hose. Brake service usual occurs between 15,000 and 30,000 miles depending on
driver habits, road conditions and brake pad and rotor materials used.
Step 2 - Remove Brake Caliper to Replace Pads
Removing Brake Caliper Mounting Bolts
Locate primary caliper mounting bolts; apply wrench pressure counter-clockwise
(When looking at the head of the bolt) to remove the bolts, upper and lower. Make
sure the bolt threads are in good shape and replace if necessary.
Step 3 - Remove Front Brake Caliper
Remove Front Brake Caliper
After removing the primary caliper mounting bolts lift the brake caliper off
of the rotor and then tie or secure to the side, being careful not to bend or kink
the brake caliper flex hose.
Thoroughly inspect brake caliper and brake hoses for leakage, cracks or chaffing
and replace as needed. Next remove the brake pads (If not mounted in the caliper)
and secondary caliper mounting bolts. Notice how great protective gloves work, most
mechanics use them.
Step 4 - Remove Brake Pads
Remove Front Brake Pads
Once the brake pads have been removed, make sure if there is anti rattle hardware
to transfer to the new brake pads. Some brake pad manufacturers will include the
proper lube (Caliper slides) and anti-rattle hardware to ensure proper performance
of their product.
Step 5 - Remove Caliper Mount
Remove Caliper Mount Bracket
Finish removing secondary caliper mount bolts and remove caliper mount. Note:
clean and lube brake caliper slides
and pad friction surfaces of all foreign material or build-up.
Step 6 - Remove Brake Rotor
Remove Brake Rotor
With the caliper mount out of the way you can now remove the
brake rotor. Sometimes it can get
stuck so you may need to tap it with a hammer or use penetrating oil to free it
up. Some manufacturers use small screws to hold the rotor on as well. Clean and
inspect wheel studs, replace if any are damaged. Also clean bearing hub rotor mount
surface to ensure the proper mounting of the new brake rotor. Inspect the ABS sensor
wheel for cracks or damage and replace as needed.
Step 7 - Depressing the Brake Caliper
Resetting Brake Caliper
To install the new brake pads you must retract the brake caliper piston. Remove
the master cylinder lid or open the brake caliper bleeder screw to allow excess
brake fluid to be released if necessary. Install C clamp tool and gently tighten
clamp until caliper piston is fully depressed. Note: use old brake pad to protect
the caliper piston. Close the bleeders once the piston is retracted completely
Step 8 - Installing New Brake Rotor
Install Brake Rotor
Install new brake rotor, the new rotor is manufactured with a protective film
over the rotor to keep it from rusting, remove protective film with brake cleaner
before installing; also after the brake job is complete you may experience a small
amount of smoke from the rotor when first used. This is normal and will go away
after the first couple of uses.
Step 9 - Installing New Front Brake Pads
Installing New Brake Pads
Reinstall the front brake caliper mount, and then install front brake pads. Make
sure the pads are seated properly in the caliper mount; it must be a close fit to
work properly.
Step 10 - Reinstall Front Brake Caliper
Re-Install front Bake Caliper
Reinstall front brake caliper and reinstall caliper-mounting bolts, recheck all
mounts and mounting bolts. Check the caliper slides to be sure there is no bind
and that the caliper moves freely back and forth on the caliper slides.
Bleed brake system
per manufacturer's specifications to relieve any air trapped in the system. Before
driving the vehicle, push the brake pedal down and let it up slowly, repeat until
normal brake pedal operation resumes, this operation is forcing the brake pads to
travel to the brake rotors.
DO NOT DRIVE VEHICLE UNTIL PROPER
BRAKE PEDAL OPERATION IS PRESENT. When test driving the vehicle listen for
any unusual noises during the operation of the brakes, Note: Brake pad operation
may be slightly impaired until the surfaces mate together (About 30 miles).
Best Practices
- Bleed the brake system after replacing any brake component like brake pads
or shoes
- Use high quality pads and rotors when replacing brake components
- Always lubricate the caliper sliders if the caliper is so equipped
- When replacing brake rotors clean the surface between the rotor and axle
flange to ensure proper operation. (this can cause the rotor to wobble on the
axle causing the steering wheel to shake when the brake are applied).
If further assistance is needed, our certified car repair technicians are ready
to answer your car questions. Also, gain manufacturer
specific instructions and information by clicking -
Auto Repair Manual
Related Car Repair Information
