How To Change Car Brakes

If you have the right tools and some persistence, undertaking a brake change is doable. Here’s a list of what you need to change your car brakes.

• Rotors
• Pads
• Necessary fitment components, i.e. springs, bolts, nuts, clips, etc.
• Jack
• Jack stands
• Power drill motor
• Breaker bar
• Set of hand tools
• Various types of lubrication products, i.e. brake clean, grease, etc.
• Wheel blocks

Now that you have all your materials, start with the fronts.

1. Block the wheels that will not be jacked up
   
2. Jack the front or rear of the vehicle up to ensure a safe clearance between the tire tread and the ground
   
3. Install jack stands on both sides of the vehicle to ensure the vehicle is firmly established on struts
   
4. Remove the first wheel
   
5. Place the removed wheel/tire under the chassis as an additional safety component
   
6. Unscrew the bottom bolt of the brake caliper. This will allow the entire assembly to “rock up,” thereby allowing easy access to the pad/spring combination without having to un-do the brake line, which is typically situated at the top of the brake caliper
   
7. Slide the brake pads out of the brake assembly
   
8. Remove the caliper assembly. This allows easy access to the rotor.
   
9. Remove the rotor
   
10. Before installing the new rotor, apply brake grease or lubricant so rust won’t build-up between the back of the rotor and the hub
    
11. Ensure that the new rotor diameter is compliant with the original component
    
12. Using a brake clean product to ensure that not packing coatings are evident on the rotor face
    
13. Re-install the brake caliper
    
14. Replace the brake pads
    
15. Compress the caliper
    
16. Check and clean the brake guide pins
    
17. Complete the brake caliper installation

In the case of rear brakes, similar safety and process elements apply.

Summary

Article Name

How To Change Car Brakes

Description

Although this process may appear to be a bit complex, if you have a proper set of tools, supported by a degree of persistence, undertaking a complete brake change shouldn’t be a particularly daunting task.

Author

Rick Carlton

Publisher Name

Buy Brakes

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