How to replace a brake caliper [AUTODOC TUTORIAL]

How to change brake caliper on a car – replacement tutorial

Prepare the equipment:

                      a set of suitable tools
                    
                      brake cleaner 
                    
                      the brake fluid recommended by the car manufacturer
                    
                      a clamp for the brake hose or for its fitting
                    
                      a brake bleeder
                    
                      jack
                    
                      a jack stand
                    
                      a wheel chock

Buy tools

Possible reasons to replace the brake caliper:

mechanical damage
brake system overheating
corrosion
failure to replace the brake fluid in time

1.

When you press the brake pedal, the piston rod of the master brake cylinder is pressed in
2.

The brake fluid is supplied to the caliper and acts on its piston
3.

The piston presses the brake pads against the disc
4.

As a result, braking occurs
5.

Corrosion may hinder the piston movement, and even cause it to seize up
6.

It can also be damaged as a result of destruction of the seal

Please note!
The principle of operation and replacement of most brake calipers is identical
7.

Rear calipers may have a parking brake
8.

Its cable or wiring should be disconnected when replacing the caliper
9.

When replacing a caliper, it may be necessary to install a new bracket and guide pins if they are worn

AUTODOC recommends:
Pay attention to the brake caliper installation side
10.

The bleeder screw has to be located at the top
11.

Access the brake fluid reservoir and check the fluid level
12.

Clean the cap and the outside of the reservoir
13.

Have a look at the brake caliper design
14.

Disconnect the brake hose fitting
15.

Clean the area where it connects beforehand

Be careful!
Prevent brake fluid from leaking
16.

Clamp the brake hose with a special tool or unscrew the fitting fastener and use a clamp
17.

Fix the clamp on the hose at a right angle
18.

Move the brake hose aside
19.

Unscrew and disconnect the brake caliper fasteners

Please note!
If the caliper is difficult to remove,
20.

Remove the brake caliper
21.

Incorrect brake caliper operation results in quick and uneven wear of the brake pads and disc
22.

Check their condition regularly to detect caliper failure in good time
23.

Replace any worn parts if necessary
24.

Read the manufacturer's instructions before installing a new brake caliper
25.

Inspect and, if necessary, replace the brake caliper retaining springs and brake pad anti-rattle clips
26.

Reassemble in reverse order
27.

Install the brake pads
28.

Install a new brake caliper

Important!
Make sure all the parts are in the correct position
29.

Screw in the guide pins
30.

Tighten the fasteners to the torque recommended by the manufacturer
31.

Install additional brake caliper retainers, if there are any
32.

Clean and connect the brake hose
33.

Tighten the fitting to the torque recommended by the manufacturer
34.

Bleed the brake system
35.

Remove the cap from the bleeder screw
36.

Undo the bleeder screw and remove the hose clamp
37.

As soon as the fluid starts to leak out, tighten the bleeder screw
38.

Check and correct the brake fluid level on a regular basis

Please note!
Do not loosen the bleeder screw excessivelyPrevent dirt and debris from getting into the reservoir
39.

To bleed the system, you will need an assistant or special equipment
40.

In the first case, the assistant presses the brake pedal several times until they feel significant resistance
41.

Without releasing the pedal, the assistant lets you know that you can unscrew the bleeder screw

AUTODOC recommends:
Prepare a container for the fluid in advance
42.

Undo the bleeder screw, drain the brake fluid, and tighten the screw again
43.

Repeat the procedure until all air is purged from the brake system
44.

In the second case, prepare a brake bleeder consisting of a container with a hose, a fitting, and a check valve
45.

Connect this device to the bleeder screw on the caliper and loosen the screw slightly
46.

Press the brake pedal several times

AUTODOC recommends:
Repeat the procedure until all air is purged from the brake system
47.

Make sure that the fluid that passes through the hose is free of air
48.

Tighten the bleeder screw
49.

Clean the bleeder screw
50.

Tighten the bleeder screw to the torque recommended by the manufacturer
51.

Press the brake pedal several times to check for leaks
52.

Put the protective cap on the bleeder screw
53.

Clean the surfaces of the brake disc and the wheel hub that are in contact with the mating surface of the wheel rim
54.

Treat the surfaces with an anti-corrosion agent
55.

Clean the brake disk surface
56.

Check the brake fluid level in the expansion tank and refill if necessary

AUTODOC recommends:
Change the brake fluid if necessary