How to Replace Disc Brakes

Disc brakes became an option in 1965 and became standard in 1970. The front brakes wear out more quickly than the back ones. Replace the pads if the brakes squeak, replace the calipers if the car pulls to the right and have the rotors turned if the car shakes. Here's how to replace the front brakes.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Pull the car into a well-lit place and put blocks behind the back wheels. This will keep the car from moving when you jack up the front end. For added safety, apply the emergency brake. Before you jack up the car, take the front hubcaps off and break the lug nuts loose. It's easier to loosen the lug nuts while the car is still on the ground. Jack the front of the car up and put jack stands under the car if you want.

2. Take the tires off. If you put jack stands under the car, you can place the tires behind the jack stands to catch the car if it falls. Use a wrench to remove the two bolts holding the caliper to the pad bracket and the two bolts holding the pad bracket to the steering knuckle. With some cars, the pads will come out with the caliper, but on other cars you need to take the pads out of the pad bracket. Put the caliper on top of the steering knuckle or tie it up with wire to keep it from hanging from the brake hose.

3. Inspect the pads. A screwdriver can be used to get the pads out. Replace the rotors if the pads are down to the metal. Check the wear on both sides of the car and if there's a big difference, you'll have to replace the calipers. Don't install the new pads yet, put anti-squeal on the back of them and set them aside. Check the rotors for glazing and grooves to see if they'll need to be replaced or turned.

4. Use a wrench to take the brake rotors off. Also use a wrench to remove the pad brackets from the steering knuckle. You can take the rotors to a body shop or machine shop to have them turned. Put the turned brake rotors back on and use a wrench to put the pad brackets back on.

5. Close the brake reservoir before putting the caliper back on. There is a right side caliper and a left side caliper. It's easy to mix them up, so when putting the calipers on, be sure the bleeder fitting is in the upper position. If the bleeder is down, you have them on the wrong side. Use the new brass washers to replace the brake hose. Place the washers in the right place or the brakes will leak. If the caliper piston needs to be compressed, use the old brake pads and a C clamp.

6. Use a flat head screwdriver to put the new brake pads into the caliper. Make sure not to damage the pad clips. Use a wrench to bolt the caliper back to the pad bracket. With the help of a friend, bleed the brakes. Replace the wheels. Using an opposing fashion, tighten the lug nuts. Check the brake fluid level, adding fluid if necessary. Check the brake line for leaks.

7. Remove the jack stands. Lower the car, with the wheels still blocked, do a short test to make sure the brakes work. Tighten the lug nuts and put the hubcaps back on.