How to Replace Brake Calipers

Brake calipers can fail and lock up, leak because of contaminated brake fluid or if the brake pads become so low that the piston in the caliper becomes over extended. When the brake pads are not replaced as required the piston continues to be pushed farther out and tends to cock to one side when the brakes are applied. This puts undo pressure on the o-ring that seals the piston in the caliper and causes leaks or a locking up of the caliper as it fails to release.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Set of 3/8-inch sockets
• Ratchet
• Common screwdriver
• Drip pan
• Set of metric wrenches
• ½-inch drive air gun
• ½-inch sockets
• Lug wrench
• Floor jack
• Jack stands

1. Raise and support the vehicle on jack stands. Remove the wheels. Spread the brake pads apart with the common screwdriver. Insert it in the hole in the top of the caliper and pull outward, compressing the piston back into the caliper. Put the drip pan under the caliper.

2. Remove the banjo bolt holding the brake line to the caliper and the two copper sealing washers on both sides of the bolt. Remove the bolts holding the caliper to the support bracket. Remove the caliper and the brake pads.

3. Install the brake pads in the new caliper and install the caliper. Install the bolts in the caliper and tighten. Install the banjo bolt through the brake line making sure there is a copper washer on both sides. Tighten the banjo bolt.

4. Loosen the brake bleeder on the caliper and let drain until all the air is out and there is a steady drip. Tighten the bleeder screw. Reinstall the wheel.

5. Repeat from Step 1 for the other caliper on the other side. Let the vehicle down off the jack stands. Start the car and press the brake pedal until the pedal feels right (three or four presses).

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