Change Brake Pads Step-by-Step

The brake pads are attached to a caliper that apply pressure to the rotor to stop the vehicle. The pads wear out over time and this can cause the metal backing on the pad to scrub the rotor. The pads will not take very much time to replace once the wheels are removed.

Procedures:
1. Ensure the vehicle is parked on a flat and level surface. Set the parking brake to ensure the vehicle does not roll back.
2. Loosen the lugnuts on both front wheels with a tire tool but do not remove them. This will make removing the wheels easier when the vehicle is raised up.
3. Place a jack underneath the front crossmember of the vehicle. Raise the car high enough to place jack stands under the crossmember. Lower the vehicle on to the crossmembers.
4. Remove the lug nuts on the driver side with a tire tool. Take the wheel off the axle and place it to the side.
5. Locate the two bolts at the back of the caliper. The caliper is mounted directly over the rotor. Unscrew the two bolts with a socket wrench. Pull the caliper off by sliding it up and off the rotor.
6. Unclip the brake pads from the caliper. They will come out with a little force. Install one of the brake pads backwards in to the back of the caliper. Place a C-clamp over the old pad and the back of the caliper. Turn the handle on top of the clamp to tighten. The force will push the brake pad in to the piston. The piston will fully retract back in to the caliper. This will make installation easier on the new pads.
7. Place the new pads on to the caliper. They will clip in place once they are pushed in to place.
8. Position the caliper over the rotor. Start both bolts by hand before tightening them. Once both bolts are installed, tighten with a socket wrench.
9. Repeat to replace brake pads on the other wheel. Tighten the wheels on to the hub with a tire tool. Tighten the lug nuts in a criss-cross pattern.
10. Raise the vehicle to remove the jack stands. Lower the vehicle to the ground.
11. Start the vehicle and allow it to idle. Pump the brake pedal to reset the calipers.