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tips for replacing your brake pads

• Siphon about half of the fluid from the master cylinder to make room for the backflow you’ll create when you retract the caliper pistons. Use a pump siphon (not your mouth!) and dispose of the old fluid properly.
  • Never reuse brake fluid. It can absorb moisture and become contaminated when exposed to air.
    
    
• De-gunk parts with brake cleaner only. Never use petroleum-based solvents.
  
  
• Raise and secure the vehicle properly.
  • Use jackstands, tire chocks and the vehicle's parking brake to secure.
    
    
• You may have to disconnect electrical connections for the antilock brake system before you change the pads. Remember to reconnect them afterward.
  
  
• Fixed or movable calipers normally have to be removed from the vehicle to replace the pads.
  • Each caliper is typically secured with two bolts.
  • Verify that you have the proper tool (Allen wrench or large Torx bit) before you disassemble the vehicle.
    
    
• Caliper pistons usually need to be retracted so that the new pads (which have thicker linings than the worn ones) will fit over the rotors.
  • There are special tools designed specifically for retracting. You may also find that using a C-clamp between the old inboard pad and exterior of the caliper body works well too.
    
    
• After the caliper is removed, secure it to the vehicle with wire or a bungee cord. That way the rubber hose won't have to support the caliper's weight.
  
  
• Clean the disassembled components with brake cleaner and a wire brush to remove brake dust and debris.
  
  
• Attach the new pads.
  • Some pads clip into the piston itself, others to the caliper body.
  • Some have their own mounting brackets and others have tabs that must be bent over the caliper.
    
    
• On some vehicles with movable calipers, you cannot reuse the mounting pins and bolts. You’ll have to buy new ones.
  • Lube the movable parts of the new pins and bolts with high-temp grease.
  • If the caliper moves on the steering knuckle, lubricate the contact areas as well.
    
    
• Keep grease, oil, and other lubricants off of the pad and rotor surfaces. Douse surfaces thoroughly with brake cleaner whenever you’re in doubt.
  
  
• Refer to your vehicle’s service manual for fastener torque specs and other specific requirements. Also read the instructions included with the new pads to ensure you’ve done the job right.

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