Materials and Tools Needed

Before you begin, make sure you have the following materials and tools:

• New brake pads (compatible with your vehicle)
• Brake cleaner
• C-clamp or brake piston tool
• Wrench or socket set
• Jack and jack stands
• Lug wrench
• Torque wrench
• Wire brush or sandpaper
• Safety goggles and gloves

Step 1: Prepare the Vehicle

• Park your vehicle on a level surface and engage the parking brake.
• Loosen the lug nuts on the wheel you’ll be working on, but don’t remove them just yet.
• Lift the vehicle using a jack and secure it with jack stands for safety.
• Fully remove the lug nuts and take off the wheel.

Step 2: Remove the Old Brake Pads

• Locate the brake caliper, which is usually a metal component near the rotor.
• Use a wrench or socket set to remove the bolts holding the caliper in place.
• Carefully lift the caliper off the rotor and suspend it with a wire or bungee cord to prevent strain on the brake hose.
• Remove the old brake pads from the caliper. Take note of their positioning for later reference.

Step 3: Prepare the Caliper and Install New Brake Pads

• Inspect the brake caliper for any signs of damage or wear. If necessary, clean it with brake cleaner and a wire brush or sandpaper.
• Push the brake piston back into the caliper using a C-clamp or brake piston tool. This will create enough space for the new, thicker brake pads.
• Apply a thin layer of brake grease or anti-seize lubricant to the back of the new brake pads.
• Install the new brake pads into the caliper, making sure they match the positions of the old ones.

Step 4: Repeat for Other Wheels and Test the Brakes

• Repeat Steps 2-4 for the remaining wheels that need brake pad replacement.
• Once all the wheels have been reassembled, start the vehicle and pump the brakes a few times to ensure proper pad positioning.
• Test the brakes by gently applying pressure and ensuring the vehicle comes to a smooth stop.
• If everything feels secure and functions properly, the brake pad replacement is complete.