How to change brake pads on a car [AUTODOC TUTORIAL]

How to change brake pads on a car – replacement tutorial

Required Tools:

                        Flat screwdriver
                      
                        Tap wrench
                      
                        Torx wrench
                      
                        Torx bit
                      
                        Wheel impact socket
                      
                        Impact socket
                      
                        Ceramic grease
                      
                        Brake cleaner 
                      
                        Jack
                      
                        Brake caliper wind back tool

Buy tools

Reasons for replacing brake pads:

wear
abnormal noise when braking
reduced braking efficiency

1.

Prepare the appropriate tools and new brake pads

AUTODOC recommends:
Be sure to replace brake pads as a set on an axleThe procedure for replacing the front and rear brake pads is almost identical
2.

The rear brake calipers may be equipped with a parking brake mechanism
3.

If it is mechanically driven by a cable, detach the cable before replacing the brake pads
4.

If it is electrically actuated, set the system to the service mode
5.

When replacing the brake pads, the brake caliper pistons should be wound back into the caliper body
6.

If the rear brake calipers are equipped with a parking brake mechanism, their pistons also need to be turned while being wound back. Use a special tool with adapters
7.

The most common design is a floating type caliper
8.

It has to be removed before replacing the brake pads

Please note!
Take into account that there are brake calipers with two or more pistons
9.

The brake pad wear sensor indicates when the brake pads need to be replaced
10.

When the brake pads are worn, the wear sensor's contact closes and a corresponding signal is sent to the on-board computer
11.

Brake pad wear sensors are single-use and should be replaced together with the brake pads
12.

If the sensor is mechanical, it starts contacting the disc when the brake pad is worn
13.

This causes a specific noise
14.

To access the brake pads, raise the car and remove the wheels
15.

When using a jack you also need to use jack stands
16.

Clean the brake caliper and its fasteners

AUTODOC recommends:
Use safety goggles, gloves, and a respirator
17.

While carrying out the replacement, regularly check the brake fluid level in the reservoir
18.

Unscrew and remove the brake caliper fasteners
19.

If the caliper is difficult to remove, use a suitable tool to force it apart or to pry it off
20.

Hang the brake caliper from the suspension or the car body
21.

Do not hang the caliper from the brake hose to avoid damaging the hose
22.

Remove the brake pads

Please note!
Please note: Brake pads can be additionally secured in the caliper piston
23.

Inspect the brake pads after removal
24.

If their friction linings are worn uniformly, this means that all components of the system are functioning properly
25.

If the outer brake pad is more worn than the inner one, it gets stuck when moving in the anti-rattle clips in the bracket
26.

If the inner brake pad is more worn than the outer one, check the condition of the caliper guide pins
27.

Replace faulty elements of the brake caliper using a repair kit
28.

Or replace the whole brake caliper
29.

Remove the anti-rattle clips if there are any, and replace them if necessary
30.

Clean the mounting seats
31.

Check the dust boots of the guide pins and make sure that the guide pins themselves move freely
32.

Inspect the dust boots of the caliper pistons and the brake hose and its fasteners
33.

Inspect the brake discs and replace them if necessary

Please note:
The kit might not include the anti-rattle clips. In this case, you should buy them separately
34.

Clean the mounting seats of the brake pads on the brake caliper bracket. Clean all the components of the brake caliper. Use a nylon brush to clean rubber elements

The system works as follows:
When the brake pedal is pressed, the caliper piston moves out and acts on the brake padsThis makes the brake pads press against the discThis results in the car braking
35.

As the brake pads get worn, the brake caliper piston moves out further and further
36.

It should be wound back to its original position before installing the new brake pads. 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
37.

When the brake caliper piston is wound back, part of the brake fluid returns to the reservoir

Caution!
The fluid may overflow
38.

Connect a special device to the brake bleeder screw and loosen the bleeder screw
39.

The fluid will flow into the special container through the hose
40.

Tighten the bleeder screw and make sure that it's air-tight
41.

Top up the brake fluid reservoir with new brake fluid of a suitable type
42.

Look at the design of the new brake pads
43.

Read the manufacturer's instructions
44.

Treat the surfaces where the brake pads contact the caliper and bracket with anti-squeal paste
45.

Do not apply too much anti-squeal paste to prevent it from getting on the friction surface
46.

The brake pads should move freely in the anti-rattle clips
47.

Install the brake pads
48.

Install the brake caliper
49.

Screw in the brake caliper fasteners. Make sure the guide pins are not misaligned
50.

Tighten the fasteners to the torque recommended by the manufacturer
51.

Install all additional fastening elements
52.

Treat the brake disc surface that will be in contact with the wheel rim with an anti-corrosion agent
53.

Clean the brake disk surface
54.

Press the brake pedal fully several times until you feel resistance
55.

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

Please note!
After the brake pads are installed, they have to bed in to the brake discDuring this time, a squealing noise might be heard

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