How to Replace the ABS Brake Pads & Rotors

ABS, or anti-lock brakes, is a system of automotive braking that uses brake fluid to force the consistent friction between the brake pads and rotors to slow and eventually stop the vehicle during braking. All parts of the ABS braking system need to be in working order for the system to function properly. Maintenance for the brakes include replacing the brake pads and inspecting the rotors so that they are able to work as designed. Replace the brake pads and rotors at the earliest sign of wear or damage to ensure that the brakes function properly.

Instructions

1

Loosen the lug nuts on the wheels corresponding to the ABS brakes you need to replace. Use the lug wrench or tire iron from your vehicle's wheel maintenance kit.

2

Lift the vehicle with the jack and rest it on jack stands.

3

Remove the lug nuts and wheels.

4

Remove the caliper bolts (wrench size found in vehicle repair manual) and take the caliper off of the rotor. Pull the rotor from the wheel bolts.

5

Remove the two brake pads from the inside wall of each caliper.

6

Open the brake bleed valve on the brake caliper (using a wrench of varying size; commonly 10 mm). Place a drip pan below the valve.

7

Use vise-grip pliers to squeeze the caliper pistons into the side of the caliper. The brake fluid contained in the caliper will be expelled through the brake bleed valve and into the drip pan below.

8

Close the bleed valve and remove the pliers from the caliper.

9

Place new brake pads on the caliper walls.

10

Clean the rotor with brake cleaner to remove packing oil from the new disc. Slide the new rotor onto the vehicle's wheel bolts.

11

Replace the caliper over the rotor and screw in the caliper bolts.

12

Return the wheel to the wheel bolts and screw on the lug nuts. Lift the vehicle to remove the jack stands before lowering the tires to the ground.

13

Tighten the lug nuts with the tire iron.