Auto Repair Advice by Professional Automotive Experts
How Do I Repair My Car?
/ How to Replace
Rear Brake Pads
How to Replace Rear Brake Pads and Rotors
Rear disc brake pads offer better performance and are not as affected by moisture
like conventional brake shoe style brakes are. Rear disc brakes are similar to front
disc brakes. The main difference is that rear disc brake systems must incorporate
the emergency brake system. There are two methods widely used for the emergency
brake with rear disc systems. The first system is a brake shoe inside the brake
disc that is actuated by the emergency brake lever. The second is a screw style
actuator inside the brake caliper. When activated the brake pads are forced into
the brake disc and held tightly by the emergency brake lever.
READ COMPLETELY BEFORE STARTING
Step 1 - Identify Rear Disc Brake Components
Rear disc brake assembly includes; rear brake disc, rear brake pads, brake caliper
mount and a caliper mounting screw. (Note: Some vehicles do not have the rotor mounting
screw.)
Step 2 - Removing the Rear Brake Caliper Mount Bolts
To replace rear brake pads and rotors the rear brake caliper needs to be removed.
First loosen the rear brake caliper mount bolts and remove them. Turn counter clockwise.
Step 3 - Lift Rear Brake Caliper from The Caliper Mount
After the caliper mount bolts have been removed, gently lift the brake caliper
from the caliper mount. Inspect the caliper slides; they should move freely in the
caliper mount. Remove rear brake pads and hardware.
Step 4 - Removing Caliper Mount Bolts
With a socket wrench or other appropriate removal tool, loosen the rear brake
caliper mounting bolts. Remove bolts and lift the caliper mount and remove it from
the vehicle. Remove the retaining screw from the disc mounting hole. Tap the rotor
gently to release any rust that has accumulated between the rotor and bearing hub.
Lift brake rotor from wheel hub holding on tightly, using both hands. You
do not want to drop the rotor.
Step 5 - Removing Rear Brake Rotor
Remove the retaining screw from the disc mounting hole, tap the rotor gently
to release any rust that has accumulated between the rotor and bearing hub. Lift
brake rotor from wheel hub, hold on using both hands and do not drop.
Step 6 - Install New Brake Rotor
Check the new rotor against the old brake rotor to make sure they are the same
size. Clean the mating surface on the wheel hub before the new brake rotor is installed.
Reinstall rotor retainer screw.
Step 7 - Reset Rear Brake Caliper
Before new brake pads can be installed, the rear brake caliper must be reset.
The reset tool winds the piston back into position so the new brake pads will fit.
This style of brake caliper will not compress with a clamp tool; it can only be
reset with the proper reset tool.
Step 8 - Reinstall Rear Caliper Mount and Install New Rear Brake Pads
After the caliper has been reset, reinstall caliper mounting bolts and make sure
the bolts are tight. Then match up the old brake pads to the new brake pads. They
should be exactly the same except, of course; the old ones will be worn out. Check
the new brake pads for proper fit and install any brake hardware that is required.
Step 9 - Remount Rear Brake Caliper
Reinstall the brake caliper, align brake pad hardware and reinstall caliper mounting
bolts. (Note: align the rear peg of the brake pad to the groove in the caliper piston.)
Recheck and retighten all caliper and caliper mount bolts.
Bleed
brake system to relieve any air in the system. Before driving the vehicle, push
the brake pedal down and let it up slowly. This operation forces the brake pads
to travel to the brake rotors. DO NOT DRIVE VEHICLE
until proper brake pedal operation resumes.
When test driving vehicle listen for any unusual noises during the operation of
the brakes.
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 I Replace
My Rear Brake Pads?
Common Problems
- Brake pads wear down too far contacting the rotor.
- Caliper slides lock up not letting the caliper move causing one brake pad
to wear out and not the other.
- If inferior parts are used they will squeak, grumble and not last as long.
Rear Brake Parts
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Rear
Brake Pad - Semi metallic brake pads are
generally made copper, brass, and steel wool shavings held together in a
resin. Ceramic pads are also available for high performance applications.
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Rear
Brake Caliper - Brake calipers provide the squeezing power to the
brake pads when you press the brake pedal down. Whether using standard master
cylinder or ABS braking systems, brake calipers apply the pressure from
the pads to the rotors.
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Rear
Brake Rotor - A brake disc is the rotating part of the braking system
that contacts the brake pads. Heat and energy are transferred from the brake
disc to the pads while providing friction to stop the car. Cross drill brake
discs help dissipate heat more efficiently under extreme driving conditions
like long down grades or repeated hard accelerations and decelerations.
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Brake
Master Cylinder - The brake master cylinder supplies brake
fluid pressure to the brake system. |
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