Front brake pads provide up to 70% of vehicle stopping power. In general,
front brake pads wear out twice as fast as rear brake pads, 2 to 1. Disc brakes
have a definite braking power advantage over drum style brakes and performance
is not compromised as much when wet. Some disc brakes utilize cooling fins
in-between the braking surfaces to maximize cooling efficiency. Replacing brake
discs can vary depending on the make and model of car or truck, two wheel or
four wheel drive. Always replace brake rotors with top quality or OEM (original
equipment manufacturer) brake rotors, some less expensive brake rotors can
squeak and not dissipate heat as well because of their inferior metal quality.
How to Change Front Brake Pads and Rotors
READ COMPLETELY BEFORE STARTING!
Step 1 - Identify Front Disc Brake Components
Most front disc brake components include: brake rotor, brake pads, brake
caliper, caliper mount and brake flex hose. Brake service usual occurs between
20,000 and 40,000 miles depending on driver habits road conditions and brake
pad material used.
Step 2 - Remove Brake Caliper to Replace Pads
Locate primary caliper mounting bolts; apply wrench pressure counter clockwise
to remove the bolt, upper and lower. Make sure the bolt threads are in good
shape and replace if necessary.
Step 3 - Remove Front Brake Caliper
After removing the primary caliper mounting bolts lift the brake caliper
mounting lift brake caliper off of the rotor and then
tie or set gently to the side, be careful of the brake caliper flex hose not
to bend or kink it. Thoroughly inspect brake caliper and brake hoses for leakage
and replace as needed. Next loosen the brake pads and secondary caliper mounting
bolts. Notice how great protective gloves work, most technicians use them on
the job today.
Step 4 - Remove Brake Pads
Remove brake pads, make sure if there is anti rattle hardware to transfer
to the new brake pads.
Step 5 - Remove Caliper Mount
Finish removing secondary caliper mount bolts and remove caliper mount. Note:
clean and lube caliper slides and pad mounts.
Step 6 - 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 an
oil penetrate. 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
To install the new brake pads you must retract the brake caliper piston.
Remove the master cylinder lid 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.
Step 8 - Installing New Brake Rotor
Install new brake rotor, the new rotor is manufactured with a protective
film over the rotor, remove protective film 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
Reinstall the front brake caliper mount, and then install front brake pads. Make
sure the pads are not too lose or too tight in the caliper mount, it must be a
close fit to work properly.
Step 10 - Reinstall Front Brake 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 vehicle listen for any unusual noises during
the operation of the brakes, Note: until brake pads are broken in first 30 miles
or so) the operation of the brakes maybe slightly impaired.
WARNING! Always have the vehicle under inspection
on level ground, in park with the emergency brake on. Always wear protective eyewear,
gloves and necessary clothing before inspection or work begins. Never crank an engine
over when anyone is near the battery or engine. Always have an operational fire
extinguisher close by, obey all first aid instructions in the event of an injury.
Never stand in front or behind a vehicle when cranked over or running. When engine
is cranked over keep hands and clothing away from rotating components. Never move
a car without proper brake pedal operation.
How Do I Repair My
Car? /
How Do Replace
My Front Brake Pads and Rotors?
Additional "How to" Car Repair or Services
