How to Change Your Brake Pads

Introduction: These instructions are intended for those with intermediate to advanced knowledge of or experience with motor vehicles and looking for help with the process of changing brakes. These instructions are a broad coverage of all the major operations involved in changing brakes by taking you step by step through the procedure. The most effective way to utilize these instructions is to work as you read. Read over one step, attempt to complete it, and then move on to the next. These instructions will not go into deep detail about each operation but will be a complete overview. Unlike many other instructions, the vocabulary used in the following instructions is very basic making it easy to comprehend. Additionally, there will also be tips along the way to help ease the process.

· New brake pads

· New retaining clips (located in brake pad box)

· Small piece of wood

· Disposable mechanic gloves

· Lug wrench

· Jack

· Jack stands

· C-clamp

· Brake grease

· Needle Nose Pliers

· Flat Head Screwdriver

· Ratchet Set

1. Loosen the lug nuts of the tire.
   1. This process is called “breaking” the lug nuts.
2. Place the jack beneath the frame of your car.
3. Raise your car high enough to also place the jack stands beneath the frame.

Explanation for novices:

• The lug nuts must be initially loosened while the car is still on the ground. If not done while the vehicle is on the ground, the tire will just rotate when you try to loosen the lug nuts
• The frame of your car is the main supporting structure of the vehicle. The jack and jack stand need to be placed here to prevent damage to the vehicle.

1. Loosen the lug nuts completely.
2. Remove the tire and set it aside.
   1. TIP: place lug nuts in the hub cap to keep track of them.

1. Remove the upper sliding pin located on the back of the caliper assembly.
2. Rotate the caliper downward, revealing your brake pads.

Explanation for novices:

• Only one slide pin should be removed from the caliper. This keeps the caliper secure while you continue to work and helps to prevent potential damages due to a fully removed caliper.

1. Remove your brake pads from each side of the brake rotor.
   1. TIP: note orientation of brake pads before removing!
2. Pry the Retaining Clips off the top and bottom of the caliper bracket.

1. Place new retaining clips where you took the old clips out.
   1. TIP: these are supposed to be difficult to install! Push until set in the groove.
   2. TIP: Use a dime-sized amount of grease to lubricate the contact area between the brakes and clips.

Explanation for novices:

• The function of the retaining clips is to prevent movement between the brake caliper and the caliper mount, while also ensuring that the brake pad is positioned correctly. These clips need to be replaced to ensure proper functionality.

1. Slide the new brakes into each side of the brake rotor.
   1. TIP: Double-check that the brakes are oriented correctly.
2. Place a small, flat piece of wood across the caliper piston(s)
   1. TIP: can also use one old brake pads as a replacement for the wood
3. Compress using a C-clamp.
4. Rotate the caliper back into place.
5. Reinstall the removed sliding pin.

Explanation for novices:

• The caliper pistons must be compressed down because the thickness of the newly installed brake pads are larger than the old ones

1. Place your tire back onto the rotor.
2. Tighten the lug nuts by hand.
3. Remove the jack stand.
4. Lower the car back to the ground.
5. Remove the jack.
6. Tighten the lug nuts completely to the tire.