How To Repair / Rear Brake Pads-1 / Rear Brake Pads-2

Replacing Rear Brake Pads and Rotors

(Always wear protective safety goggles and gloves before work begins)

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 of 9. 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 of 9. 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 of 9. 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 of 9. 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.

Rear Brake Pads

Purchase 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.

Purchase Rear Brake Caliper - Brake calipers provide the squeezing power to the brake pads when you press the brake peddle down. Whether using standard master cylinder or ABS braking systems, brake calipers apply the pressure from the pads to the rotors.

Purchase 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.

Common Problems

1. Brake pads wear down too far contacting the rotor.

2. Caliper slides lock up not letting the caliper move causing one brake pad to wear out and not the other.

3. If inferior parts are used they will squeak, grumble and not last as long.

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