How to Replace Disk Brake Pads

If you are like me, you probably think that replacing your own brake pads on your vehicle is something best left to the professionals. Well guess what. It is most assuredly a task that you can do yourself - saving huge $'s!

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Jack
• Ratchet wrench
• Clean towel
• Lug nut wrench
• Proper brake pads

1. In this example, I am working on the rear axle of a Chevrolet Express 1500 All Wheel Drive Van. I have 100,000 miles on the original pads. A high pitched sound was heard (which brakes are designed make when pads are worn out) so it was definitely time to examine things. If you don't react to this built in warning, damage to the rotor will most likely occur. Replacing damaged rotors is very expensive so don't procrastinate when you hear that pitched squealing sound coming from your vehicle when you put the brakes on. It will most likely only come from one wheel.

2. 1st off, you'll need a level place to park your vehicle to work on it. Do so, but be sure to chalk the tires on the opposite side of the vehicle being worked on. You don't want it rolling anywhere when you jack it up.

3. 
    
   Quality Floor Jack

   Obtain a quality jack and place it under the frame of the vehicle. Place some of the vehicle's weight on the jack, but not all. Do NOT lift the wheels off the ground yet.

4. 
    
   Handy Lug Wrench

   Get yourself a quality wheel lug wrench or use the one that came with your vehicle. Make sure the size is right as one too large will possibly round each lug nut and you don't want that to happen. With the wheels still on the ground and holding some of the vehicle's weight, loosen each lug nut on the wheel or wheels that you want to change the pads on.

5. After loosening all lugs, continue jacking the vehicle high enough to allow the tires not to touch the ground.

6. Remove each lug and place them together in a nearby safe place. Remove the tire and wheel from the axle.

7. 
    
   New Brake Pads

   Examine the axle and other related mechanicals now visible. Look for any out of the ordinary grease or oil. Take pictures if you like. (For this article, we will stay on topic and talk only about brake pads).

8. What you are looking at now is the rotor. This item rotates and the pads rub against this piece to stop your vehicle when you apply the brakes. We need to remove the brake caliper (the piece holding the pads) from the rotor assembly.
   
   Look behind the rotor assembly and you should see two bolts that must be removed to remove the caliper. Remove both bolts. Do NOT allow the caliper to hang from the rubber hose. This can rupture the hose and cause future leaks.

9. 
    
   Typical Brake Pads - New

   Examine the underside of the caliper and remove both clips holding the brake pads. Pay special attention to the way the pads are installed as there may be a front versus back to these pads and of course your new ones.

10. Examine your new pads and compare them to the new ones you bought. They must make sense or don't proceed until you get the right parts.

11. Remove only one pad at a time so that you can re-install the new one correctly and easily without making mistakes and having to start over. Follow along doing the same with the other pad. Each wheel has two pads that must be replaced.

12. At this time you will probably experience that you cannot place the caliper back on the rotor. The new pads make it seem too thick to fit over the rotor. Don't despair!
    Open your hood, find the brake reservoir and carefully open it. Place a CLEAN towel or rag over the top of the reservoir. Return to the wheel being worked on.

13. Get yourself a large "C" clamp and attach it to the caliper forcing the pad to push the piston back into the housing. It will push back in and allow the new brake pad to move back so that now you can attach the caliper back onto the rotor.

14. Now that the hard part of this job is over, align the caliper in such a way so that the two bolts you removed will tighten back up. Do so. I like to use a small amount of lock-tite added to the threads to insure nothing coming loose. After all, we are working on your brakes. Tighten bolts as much as possible. Torque ratings are available if you have a tool like that to use.

15. Go back to the hood and put the lid back on your brake fluid reservoir. Never add any spilled fluid back into the reservoir.

16. Install the wheel and hand tighten all lugs. Allow the vehicle to drop partially adding some weight to the wheels and then tighten all lugs evenly with lug wrench.

17. 
     

    Remove jack. Drive car slowly and test the operation of your braking system before going on a busy road.

18. If you found this article helpful, please rate it or let me know with your comments.

Tips & Warnings

• Use RELEASE Penetrating Fluid Spray to help loosen any bolts that are rusty or hard to remove.
• The use of jack stands is highly recommended.
• Be sure never to get any oil or grease on the rotors or the pads as this will disturb the braking ability of your vehicle.

Resources

• Other helpful projects