How to Fix My Car Brakes

There are several components to a vehicle's braking system that may be in need of repair. The brake pads are the parts that make contact with the brake rotors during braking. The pads could be worn or otherwise damaged and require replacement. The brake rotors need to be smooth and flat. If they are scored by the brake pad wear indicators, the should be resurfaced or replaced. If the rotors are warped, then they will need to be replaced. The brake pads, the rotors, and the brake caliper itself are the most most common brake parts that will require repair during the life of your vehicle.

Instructions

1

Park the vehicle on a flat surface, away from the curb and passing traffic. Loosen the lug nuts on all of the wheels with the tire iron.

2

Put the jack under the chassis of the vehicle and lift the car, truck or SUV. Lower the vehicle onto jack stands to support the vehicle during your work.

3

Remove the lug nuts and the wheels from the vehicle. Remove the two caliper bolts on each caliper. The caliper bolts are on the side of the caliper closest to the frame of the vehicle and can be removed using a 13-millimeter wrench.

4

Pull the rotor from the wheel bolts. The rotor should slide freely from the bolts; however if there's rust binding the rotor to the steering knuckle, use a hammer to tap on the rotor until the bond from the rust is broken.

5

Use a 10-millimeter wrench to disconnect the brake line from the caliper. Place a drip pan beneath the brake line to catch any fluid that may leak from the line. Use a wire brush to clean any rust from the wheel bolts.

6

Connect the brake line to the new caliper. Place the brake line over the intake nozzle near the bottom caliper bolt. Tighten the brake line with the 10 millimeter wrench. Slide the brake pads onto the walls of the new caliper. The brake pads will be facing each other, and the curve will mirror the curve of the caliper when installed properly.

7

Take the new rotor from its packaging. Spray the entire rotor with brake cleaner. Wipe the rotor with a clean towel until dry. Slide the rotor onto the wheel bolts. Make sure that the top hat section of the rotor is facing outward (the top hat section is the convex area in the middle of the rotor).

8

Place the new caliper with the new brake pads back onto the rotor. Screw in the caliper bolts with the 13-millimeter wrench.

9

Place the wheels back onto the wheel bolts and screw on the lug nuts by hand. Lift the vehicle with the lifting jack, remove the jack stands, and lower the vehicle to the ground. Tighten the lug nuts with the tire iron.

10

Press the brake pedal three times, holding it down on the third depression. After 10 seconds, release the brake pedal.

11

Open the hood of the vehicle and locate the master cylinder. Open the cap and fill the container with brake fluid.