Brake Repair Instructions

There are many components to brake systems and thus many points of potential failure. Remedies to brake problems can include changing the brake pads if they're too worn, replacing a rotor if it's cracked or scarred, replacing a caliper if it has become too rusted over, or replacing a brake fluid line if there is a leak.

Instructions

Replacing Brake Pads

1

Put on a filtering face mask and safety glasses before you start to work on your brakes. That is important because brake dust contains asbestos.

2

Jack up the car and remove the wheel. Check the old brake pads for any deterioration. If there are track marks or scarring on the rotor then it's time change the brake pads.

3

Compress the break calipers by placing both sides of a C-clamp onto either side of the caliper. Take the bolts out while compressing the caliper. This will enable you to remove it. Take note of the order and steps you follow, such as bolts you have taken out, because they will have to be replaced in the exact same manner. Be extra cautious not to disturb the brake fluid lines.

4

Remove the worn brake pad from the caliper with a proper sized spanner. Clean the caliper thoroughly before attaching the new brake pad. To clean the caliper use a wire brush to loosen any stubborn contaminants. Spray brake parts cleaner onto the caliper and after a few minutes, wipe away the loosened grease and debris with a cloth. Catch any excess cleaner in a drip pan. Rinse off with a lot of water when finished to remove any remaining brake cleaner.

5

Reposition the brake piston to its furthest possible position using a C-clamp. Replace the caliper with the new brake pad attached. Replace the bolts in reverse order to how you removed them. Replace the wheel, lower your car and check the other brake pad(s). Repeat the process on the other wheels if necessary.

Replace a Brake Rotor

6

As was stated in the first section, it's important to make sure you wear a filtering face mask to protect you from potential exposure to asbestos.

7

Jack up the car and remove the wheel. Check the rotor for any deterioration. If track marks, thinning, or scarring are prevalent on the rotor, it's time to replace it.

8

Remove the calipers in the manner directed in Section 1.

9

Pull the rotor straight back and away from the car. If there is a large accumulation of rust, then use extra force while twisting and pulling simultaneously, until it gives way.

10

Place the new rotor so that it is against the axle plate. Reinstall the calipers with the brake pads in the reverse order you disassembled them. Replace the wheel and lower the car. Change the brake rotor on the opposite wheel. It's generally a good idea to change both rotors at the same time because these components tend to wear evenly.

Replace a Brake Caliper

11

Use a filtering face mask and safety glasses as previously stated.

12

Jack up the car and remove the wheel. If the caliper is locked or cracked then it's time to replace it.

13

Spread the break pads with a screw driver. Put the screw driver into the top hole of the caliper and pull it toward you in order to push back the piston to its ideal position. Place the drip pan directly beneath the caliper.

14

Remove the bolts holding the caliper in place and remove the copper seal washers present on the other side of the bolts. Remove the bolts holding the caliper onto the support bracket.

15

Dislodge the caliper and remove the brake pad. Attach the brake pad to the new caliper and reassemble it in the reverse order you disassembled it. Apply the brake bleeders to the new caliper once it's been assembled and put into place. Replace the wheel and lower your car. Repeat this process for the other calipers. The rear wheel calipers can be replaced using this process as well.

Replacing the Brake Fluid Line

16

Wear a filtering face mask and safety glasses as stated previously.

17

Locate the wheel where the fluid line is leaking. Jack up the car and remove the wheel.

18

Loosen the break line. It will be attached by two metal fittings. Get two wrenches and place one one each side of the metal fitting. Loosen and remove the metal fitting. Break fluid will begin to leak out, place a drip pan beneath the line to avoid a mess.

19

Remove the old brake line once the fluid has stopped leaking. Position the new brake line in the exact same place as the old one. Tighten up both metal fittings to secure the brake line and ensure an air tight seal.

20

Add new brake fluid to the break fluid box. Don't reuse the fluid that leaked out when replacing the brake line. Replace the wheel and lower the car. It's advisable to replace the brake line on the opposite wheel to ensure an synchronized braking system.