How to change brake discs [AUTODOC TUTORIAL]

How to change brake discs on a car – replacement tutorial

What you might need to replace the discs:

                        a set of new brake discs and pads
                      
                        a set of suitable tools for removing wheels and brake system components
                      
                        a wire brush and a WD-40 type agent
                      
                        brake cleaner 
                      
                        brake caliper wind back tool
                      
                        respirator, gloves, goggles

Buy tools

Reasons for replacing brake discs:

normal wear
reduced braking efficiency
shuddering when braking
excessive corrosion

1.

Due to the constant impact of the pads, the disc becomes thinner over time
2.

The acceptable wear limit is 2–4 mm
3.

Worn discs may crack due to overheating
4.

Uneven wear is caused by poor quality brake pads or dirt getting between the pads and the disc
5.

Discs can also be damaged from the inside due to corrosion
6.

Overheating may cause the disc to warp
7.

A corroded wheel hub prevents the disc from contacting the hub surface evenly
8.

This causes shuddering

Important!
Brake discs should only be changed in pairs on each axle
9.

Raise the car

Please note!
When using a jack you also need to use jack stands
10.

Raise the whole axle of the car
11.

or perform the repair job first on one side of the axle, and then on the other

12.

Be sure to use wheel chocks

Please note!
The procedure for replacing brake discs is almost identical on most vehicles
13.

Check the level and condition of the brake fluid in the reservoir
14.

Leave the reservoir open and make sure that no dirt can get inside it

Caution!
When you're winding back the brake caliper pistons, brake fluid may overflow
15.

Before starting the replacement, look at the design of the brake caliper and the way it is fastened

AUTODOC recommends:
Please note that products from different manufacturers can vary in design
16.

Remove the caliper to access the brake disc
17.

When doing this, you might need to remove the retaining spring, guide pin caps and guide pins themselves, and the fasteners of the brake caliper bracket
18.

If the caliper is difficult to remove, use a suitable tool to force it apart or to pry it off
19.

Hang the brake caliper from the suspension or the car body

Important!
Do not hang the caliper from the brake hose to avoid damaging the hose
20.

Remove the brake pads
21.

If the brake caliper has a bracket, remove it
22.

Clean and unscrew the bracket fasteners
23.

Clean and remove the fasteners that connect the brake disc to the wheel hub

Please note!
On some cars, the brake discs have no fasteners and are pressed against the wheel hub by the wheel rims
24.

In this is the case, screw in at least one wheel fastener before removing the bracket to prevent the brake disc from falling

25.

Remove the brake disc
26.

On many cars, the brake discs have an integrated wheel bearing
27.

This means that to remove the disc, it's necessary, among other things, to unscrew the fastener of the bearing

28.

You can buy brake discs with integrated bearings and install them as they are

29.

Alternatively, you’ll need to perform an additional job pressing new bearings into your new brake discs
30.

If the brake disc fasteners are difficult to remove, use an impact screwdriver

Please note!
The brake disc might be stuck to the hub, making it difficult to remove
31.

If necessary, use a rubber mallet to hit the back of the disc lightly

Caution!
Hold the brake disc firmly
32.

After a few taps with the mallet, turn the brake disc together with the hub and repeat the steps
33.

Tap the area where the brake disc contacts the hub with a hammer
34.

Hit it gently, just enough to create vibration without damaging the bearing
35.

Clean the surface of the wheel hub
36.

Treat the surface with an anti-corrosion agent
37.

Read the brake disc manufacturer's instructions

Please note:
You may need to clean the factory-applied protective grease from the discs firstBrake discs that are ready for installation are usually marked "Ready to use"
38.

Install a new brake disc
39.

Install and tighten the fasteners with a torque wrench to the manufacturer's recommended torque
40.

Clean the brake caliper bracket

Important!
The surfaces the brake pads are supposed to move along should be smooth and free from defects
41.

Install the brake caliper bracket
42.

Tighten the fasteners with a torque wrench to the manufacturer's recommended torque
43.

Check the condition of the brake hose and the brake caliper guide pins and piston boot
44.

The guide pins should move freely within their seats
45.

The caliper piston boot should not be damaged
46.

If any defects are found, use a brake caliper repair kit or replace the whole caliper
47.

Use a nylon brush to clean rubber elements
48.

Wind back the brake caliper pistons. Use a special brake caliper piston wind-back tool

Important!
If your rear brake calipers are equipped with an integrated parking brake, you may need to rotate the pistons while winding them back
49.

Treat the surfaces where the brake pads contact the caliper and bracket with anti-squeal paste

AUTODOC recommends:
Do not apply too much anti-squeal paste to prevent it from getting on the friction surface
50.

Install the brake pads
51.

Install the brake caliper
52.

Make sure all the parts are in the correct position
53.

Tighten the fasteners to the torque recommended by the manufacturer
54.

Install all additional fasteners
55.

Treat the surface of the new brake disc where it will contact the wheel rim with an anti-corrosion agent
56.

Clean the mating surface on the wheel rim and the working surface of the brake disc
57.

Screw in and tighten the wheel fasteners in a criss-cross pattern. This will ensure uniform fit of the wheel to the hub
58.

Press the brake pedal fully several times until you feel resistance
59.

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

Comments – 2

@user_2459174

23.04.2024 11:16

Member

no torque settings
- Alan Ross
  
  24.04.2024 09:38
  
  @user_2459174
  
  Member
  
  Dear user_2459174,
  thank you for your comment!
  You can find this information in the vehicle maintenance log book.
  best regards, autodoc team.

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