How to Change Front Pads

In time, every vehicle needs new front brake pads. They typically wear out twice as quickly as rear brake pads. How often they need changing depends mostly on the degree of wear and tear the vehicle sustains. The more the brakes are used, the sooner they will need to be replaced. Taking your vehicle to a mechanic can be expensive. With the right tools, you can replace the brake pads yourself.

Instructions

1

Prepare the tools so they are handy and within your reach. Jack up the front of the car. Remove the two front tires.

2

Remove both of the brake hose brackets with the 10-inch extension and 12 mm socket. Remove both of the caliper bolts with the 14 mm socket and torque wrench. Turn the steering wheel to either the right or left to provide more room to work. Lift the brake caliper off of the rotor and use a piece of wire to tie it through one of the caliber bolt holes. This will take the weight off of the brake hose. If the caliper is rusted, it may take a little force to remove it.

3

Remove the front brake pads and shims. Some vehicles do not have shims. The pads should come off by hand. If they do not, pry them off with a flat screwdriver.

4

Pull out both of the caliper pins and clean them with liquid parts cleaner. Replace them and install the new pads. Also install the shims if the vehicle requires them.

5

Untie the wire and reattach the caliper body that covers the pads. Take the two caliper bolts and start them by hand. Tighten them the rest of the way with the 14 mm socket. Reinstall both of the bolts that hold the brake hose bracket.

6

Pump the brake pedal until the pedal is firm. Replace the tires, tighten the lug nuts and lower the car. Check the brake fluid level and add more fluid if necessary.