How to Put Brake Pads on a 1999 Isuzu Trooper

The 1999 Isuzu Trooper was a small four-wheel-drive SUV in the same class as the Ford Explorer. The Trooper was equipped with a General Motors sourced 3.5 liter V-6 engine and four-wheel antilock disc brakes. The inside brake pad on each wheel has a metal wear indicator that rubs against the rotor and makes a scraping noise to alert you its time to replace your brake pads. The DIY mechanic should be able to replace the pads on all four wheels in a couple of hours and save a lot of money.

Instructions

1

Park the Trooper on a level, paved surface and set the parking brake. Remove the master cylinder cap. Loosen the lug nuts on the front wheels. Raise the front of the Trooper with a jack and support it with jack stands. Remove the lug nuts and wheels.

2

Use a C-clamp to compress the caliper piston into the bore after opening the bleeder screw above the caliper one turn with the wrench to remove contaminated fluid from the system. This will prevent contaminated fluid from entering back into the hydraulic system or master cylinder reservoir. Catch excess fluid in a can or use a rag to soak it up. Close the bleeder screw after the caliper piston is fully compressed. Avoid brake fluid getting onto the vehicle's paint; it is highly corrosive. Compressing the caliper piston will allow the fitting of the new brake pads.

3

Use a ratchet and socket to remove the lower caliper retaining bolt. Rotate the bottom of the caliper upward, exposing the brake pads. Note how the pads fit in the clips on the caliper bracket. Slide the pads out of the bracket.

4

Visually inspect each rotor you work on for excessive scoring or grooves in the surface of the rotor. It should be relatively smooth. If you can't run your fingernail across it without stopping, replace the rotors. If the brake pads are worn down to the metal, replace the rotors. If your brake pedal pulsates when you apply the brakes, the rotor may be warped and require replacement.

5

Slide the new pads into the bracket. The pad with the metal wear indicator goes on the inside. Some brake pad sets come with new clips for the caliper bracket. If your brake pad set came with new clips, install them before you put in the pads.

6

Rotate the caliper down over the pads and install the caliper retaining bolt. Use a torque wrench and socket to torque the bolt to 25 foot-pounds. Repeat this process for the other side.

7

Install the wheels and lug nuts. Raise the front of the Trooper, remove the jack stands and lower it to the ground. Move to the rear of the Trooper and repeat the process for the rear brakes.

8

Add DOT 3 brake fluid to the master cylinder as needed to the line indicated on the master cylinder reservoir. Bleed the brakes if air is in the brake line and the brake pedal stays spongy after adding new brake pads.