Things You'll Need:
- Jack and stands
- Hand tools to remove the brake system.
- Replacement caliper and pads.
- A second person to bleed the brakes with.
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Step 1
First step is to get a replacement caliper. I suggest buying a loaded caliper. These already have a set of pads in them and they may also have new hardware to include bolts and slides. You will need to save the old caliper because there should be a core return, to get the money back on the core you will return the old caliper.
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Step 2
Place the jack under the control arm. Use a tire iron or a breaker bar and socket to brake the lug nuts loose if you do not have a impact gun. Once the lug nuts are loosened slightly, jack the vehicle up so the tire comes off the ground and you can insert a jack stand for safety purposes. The jack stand can be placed under the front axle. Lower the jack so that the tire is off the ground but the vehicle also rests on the stand. Finish removing the tire.
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Step 3
Once the tire has been removed. Locate the correct socket or wrench to remove the 2 bolts holding the caliper to the mounting bracket. If there are any cotter pins or such on the sliders remove them and set them aside. The caliper should slide upwards from the hub assembly. If it does not you may need to insert a small pry bar between the caliper and the mounting bracket and pry the caliper up. This should not damage the rotor nor should it push fluid back up into the master cylinder.
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Step 4
Once the caliper has been removed from the bracket, secure it so the caliper does not dangle by the hose as that can damage it. Check the new caliper assemble any parts that may be needed, this includes making sure that the sliders are properly lubricated with brake caliper lubricant. We will assume that the rotor is still good and does not need to be replaced or cut. If it does remove the 2 bolts on the back side of the bracket and service parts as needed. Clean the bracket where the pads sit at with a wire brush to help reduce the chance of a pad sticking and squealing or wearing out unevenly. Use a small amount of brake caliper lubricant on those areas.
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Step 5
Place the new caliper back on the rotor and reinsert the bolts. remove the plug cap from the caliper brake hose port. You now need to look for the copper crush washers. if the new caliper did not come with them you will have to reuse the old ones. Use the new ones if possible. Remove the bolt holding the brake hose to the old caliper. Be careful not to break that bolt or damage the hose. Open the bleeder screw on the new caliper. Place the hose bolt into the port on the caliper using crush washers on both sides of the hose fitting. Tighten the bolt. The brake fluid will be messy but I don't recommend pinching lines as this can cause them to collapse or damage them. Brake fluid should start to bubble out of the bleeder screw.
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Step 6
Let the brake fluid drip from the caliper until there are no more air bubbles coming from the bleeder screw. Close the bleeder screw. Open the master cylinder reservoir and top off with the appropriate grade of brake fluid. Replace the cap on the master cylinder. Pump the brake pedal it should be semi firm. If it falls to the floor make sure the brake hose and the bleeder screw are tight. Have your helper get in the vehicle and pump the brake pedal so it gets firm. Then have them hold it down. Open the bleeder screw slowly to let the air be forced out. The brake pedal will sink to the floor. Once you close the bleeder screw, your partner can let off and pump the pedal again. Repeat the bleeding procedure until no air comes from the bleeder screw any more. Clean the caliper with a rag so that the fluid does not drip and become confused as a leak.
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Step 7
Once the bleeding is complete and the pedal is firm, replace the tire. Tighten to the recommended torque to avoid hub or rotor damage. If not using a impact tighten the lug nuts as best as can be done. Raise the jack and remove the stand. Let the jack down so the tire touches the ground but so the vehicle is still supported by the jack. Finish tightening the lug nuts. Top off the brake fluid again. Now you can start the vehicle. make sure that there are no brake or abs lights on unless they were already on. Press the brakes and shift into gear and let off the brake slow to get the vehicle to move. tap the brakes to make sure it stops. Once you know the vehicle will stop, take it for a test drive. Make sure to let the brake pads "brake in".
