The BMW 330I is a luxury car, but the parts wear just like any other automobile. The brake pads and rotors stop the car with friction. Friction wears out the brake pads and you need to replace them. Replacing the pads, however, only takes about 30 minutes per wheel. When you are replacing the brake pads, you should inspect the brake rotors. If you put new pads on rotors that have grooves or other damage, it will not be long before you have to replace the pads again.
Procedures:
1. Park the BMW on a level surface and turn the key off. Open the engine compartment and locate the master brake cylinder. You will find it on the back firewall of the engine compartment, on the driver's side of the car. Siphon about half of the brake fluid from the master cylinder with the turkey baster. Place the fluid in the drain pan. You will need to recycle it later. It is not a good idea to reuse brake fluid in the master cylinder.
2. Place the wheel chocks in front of the front tires. Raise the back end of the BMW with the automobile jack on the side you will be working on. Place a jack stand under the car near the jacking point and raise it to the frame. Remove the lug nuts with the lug wrench and pull the wheel from the car.
3. Remove the top bolt on the brake caliper with a socket and ratchet. Pivot the brake caliper off the rotor and remove the brake pads. Insert the piston tool in the caliper and twist the handle to seat the piston back into the caliper housing. Clean the caliper thoroughly with the wire brush.
4. Insert the new brake pads into the caliper and push it onto the rotor. Tighten the bolt with the socket and ratchet. Place the wheel on the car and tighten the lug nuts. Remove the jack stand from under the BMW. Lower the vehicle to the ground. Repeat the process on the other wheel.
5. Check the brake fluid level in the master cylinder and add to it as necessary. Pump the brake pedal until it feel firm.
Read More »»
Showing posts with label pads. Show all posts
Showing posts with label pads. Show all posts
Sunday, November 28, 2010
Saturday, November 27, 2010
Replace the Disc Pads on a Honda Odyssey
The brake pads on the Honda Odyssey work with the rotors and stop your car using friction. The friction wears out the brake pads, which should be replaced periodically. It not a hard project to complete, and you can finish each wheel in about 30 minutes. When you change your brake pads, inspect the rotors. The same friction wears the rotors down, though not as quickly as it does with the brake pads. If you find any grooves on the surface of the rotors, you should deal with those as well
Procedures:
1. Park the Honda on a level surface and turn off the ignition. Place wheel chocks behind the rear wheels. Open the engine compartment and siphon 2/3 of the brake fluid from the master cylinder with the turkey baster. Put the fluid in the drain pan to recycle later. Raise the Odyssey up with the automobile jack. Place a jack stand under the van near the jacking point and raise it to the frame. Remove the lug nuts with the lug wrench and take the wheel off the van.
2. Remove the brake hose bolt from the bracket using a socket and ratchet. Loosen the lower caliper bolt with the socket and ratchet. Pivot the caliper up and remove the brake pads. Clean the caliper surface with the wire brush. Push the piston into the caliper housing with a brake piston tool.
3. Install the new brake pads and push the caliper down onto the rotor. Tighten the bolt with the socket and ratchet. Install the brake hose bolt into the bracket and tighten it with the socket and ratchet. Put the wheel back on the Odyssey and tighten the lug nuts with the lug wrench. Remove the jack stand from under the van and lower the vehicle to the ground. Repeat the process on the other wheel.
4. Check the brake fluid and add to the master cylinder as needed. Pump the brake pedal until it is firm to seat the brake pads on the rotors. Read More »»
Procedures:
1. Park the Honda on a level surface and turn off the ignition. Place wheel chocks behind the rear wheels. Open the engine compartment and siphon 2/3 of the brake fluid from the master cylinder with the turkey baster. Put the fluid in the drain pan to recycle later. Raise the Odyssey up with the automobile jack. Place a jack stand under the van near the jacking point and raise it to the frame. Remove the lug nuts with the lug wrench and take the wheel off the van.
2. Remove the brake hose bolt from the bracket using a socket and ratchet. Loosen the lower caliper bolt with the socket and ratchet. Pivot the caliper up and remove the brake pads. Clean the caliper surface with the wire brush. Push the piston into the caliper housing with a brake piston tool.
3. Install the new brake pads and push the caliper down onto the rotor. Tighten the bolt with the socket and ratchet. Install the brake hose bolt into the bracket and tighten it with the socket and ratchet. Put the wheel back on the Odyssey and tighten the lug nuts with the lug wrench. Remove the jack stand from under the van and lower the vehicle to the ground. Repeat the process on the other wheel.
4. Check the brake fluid and add to the master cylinder as needed. Pump the brake pedal until it is firm to seat the brake pads on the rotors. Read More »»
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. Read More »»
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. Read More »»
Thursday, November 25, 2010
Replace the Rear Brake Pads on an Xterra
Replacing the brake pads on your Nissan Xterra is not hard to do. You can expect it to take you about 30 minutes to change the pads on each wheel. Friction is how the brake pads and rotors stop your Xterra. This same friction also wears out the brake pads. How often they need to be changed depends on how much you use the brakes. If you do a lot of driving on the highway, your brakes will last longer than if you do a lot of city driving. When you change the brake pads, inspect the brake rotors to see if you have to change them as well.
Procedures:
1. Park the Xterra on a level, paved surface and turn off the engine. Siphon about ½ of the brake fluid from the master cylinder with a turkey baster. Put the fluid in a drain pan for recycling. Place wheel chocks in front of the front wheels. Raise the back end of the Xterra with an automobile jack on the side you are starting with. Place a jack stand under the SUV and raise it to the frame. Loosen the lug nuts with a lug wrench and pull the wheel off the SUV.
2. Loosen the top bolt on the brake caliper with a socket and ratchet. Pivot the caliper down and away from the brake rotor. Remove the brake pads from the caliper. Insert the piston tool into the caliper. Turn the handle on the tool until it pushes the caliper piston into the housing.
3. Insert the new brake pads into the caliper. Push the caliper up and onto the brake rotor. Tighten the caliper bolt with the socket and ratchet. Remount the wheel onto the Xterra and tighten the lug nuts. Remove the jack stand from under the SUV and lower the vehicle to the ground with the jack. Repeat the procedure on the other wheel.
4. Add brake fluid to the master cylinder to bring it to the proper level. Pump the brakes until the pedal is firm to seat the brake pads on the rotors. Read More »»
Procedures:
1. Park the Xterra on a level, paved surface and turn off the engine. Siphon about ½ of the brake fluid from the master cylinder with a turkey baster. Put the fluid in a drain pan for recycling. Place wheel chocks in front of the front wheels. Raise the back end of the Xterra with an automobile jack on the side you are starting with. Place a jack stand under the SUV and raise it to the frame. Loosen the lug nuts with a lug wrench and pull the wheel off the SUV.
2. Loosen the top bolt on the brake caliper with a socket and ratchet. Pivot the caliper down and away from the brake rotor. Remove the brake pads from the caliper. Insert the piston tool into the caliper. Turn the handle on the tool until it pushes the caliper piston into the housing.
3. Insert the new brake pads into the caliper. Push the caliper up and onto the brake rotor. Tighten the caliper bolt with the socket and ratchet. Remount the wheel onto the Xterra and tighten the lug nuts. Remove the jack stand from under the SUV and lower the vehicle to the ground with the jack. Repeat the procedure on the other wheel.
4. Add brake fluid to the master cylinder to bring it to the proper level. Pump the brakes until the pedal is firm to seat the brake pads on the rotors. Read More »»
Monday, November 22, 2010
Install the Rear Pads in a 1987 Toyota GT-S
The 1987 Toyota GT-S was ahead of its time. It wasn't until the 1990s that rear disc brakes become popular on import automobiles while disc brakes were relegated to the front of the braking system. This makes changing the rear brake pads relatively easy compared to pulling apart brake drums. You can replace the pads with basic tools, and it should only take about 10 minutes per side to do.
Procedures:
1.Pop the hood and remove the cap from the master cylinder located on the driver's side firewall.
2. Place a jack under the frame directly in front of the driver's side rear wheel. Loosen the lug nuts with a tire iron then raise the Toyota with a jack until you can place a jack stand under the frame. Lower the GT-S onto the jack stand. Remove the lug nuts and pull the wheel off the hub.
3. Remove the two bolts that secure the brake caliper to the axle housing with a socket and ratchet. Pull the caliper off the rotor.
4. Position a pair of pliers onto the rear brake pad and squeeze the piston into the caliper.
5. Pull the brake pads out of the caliper and place the new pads inside the caliper.
6. Hold the pads in place and slide the caliper back onto the rotor.
7. Secure the caliper with the two bolts, using the socket and ratchet.
8. Remount the wheel onto the wheel studs and tighten the lug nuts with the tire iron.
9. Raise the Toyota with the jack, remove the jack stand and lower the vehicle to the ground. Double-check the lug nuts for tightness then repeat the process with the other rear brake.
10. Close the lid on the master cylinder.
Read More »»
Procedures:
1.Pop the hood and remove the cap from the master cylinder located on the driver's side firewall.
2. Place a jack under the frame directly in front of the driver's side rear wheel. Loosen the lug nuts with a tire iron then raise the Toyota with a jack until you can place a jack stand under the frame. Lower the GT-S onto the jack stand. Remove the lug nuts and pull the wheel off the hub.
3. Remove the two bolts that secure the brake caliper to the axle housing with a socket and ratchet. Pull the caliper off the rotor.
4. Position a pair of pliers onto the rear brake pad and squeeze the piston into the caliper.
5. Pull the brake pads out of the caliper and place the new pads inside the caliper.
6. Hold the pads in place and slide the caliper back onto the rotor.
7. Secure the caliper with the two bolts, using the socket and ratchet.
8. Remount the wheel onto the wheel studs and tighten the lug nuts with the tire iron.
9. Raise the Toyota with the jack, remove the jack stand and lower the vehicle to the ground. Double-check the lug nuts for tightness then repeat the process with the other rear brake.
10. Close the lid on the master cylinder.
Read More »»
Replace Disc Pads
Replacing disc brake pads is not hard to do. The procedure is the same for both front and rear wheels, with only some minor differences. If your car has both front and rear disc brakes, you can follow the same procedure for all wheels. The friction that brake pads and rotors create, when stopping your car, wears down the brake pads. The project is easy enough to do in your driveway, so there is no need to take your car to a repair shop to replace the brakes. Each wheel will take about 30 minutes to do.
Procedure:
1. Open the engine compartment and remove ½ the brake fluid from the master cylinder with a turkey baster. Put the fluid in a drain pan for recycling. Place wheel chocks behind the rear wheels. Raise the vehicle with an automobile jack. Place a jack stand under the car near the jacking point and raise it to the frame. Remove the lug nuts with a lug wrench and pull the wheel from the car.
2. Loosen the bottom bolt on the caliper with a socket and ratchet. Pivot the caliper away from the rotor and remove the old brake pads. Force the caliper piston back into the housing with a piston tool. Insert the new brake pads into the caliper.
3. Push the caliper into place on the rotor. Tighten the bolt with the socket and ratchet. Remount the wheel onto the car and tighten the lug nuts with the lug wrench. Remove the jack stand from under the vehicle and lower it to the ground. Repeat the process on the other wheel.
4. Add brake fluid to the master cylinder as needed. Pump the brakes a few times until the pedal feels firm Read More »»
Procedure:
1. Open the engine compartment and remove ½ the brake fluid from the master cylinder with a turkey baster. Put the fluid in a drain pan for recycling. Place wheel chocks behind the rear wheels. Raise the vehicle with an automobile jack. Place a jack stand under the car near the jacking point and raise it to the frame. Remove the lug nuts with a lug wrench and pull the wheel from the car.
2. Loosen the bottom bolt on the caliper with a socket and ratchet. Pivot the caliper away from the rotor and remove the old brake pads. Force the caliper piston back into the housing with a piston tool. Insert the new brake pads into the caliper.
3. Push the caliper into place on the rotor. Tighten the bolt with the socket and ratchet. Remount the wheel onto the car and tighten the lug nuts with the lug wrench. Remove the jack stand from under the vehicle and lower it to the ground. Repeat the process on the other wheel.
4. Add brake fluid to the master cylinder as needed. Pump the brakes a few times until the pedal feels firm Read More »»
Saturday, November 20, 2010
Change Brake Pads and Calipers
Brake pads are replaced multiple times throughout the life of a vehicle. Calipers sometimes need replacing when the piston will no longer move, or the seals have begun to leak, due to age. The caliper squeezes the brake pads against the brake rotor, causing the vehicle to slow down.
Procedure:
1. Break loose the lug nuts with the lug wrench. Lift the vehicle into the air, with the floor jack, and place jack stands under the frame rails of the vehicle. Lower the floor jack, until the vehicle sits on the jack stands. Shake the vehicle to ensure the vehicle is safely sitting on the jack stands.
2. Remove the lug nuts, and pull the tire away from the vehicle. Place a drain pan underneath the wheel hub, to catch the brake fluid that will be lost from the brake lines.
3. Remove the rubber brake line from the caliper with the wrench set. Loosely wrap mechanic's wire around the rubber line, and angle it upward, securing it to the suspension. Ensure the rubber line does not kink.
4. Remove the two caliper-mounting bolts with the socket and ratchet. Pull the caliper away from the caliper-mounting bracket, and empty any brake fluid into the drain pan.
5. Pour brake fluid into the new caliper, and attach the rubber brake line to the new caliper. Place the new brake pads into position on the new caliper, and slide the caliper into position. Secure the caliper, by installing the two caliper-mounting bolts with the socket and ratchet.
6. Instruct your assistant to pump the brakes, until a firm pedal is achieved. Release the bleeder valve on the new caliper with the wrench set, and allow the air and fluid to run out the valve. Instruct the helper to hold the pedal to the floor, until the bleeder valve has been tightened. Repeat the process, until no more air comes from the bleeder valve. Read More »»
Procedure:
1. Break loose the lug nuts with the lug wrench. Lift the vehicle into the air, with the floor jack, and place jack stands under the frame rails of the vehicle. Lower the floor jack, until the vehicle sits on the jack stands. Shake the vehicle to ensure the vehicle is safely sitting on the jack stands.
2. Remove the lug nuts, and pull the tire away from the vehicle. Place a drain pan underneath the wheel hub, to catch the brake fluid that will be lost from the brake lines.
3. Remove the rubber brake line from the caliper with the wrench set. Loosely wrap mechanic's wire around the rubber line, and angle it upward, securing it to the suspension. Ensure the rubber line does not kink.
4. Remove the two caliper-mounting bolts with the socket and ratchet. Pull the caliper away from the caliper-mounting bracket, and empty any brake fluid into the drain pan.
5. Pour brake fluid into the new caliper, and attach the rubber brake line to the new caliper. Place the new brake pads into position on the new caliper, and slide the caliper into position. Secure the caliper, by installing the two caliper-mounting bolts with the socket and ratchet.
6. Instruct your assistant to pump the brakes, until a firm pedal is achieved. Release the bleeder valve on the new caliper with the wrench set, and allow the air and fluid to run out the valve. Instruct the helper to hold the pedal to the floor, until the bleeder valve has been tightened. Repeat the process, until no more air comes from the bleeder valve. Read More »»
Friday, November 19, 2010
New Brake Pads & Noise
New brake pads on an automobile commonly cause brake noise. The new pads will take some time to wear in, or "bed", and a tolerable amount of noise during this time is normal. Other noises could spell trouble; investigate them further.
Brake Bedding
New brake pads normally require about 300 miles of city driving before they become fully bedded, or worn in with the rotors. A tolerable amount of noise---usually a light squeal---is normal during this period. You can accelerate the bedding process by performing a half dozen or so rapid slowdowns from highway speed to about 20 miles per hour and then driving the car without braking for 10 minutes or so to let the brakes cool. Perform the decelerations in rapid succession so the brakes do not cool between them.
Noise-Reducing Shims
Soft, noise-reducing shims placed on the backs of the brake pads are the most common, and the most effective, means of eliminating most brake noise. Pad installation jobs often omit the shims, or make use of low-quality shims, with the result that the new pads squeal. Installing new, high quality noise-reducing shims will often fix the problem.
Brake Pad Lining Material
Brake noise can result from the installation of new pads with linings made from a harder material than the old linings. A barely audible grinding sound during low-speed braking is normal for hard linings---especially when the brakes are cold. Hard linings will more likely produce brake squeal; use so noise-reducing shims.
Brake Pad Design
High-quality brake pads often have a chamfered, or angled, edge along the leading and trailing edges of the pad lining. On low-quality pads, the lining edges usually have sharp corners. Pads with sharp corners are more prone to producing brake noise---especially during the bedding period---and a change to pads with chamfered edges will often fix the problem.
Improper Pad Installation
Improperly reinstalled calipers, or pads not positioned firmly in the calipers, will often cause vibration and noise. If the brakes are noisy immediately after servicing, double-check the brakes to ensure everything has been properly assembled. Read More »»
Brake Bedding
New brake pads normally require about 300 miles of city driving before they become fully bedded, or worn in with the rotors. A tolerable amount of noise---usually a light squeal---is normal during this period. You can accelerate the bedding process by performing a half dozen or so rapid slowdowns from highway speed to about 20 miles per hour and then driving the car without braking for 10 minutes or so to let the brakes cool. Perform the decelerations in rapid succession so the brakes do not cool between them.
Noise-Reducing Shims
Soft, noise-reducing shims placed on the backs of the brake pads are the most common, and the most effective, means of eliminating most brake noise. Pad installation jobs often omit the shims, or make use of low-quality shims, with the result that the new pads squeal. Installing new, high quality noise-reducing shims will often fix the problem.
Brake Pad Lining Material
Brake noise can result from the installation of new pads with linings made from a harder material than the old linings. A barely audible grinding sound during low-speed braking is normal for hard linings---especially when the brakes are cold. Hard linings will more likely produce brake squeal; use so noise-reducing shims.
Brake Pad Design
High-quality brake pads often have a chamfered, or angled, edge along the leading and trailing edges of the pad lining. On low-quality pads, the lining edges usually have sharp corners. Pads with sharp corners are more prone to producing brake noise---especially during the bedding period---and a change to pads with chamfered edges will often fix the problem.
Improper Pad Installation
Improperly reinstalled calipers, or pads not positioned firmly in the calipers, will often cause vibration and noise. If the brakes are noisy immediately after servicing, double-check the brakes to ensure everything has been properly assembled. Read More »»
Thursday, November 18, 2010
Change Yukon Brake Pads
The brake pads on the GMC Yukon are key components to the overall braking system. The brake pads also require the most frequent replacement. The material on the brake pads surfaces are relatively soft to provide the necessary grip on the Yukon's brake rotors during braking. The soft material wears due to the stress and heat caused by slowing the vehicle, which weighs more than two tons. You can have the brake pads replaced by a professional brake mechanic, or you can do the job yourself and save the cost of labor.
Procedure:
1. Park the Yukon on a flat surface. Turn off the engine. Pull the hood release lever under the dashboard on the driver's side of the vehicle. Move to the front of the vehicle and lift the hood. Remove the cap from the master cylinder. The master cylinder is the white reservoir with the dark gray cap to the right of the Yukon's engine. Remove half of the brake fluid from the container with a turkey baster. Place the cap onto the container but do not secure it tightly--the fluid level will need to rise during future steps.
2. Loosen the lug nuts on the wheels corresponding to the brake pads you are replacing with a lug wrench, or a 21-mm socket and breaker bar. Place the jack under the frame at the front of the SUV and lift the tires off the ground. Lower the front of the Yukon onto at least two jack stands for safety. Remove the lug nuts and take the wheels/tires off.
3. Locate the two caliper slide pins on the back side of each wheel's brake caliper. Remove the pins with an adjustable wrench or pliers. Lift the calipers from their respective caliper brackets and rest them on top of the steering arm above the wheel hub.
4. Pry the old brake pads from the slots of the caliper brackets with a flat-head screwdriver. The brackets hold the brake pads in place adjacent to the rotor. Clean the bracket slots with a wire brush and brake parts cleaner.
5. Place new brake pads into the caliper bracket slots. Squeeze the caliper pistons into the side of the caliper with a C-clamp or channel-lock pliers to make room for the bulkier new brake pads. Place the caliper over the brake pads inside the caliper bracket slots and screw in the caliper slide pins.
6. Replace the wheels/tires onto the wheel bolts and screw on the lug nuts. Lift the Yukon with the jack and remove the jack stands. Lower the tires to the ground and tighten the lug nuts with the lug wrench or socket and breaker bar. Move to the engine compartment.
7. Remove the master cylinder cap and check the level of brake fluid. Place a funnel into the container and add fluid as necessary. Remove the funnel and replace the master cylinder cap. Close the Yukon's hood. Read More »»
Procedure:
1. Park the Yukon on a flat surface. Turn off the engine. Pull the hood release lever under the dashboard on the driver's side of the vehicle. Move to the front of the vehicle and lift the hood. Remove the cap from the master cylinder. The master cylinder is the white reservoir with the dark gray cap to the right of the Yukon's engine. Remove half of the brake fluid from the container with a turkey baster. Place the cap onto the container but do not secure it tightly--the fluid level will need to rise during future steps.
2. Loosen the lug nuts on the wheels corresponding to the brake pads you are replacing with a lug wrench, or a 21-mm socket and breaker bar. Place the jack under the frame at the front of the SUV and lift the tires off the ground. Lower the front of the Yukon onto at least two jack stands for safety. Remove the lug nuts and take the wheels/tires off.
3. Locate the two caliper slide pins on the back side of each wheel's brake caliper. Remove the pins with an adjustable wrench or pliers. Lift the calipers from their respective caliper brackets and rest them on top of the steering arm above the wheel hub.
4. Pry the old brake pads from the slots of the caliper brackets with a flat-head screwdriver. The brackets hold the brake pads in place adjacent to the rotor. Clean the bracket slots with a wire brush and brake parts cleaner.
5. Place new brake pads into the caliper bracket slots. Squeeze the caliper pistons into the side of the caliper with a C-clamp or channel-lock pliers to make room for the bulkier new brake pads. Place the caliper over the brake pads inside the caliper bracket slots and screw in the caliper slide pins.
6. Replace the wheels/tires onto the wheel bolts and screw on the lug nuts. Lift the Yukon with the jack and remove the jack stands. Lower the tires to the ground and tighten the lug nuts with the lug wrench or socket and breaker bar. Move to the engine compartment.
7. Remove the master cylinder cap and check the level of brake fluid. Place a funnel into the container and add fluid as necessary. Remove the funnel and replace the master cylinder cap. Close the Yukon's hood. Read More »»
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
Get the Brake Pads Out of the Calliper
In an automotive disc brake system, the purpose of the brake caliper is to squeeze the brake pads against the rotating brake disc in order to create friction and slow the vehicle. In order to do this effectively, the caliper must hold the pads in such a way that they can slide easily toward and away from the disc, yet not move appreciably in any other direction. Pad vibration, which is the main cause of brake noise, must also be minimized. A variety of clip designs are used to help hold the pads in the caliper, and being familiar with the different designs will help when it comes to removing the pads during brake servicing.
Note: Brake pads are kept in the caliper in different ways, depending on the brake design.
Procedure:
1. Park the car on a firm and level surface. Put automatic transmissions in park and put manual transmissions in first or reverse gear. Set the emergency brake, or if working on the rear wheel of a car where the emergency brake is incorporated into the rear brake calipers, leave the emergency brake off. When working on a front brake, securely block both rear wheels with wheel chocks and when working on a rear brake securely block both front wheels. Loosen the lug nuts about one full turn each, jack up the car, and support the car securely on a safety stand. Finish removing the lug nuts and pull the wheel off.
2. Remove the lower of the two caliper bolts. Rotate the caliper upward around the uppermost caliper bolt until the caliper and brake pads clear the disc. Use a bungee cord or piece of cord to secure the caliper in this position. Be careful not to damage the caliper flexible brake hose.
3. Remove the brake pads from the caliper by sliding them in toward the middle of the caliper until they are released. Sometimes the outer pad will be held in place against the caliper frame by a wire clip. If so, this clip must be pried off the caliper frame before the pad can be removed. On other brake designs, there may be anti-rattle type retaining clips that resemble leaf-type springs. Normally, the pads can be slid over these clips or the clips can be pulled out with pliers to allow the pads to be removed. Take care not to damage the clips so they can be reused. Slide the old pads and shims out of the caliper. Read More »»
Note: Brake pads are kept in the caliper in different ways, depending on the brake design.
Procedure:
1. Park the car on a firm and level surface. Put automatic transmissions in park and put manual transmissions in first or reverse gear. Set the emergency brake, or if working on the rear wheel of a car where the emergency brake is incorporated into the rear brake calipers, leave the emergency brake off. When working on a front brake, securely block both rear wheels with wheel chocks and when working on a rear brake securely block both front wheels. Loosen the lug nuts about one full turn each, jack up the car, and support the car securely on a safety stand. Finish removing the lug nuts and pull the wheel off.
2. Remove the lower of the two caliper bolts. Rotate the caliper upward around the uppermost caliper bolt until the caliper and brake pads clear the disc. Use a bungee cord or piece of cord to secure the caliper in this position. Be careful not to damage the caliper flexible brake hose.
3. Remove the brake pads from the caliper by sliding them in toward the middle of the caliper until they are released. Sometimes the outer pad will be held in place against the caliper frame by a wire clip. If so, this clip must be pried off the caliper frame before the pad can be removed. On other brake designs, there may be anti-rattle type retaining clips that resemble leaf-type springs. Normally, the pads can be slid over these clips or the clips can be pulled out with pliers to allow the pads to be removed. Take care not to damage the clips so they can be reused. Slide the old pads and shims out of the caliper. Read More »»
Change Brake Pads on a 1995 Ford Contour
The 1995 Ford Contour was available with front-wheel disc brakes. The disc brakes were designed to employ a system, involving brake pads and metal brake rotors. The pads are responsible for squeezing the rotors to slow the vehicle during braking. Brake pads that are worn are ill-equipped to provide the stopping power necessary for safe driving. Listen for the squeal from the brake pad wear indicators, or follow the guidelines of the Ford Motor Company, and replace your Contour brake pads every 50,000 miles
Procedure:
1. Park the Contour on a relatively flat surface. Place tire blocks behind the rear wheels to prevent the car from rolling. Loosen the lug nuts on the front wheels with the lug wrench.
2. Lift the front of the Ford with the lifting jack, and support the front axles with at least two jack stands. Remove the lug nuts, and take off the front wheels.
3. Remove the caliper pins with the 10-mm wrench. Lift the caliper from the brake assembly, and slide the two brake pads from each wheel brake caliper. Use a flat screwdriver to pry the clips on the backs of the brake pads from the caliper, if they do not easily slide free.
4. Place the C-clamp onto the caliper piston and the back side of the caliper. Open the brake bleed valve (located between the two caliper pin slots) with a 10-mm socket wrench. Place a drip pane beneath the caliper, to catch the brake fluid from the valve.
5. Squeeze the piston into the side of the caliper with the C-clamp. Remove the clamp, once the piston is fully depressed within the caliper, and close the bleed valve with the wrench.
6. Slide the new brake pads onto the sides of the caliper. Place the caliper back onto the rotor and screw in the caliper pins with the wrench. Replace the wheels onto the Contour wheel bolts, and screw on the lug nuts. Lift the car with the jack, and remove the jack stands. Move to the driver's seat.
7. Start the Ford, and press the brake pedal, repeatedly. The depressions force the caliper pistons back into the proper place against the brake pads. Pull the hood release lever, and move to the front of the car.
8. Lift the hood, and remove the master cylinder cap. The cap is situated to the right of the Contour engine. Place a funnel into the reservoir, and fill the container with DOT-3 brake fluid, as needed. Remove the funnel, and replace the master cylinder cap. Close the hood. Read More »»
Procedure:
1. Park the Contour on a relatively flat surface. Place tire blocks behind the rear wheels to prevent the car from rolling. Loosen the lug nuts on the front wheels with the lug wrench.
2. Lift the front of the Ford with the lifting jack, and support the front axles with at least two jack stands. Remove the lug nuts, and take off the front wheels.
3. Remove the caliper pins with the 10-mm wrench. Lift the caliper from the brake assembly, and slide the two brake pads from each wheel brake caliper. Use a flat screwdriver to pry the clips on the backs of the brake pads from the caliper, if they do not easily slide free.
4. Place the C-clamp onto the caliper piston and the back side of the caliper. Open the brake bleed valve (located between the two caliper pin slots) with a 10-mm socket wrench. Place a drip pane beneath the caliper, to catch the brake fluid from the valve.
5. Squeeze the piston into the side of the caliper with the C-clamp. Remove the clamp, once the piston is fully depressed within the caliper, and close the bleed valve with the wrench.
6. Slide the new brake pads onto the sides of the caliper. Place the caliper back onto the rotor and screw in the caliper pins with the wrench. Replace the wheels onto the Contour wheel bolts, and screw on the lug nuts. Lift the car with the jack, and remove the jack stands. Move to the driver's seat.
7. Start the Ford, and press the brake pedal, repeatedly. The depressions force the caliper pistons back into the proper place against the brake pads. Pull the hood release lever, and move to the front of the car.
8. Lift the hood, and remove the master cylinder cap. The cap is situated to the right of the Contour engine. Place a funnel into the reservoir, and fill the container with DOT-3 brake fluid, as needed. Remove the funnel, and replace the master cylinder cap. Close the hood. Read More »»
Install Brake Pads on a King Quad
Suzuki King Quad is exposed to ever-changing riding conditions while operating in an off-road environment, requiring constant use of the brakes to maintain control at all times. The very nature of this type of riding can drastically reduce the life of the front brake pads, wearing away the pad material until nothing is left. If left to wear away completely, the pads' metal backing plates can wreak havoc on your King Quad's brake rotors, rendering your brake system useless. Some work is involved to replace the brake pads, but the task is straightforward enough to complete on your own.
Procedures:
1. Park the ATV on a level work area and engage the parking brake. Loosen the front wheels' lug nuts with a 17 mm socket attached to a breaker bar.
2. Lift the ATV's front wheels off the ground with a floor jack.
3. Unscrew the front wheel lug nuts completely with a 17 mm socket and a socket wrench. Pull the front wheels off of the front axle hubs.
4. Unscrew the front brake caliper mounting bolts with a 12 mm socket attached to a socket wrench. Lift the brake calipers off of the front brake rotors.
5. Insert a wide, flat head screwdriver into the calipers' openings and between the brake pads. Push the brake pads against the inside of the calipers to depress the caliper pistons.
6. Unscrew the pair of brake pad pins from the rear of the calipers with a 5 mm Allen wrench. Pull the brake pads and their spring clips out of the calipers' opening.
7. Pull the spring clips and metal shims off of the brake pads and place them over a set of new brake pads.
8. Insert the new brake pads into the front brake calipers' opening. Screw the brake pad pins into the calipers to secure the brake pads with the 5 mm Allen wrench.
9. Slide the calipers over the brake rotors and onto their mounting brackets. Screw the caliper mounting bolts into place with the 12 mm socket attached to a socket wrench.
10. Mount the wheels onto the front axle hubs with the 17 mm socket attached to a socket wrench to tighten the lug nuts.
11. Lower the ATV to the ground and remove the floor jack. Pump the front brake lever until it feels firm when pulled, signifying that the brake pads have closed around the brake rotors. Read More »»
Procedures:
1. Park the ATV on a level work area and engage the parking brake. Loosen the front wheels' lug nuts with a 17 mm socket attached to a breaker bar.
2. Lift the ATV's front wheels off the ground with a floor jack.
3. Unscrew the front wheel lug nuts completely with a 17 mm socket and a socket wrench. Pull the front wheels off of the front axle hubs.
4. Unscrew the front brake caliper mounting bolts with a 12 mm socket attached to a socket wrench. Lift the brake calipers off of the front brake rotors.
5. Insert a wide, flat head screwdriver into the calipers' openings and between the brake pads. Push the brake pads against the inside of the calipers to depress the caliper pistons.
6. Unscrew the pair of brake pad pins from the rear of the calipers with a 5 mm Allen wrench. Pull the brake pads and their spring clips out of the calipers' opening.
7. Pull the spring clips and metal shims off of the brake pads and place them over a set of new brake pads.
8. Insert the new brake pads into the front brake calipers' opening. Screw the brake pad pins into the calipers to secure the brake pads with the 5 mm Allen wrench.
9. Slide the calipers over the brake rotors and onto their mounting brackets. Screw the caliper mounting bolts into place with the 12 mm socket attached to a socket wrench.
10. Mount the wheels onto the front axle hubs with the 17 mm socket attached to a socket wrench to tighten the lug nuts.
11. Lower the ATV to the ground and remove the floor jack. Pump the front brake lever until it feels firm when pulled, signifying that the brake pads have closed around the brake rotors. Read More »»
Replace 2000 Ford Windstar Brake Pads
The brakes on the 2000 Ford Windstar should be inspected regularly. Owners should look for wear and damage to the brake pads and rotors, as well as ensure there is adequate brake fluid in the vehicle, for the brakes to function properly. Ford recommends replacing the brake pads every 50,000 miles. You can choose to have the pads replaced at a brake repair shop, or you can do it yourself to save time and money
Procedure:
1. Loosen the lug nuts on the front wheels with a lug wrench. Place the jack under the frame at the front of the van, and lift the front tires off the ground. Place jack stands under the axles, and lower the Ford onto the stands.
2. Remove the lug nuts, and take off the front wheels. Remove the two caliper slide bolts on the back side of the right brake caliper, with a 10-mm wrench. Lift the caliper from the brake assembly, and rest it on top of the steering arm, above the brakes.
3. Pry the two brake pads from the caliper bracket with a flat screwdriver. Inspect the caliper bracket slots and rotor for damage or significant wear. Clean the area with a wire brush and brake parts cleaner.
4. Apply a thin layer of brake grease to the back side of the new brake pads. Slide the pads into the caliper bracket slots.
5. Open the brake bleed valve with the 10-mm socket wrench. The valve is located between the two caliper slide bolts. Place a drip pane below the brake, to capture the brake fluid.
6. Compress the caliper piston into the side of the caliper with a C-clamp. The piston is the metal cylinder that protrudes from the inside of the caliper. Open the piston to allow for the added space of the new brake pads. Close the brake bleed valve with the wrench.
7. Replace the caliper onto the new brake pads and caliper bracket. Screw in the caliper bolts, and tighten the pins with the wrench. Replace the wheel onto the wheel bolts, and screw on the lug nuts, by hand. Lift the Windstar with the jack, and remove the jack stands. Lower the tires to the ground, and tighten the lug nuts with the lug wrench.
8. Lift the Ford Windstar hood, and remove the master cylinder cap. Place a funnel inside the brake fluid reservoir, and add new fluid, as necessary. Remove the funnel, and replace the cap. Close the hood. Read More »»
Procedure:
1. Loosen the lug nuts on the front wheels with a lug wrench. Place the jack under the frame at the front of the van, and lift the front tires off the ground. Place jack stands under the axles, and lower the Ford onto the stands.
2. Remove the lug nuts, and take off the front wheels. Remove the two caliper slide bolts on the back side of the right brake caliper, with a 10-mm wrench. Lift the caliper from the brake assembly, and rest it on top of the steering arm, above the brakes.
3. Pry the two brake pads from the caliper bracket with a flat screwdriver. Inspect the caliper bracket slots and rotor for damage or significant wear. Clean the area with a wire brush and brake parts cleaner.
4. Apply a thin layer of brake grease to the back side of the new brake pads. Slide the pads into the caliper bracket slots.
5. Open the brake bleed valve with the 10-mm socket wrench. The valve is located between the two caliper slide bolts. Place a drip pane below the brake, to capture the brake fluid.
6. Compress the caliper piston into the side of the caliper with a C-clamp. The piston is the metal cylinder that protrudes from the inside of the caliper. Open the piston to allow for the added space of the new brake pads. Close the brake bleed valve with the wrench.
7. Replace the caliper onto the new brake pads and caliper bracket. Screw in the caliper bolts, and tighten the pins with the wrench. Replace the wheel onto the wheel bolts, and screw on the lug nuts, by hand. Lift the Windstar with the jack, and remove the jack stands. Lower the tires to the ground, and tighten the lug nuts with the lug wrench.
8. Lift the Ford Windstar hood, and remove the master cylinder cap. Place a funnel inside the brake fluid reservoir, and add new fluid, as necessary. Remove the funnel, and replace the cap. Close the hood. Read More »»
Replace Rear Pads on a Mazda
Replace the rear brakes on the Mazda is not difficult. Disc brakes work by using friction between the brake pads and rotors. Friction wears down the brake pads, and you will have to replace them periodically. Brake pad wear is relative to the amount of use the brakes get. You want to make sure that you inspect the rotors when you change the brake pads. If the rotors are bad, you will need to replace them, or they will only damage your new brake pads.
Procedures:
1. Park the Mazda on a level, paved surface and turn off the engine. Open the engine compartment and siphon about ½ of the brake fluid from the master cylinder with a turkey baster. Put the fluid in a drain pan for recycling. Place wheel chocks in front of the front wheels. Raise the Mazda with the automobile jack. Place a jack stand under the car and raise it to the frame. Remove the lug nuts from the wheel with a lug wrench and pull the wheel from the car.
2. Loosen the top bolt on the brake caliper with a socket and ratchet. Pivot the caliper in a downward motion and pull it from the brake rotor. Remove the brake pads from the caliper. Insert the piston tool into the caliper and twist the handle until the piston seats itself within the caliper housing.
3. Install the new brake pads into the caliper. Insert the shims behind the brake pads. Pivot the caliper upward and onto the rotor. Tighten the bolt with the socket and ratchet. Remount the wheel onto the car and tighten the lug nuts with the lug wrench. Remove the jack stand from under the car and lower it to the ground. Repeat the process on the other wheel.
4. Add brake fluid, as needed, to the master cylinder. Pump the brake pedal a few times until the brake pads seat themselves on the rotors and the pedal feels firm. Read More »»
Procedures:
1. Park the Mazda on a level, paved surface and turn off the engine. Open the engine compartment and siphon about ½ of the brake fluid from the master cylinder with a turkey baster. Put the fluid in a drain pan for recycling. Place wheel chocks in front of the front wheels. Raise the Mazda with the automobile jack. Place a jack stand under the car and raise it to the frame. Remove the lug nuts from the wheel with a lug wrench and pull the wheel from the car.
2. Loosen the top bolt on the brake caliper with a socket and ratchet. Pivot the caliper in a downward motion and pull it from the brake rotor. Remove the brake pads from the caliper. Insert the piston tool into the caliper and twist the handle until the piston seats itself within the caliper housing.
3. Install the new brake pads into the caliper. Insert the shims behind the brake pads. Pivot the caliper upward and onto the rotor. Tighten the bolt with the socket and ratchet. Remount the wheel onto the car and tighten the lug nuts with the lug wrench. Remove the jack stand from under the car and lower it to the ground. Repeat the process on the other wheel.
4. Add brake fluid, as needed, to the master cylinder. Pump the brake pedal a few times until the brake pads seat themselves on the rotors and the pedal feels firm. Read More »»
Tuesday, November 16, 2010
How to Change the Brake Pads on a Taurus
The Ford Taurus has a four-wheel disc brake system that consists of a brake master cylinder, brake lines, brake calipers, brake rotors and brake pads. When you hit the brakes, you send a mechanical force into the master cylinder, which in turn sends hydraulic fluid down the brake lines to the brake calipers. The hydraulic pressure contracts the caliper, forcing the pads against the rotors and stopping the Taurus. A byproduct of this action is brake pad wear, which eventually leads to the need to replace the brake pads. People with basic auto-repair skills can change a Taurus' brake pads in about two hours.
Shove the wheel chocks against the front and back of the left-rear tire. 1. Loosen all the Taurus' front lug nuts with the lug wrench.
2. Lift the front of the Taurus with the floor jack and support it on jack stands. Remove the car's front lug nuts and wheels manually.
3. Position the drop pan under the left-front brake assembly. Wash the brake dust off the rotor and caliper with brake cleaner.
4. Remove the Taurus' left-front caliper bolts with the socket set. Lift the caliper from the caliper bracket by hand. Pull the old pads out by hand and throw them away.
5. Wash the inside of the caliper with brake cleaner to remove the brake dust, road dirt and old grease. Lubricate the caliper slides with white lithium grease.
6. Position the Taurus' new brake pads in the caliper by hand. Lower the caliper into the left-front caliper bracket. Bolt it into place using the socket set.
7. Move to the Taurus' right-front brake assembly and repeat steps 3 through 6. Reinstall the wheels and lug nuts by hand.
8. Lower the front end off the jack stands. Tighten the front lug nuts to 85 foot-pounds with your torque wrench. Move the wheel chocks before driving the Taurus. Read More »»
Shove the wheel chocks against the front and back of the left-rear tire. 1. Loosen all the Taurus' front lug nuts with the lug wrench.
2. Lift the front of the Taurus with the floor jack and support it on jack stands. Remove the car's front lug nuts and wheels manually.
3. Position the drop pan under the left-front brake assembly. Wash the brake dust off the rotor and caliper with brake cleaner.
4. Remove the Taurus' left-front caliper bolts with the socket set. Lift the caliper from the caliper bracket by hand. Pull the old pads out by hand and throw them away.
5. Wash the inside of the caliper with brake cleaner to remove the brake dust, road dirt and old grease. Lubricate the caliper slides with white lithium grease.
6. Position the Taurus' new brake pads in the caliper by hand. Lower the caliper into the left-front caliper bracket. Bolt it into place using the socket set.
7. Move to the Taurus' right-front brake assembly and repeat steps 3 through 6. Reinstall the wheels and lug nuts by hand.
8. Lower the front end off the jack stands. Tighten the front lug nuts to 85 foot-pounds with your torque wrench. Move the wheel chocks before driving the Taurus. Read More »»
Audi Rear Brake Pads Installation
Brake pads are essential to the safety of your Audi. However, as they wear out, performance will gradually reduce and it will take longer to stop the vehicle. A new set of brake pads will rejuvenate the performance of the braking system and will get rid of any squealing caused by worn-out pads.Installation Procedure:
1. Slightly loosen each lug nut on the Audi's rear wheels, turning them counterclockwise with the wheel nut wrench no more than one full turn each. Doing this will make the nuts easier to remove after the car is jacked up.
2. Park the car and turn off its ignition. Place wheel chocks under the front wheels to prevent the Audi from moving. Position a jack under the center of the rear axle. Lift the car until there is adequate clearance to place jack stands on either side of the jack. Lower the jack until the stands are supporting the Audi's full weight.
3. Unscrew and remove the rear lug nuts. Take the wheel off. Remove the brake caliper by disconnecting the bolts located on the inner-most side. There will be two pads inside the caliper, which press on either side of the rotor while braking. Pry each pad out and set them aside.
4. Open and secure the car's hood. Remove the cap from the brake fluid reservoir. This will allow excess pressure to be released as you depress the caliper piston.
5. Using a "C" clamp on the caliper, carefully compress the piston until it is fully retracted inside the caliper.
6. Insert the replacement brake pads. Make sure the metal tabs are pressed completely inside the hole in the caliper. Reinstall the caliper and tighten the bolts that were previously removed. Follow the same procedure in the previous steps to change the brake pads on the other side of the car.
7. Place the cap back on the brake fluid reservoir. Put the wheels back on and tighten each lug nut. Remove the stands and lower the rear of the Audi. Tighten the lug nuts on the wheels. Read More »»
1. Slightly loosen each lug nut on the Audi's rear wheels, turning them counterclockwise with the wheel nut wrench no more than one full turn each. Doing this will make the nuts easier to remove after the car is jacked up.
2. Park the car and turn off its ignition. Place wheel chocks under the front wheels to prevent the Audi from moving. Position a jack under the center of the rear axle. Lift the car until there is adequate clearance to place jack stands on either side of the jack. Lower the jack until the stands are supporting the Audi's full weight.
3. Unscrew and remove the rear lug nuts. Take the wheel off. Remove the brake caliper by disconnecting the bolts located on the inner-most side. There will be two pads inside the caliper, which press on either side of the rotor while braking. Pry each pad out and set them aside.
4. Open and secure the car's hood. Remove the cap from the brake fluid reservoir. This will allow excess pressure to be released as you depress the caliper piston.
5. Using a "C" clamp on the caliper, carefully compress the piston until it is fully retracted inside the caliper.
6. Insert the replacement brake pads. Make sure the metal tabs are pressed completely inside the hole in the caliper. Reinstall the caliper and tighten the bolts that were previously removed. Follow the same procedure in the previous steps to change the brake pads on the other side of the car.
7. Place the cap back on the brake fluid reservoir. Put the wheels back on and tighten each lug nut. Remove the stands and lower the rear of the Audi. Tighten the lug nuts on the wheels. Read More »»
Change the Front Disc Pads on a 2005 Mitsubishi Galant
The front disc brake pads on the 2005 Mitsubishi Gallant rest inside the brake caliper. As you press on the brake pedal, a piston inside the brake caliper presses on the back of a brake pad inside the caliper. As a result, the pads create pressure on the brake rotor and stop the vehicle. The pads wear out much faster than the brake rotor and when they do wear out, you will hear a chirping sound every time you step on the brake. This means it is time to change the brake pads.Procedure:
1. Open the engine hood and remove the front cap from the master cylinder. The master cylinder is next to the firewall on the driver's side of the engine bay.
2. Loosen but do not remove the lug nuts on the driver's side wheel using the tire iron supplied with the Gallant.
3. Place a jack under the frame, directly behind the driver's side tire, and raise the vehicle high enough to place a jack stand under the frame beside the jack. Lower the Gallant onto the jack stand.
4. Remove the lug nuts using the tire iron and pull the wheel off the wheel studs. Place the wheel to the side.
5. Remove the two bolts that secure the brake caliper to the axle housing and then pull the caliper off the rotor. The brake pads will likely fall out of the caliper. Place the backside brake pad back into the caliper and discard the front side brake pad. You will use the backside brake pad to help push the piston back into the caliper.
6. Place a pair of vice grips over the backside brake pad and the backside of the caliper and squeeze the piston back into the caliper. Discard the old backside brake pad.
7. Place the new brake pads into the caliper. The brake pads rest inside grooved cutouts inside the caliper; they do not bolt into place.
8. Hold the pads in place as you slide the caliper back over the brake rotor.
9. Secure the caliper to the axle housing using the two bolts, socket and ratchet.
10. Place the tire back onto the Gallant an secure it to the wheel by threading the lug nuts onto the wheel studs. Give each lug nut a quarter turn using the tire iron.
11. Raise the Gallant with the jack until you can remove the jack stand. Lower the Gallant to the ground and tighten each lug nut using the tire iron.
12. Complete steps 2 through 11 for the passenger side brake.
13. Place the front cap back onto the master cylinder and close the engine hood. Read More »»
1. Open the engine hood and remove the front cap from the master cylinder. The master cylinder is next to the firewall on the driver's side of the engine bay.
2. Loosen but do not remove the lug nuts on the driver's side wheel using the tire iron supplied with the Gallant.
3. Place a jack under the frame, directly behind the driver's side tire, and raise the vehicle high enough to place a jack stand under the frame beside the jack. Lower the Gallant onto the jack stand.
4. Remove the lug nuts using the tire iron and pull the wheel off the wheel studs. Place the wheel to the side.
5. Remove the two bolts that secure the brake caliper to the axle housing and then pull the caliper off the rotor. The brake pads will likely fall out of the caliper. Place the backside brake pad back into the caliper and discard the front side brake pad. You will use the backside brake pad to help push the piston back into the caliper.
6. Place a pair of vice grips over the backside brake pad and the backside of the caliper and squeeze the piston back into the caliper. Discard the old backside brake pad.
7. Place the new brake pads into the caliper. The brake pads rest inside grooved cutouts inside the caliper; they do not bolt into place.
8. Hold the pads in place as you slide the caliper back over the brake rotor.
9. Secure the caliper to the axle housing using the two bolts, socket and ratchet.
10. Place the tire back onto the Gallant an secure it to the wheel by threading the lug nuts onto the wheel studs. Give each lug nut a quarter turn using the tire iron.
11. Raise the Gallant with the jack until you can remove the jack stand. Lower the Gallant to the ground and tighten each lug nut using the tire iron.
12. Complete steps 2 through 11 for the passenger side brake.
13. Place the front cap back onto the master cylinder and close the engine hood. Read More »»
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