ALT-3 How to Change Front Brake Pads
If you have any confidence in your diy capabilities at all, then you can change the front brake pads on your car. All you need is a basic tool kit, and an axle stand. The axle stand isn't totally necessary to completing the job, but it is highly recommend that one is used. It's a foolish mechanic who works on a car with just a car jack in place. So be safe, and use an axle stand.
Another good thing to have is a proper workshop manual for your make and model. Although the braking systems on cars are basically the same, there are enough variations in design between each model to make these manuals invaluable. You don't want to start the job, then find yourself trying to work out how to fit the pads on your car.
The first thing you have to do is make sure you have purchased the correct brake pads for your model. Again, this is where the workshop manual is handy, and will provide the proper information you need to get those pads in the first place. Once you've checked you have the right brake pads, and you've assembled all your tools, it's time to start.
Loosen the wheel nuts on one of the front wheels. Carefully jack up the front of the car, using a good quality car jack. Make sure the car is in gear, the hand brake is on, and chock the back wheels. Once the car is jacked up, slip the axle stand under the front axle. This is a bit of what is called 'belt and braces'. The last thing you want is the car jack collapsing while you're working on the brakes. Not only can the jack collapsing cause the car to be damaged, but you could be damaged too.
Remove the wheel nuts, and then slip off the wheel. If you turn the steering wheel so that the front of the calliper is towards you. On some cars, all you need to do to remove the pads is to take out a couple of pins. You then just lift out the old pads, and pop in the new ones. Others need a retaining bolt on the calliper to be removed, allowing the calliper to swing upwards. Again, you then just take out the old pads and pop in the new ones. If the old pads are tight to remove, then very gently push them back into the calliper using a flat bladed screwdriver. Only do this if you ar dumping the old pads, as the screwdriver will damage the surface of the brake pad.
Once the old pads are removed, you must make sure the brake calliper piston is pushed far enough back to allow the new pads to fit properly. The best thing to use is a C clamp, which you fasten around the calliper and over the piston, then tighten it down. It will gently press the piston into the calliper.
Don't forget to take the cap off the brake fluid reservoir, and check the level. The fluid will be displaced when you press the piston back, and might even cause the reservoir to overflow. You can avoid this by removing some of the fluid in the reservoir using a turkey baster. Just don't put the baster back into the kitchen drawer after using it.
Make sure that the pads are seated properly, and that everything is in its proper place. Refit the calliper, if removed, and replace the wheel. Don't forget to fully tighten the wheel nuts. Repeat the procedure on the other front wheel and brake calliper, and once everything is back in place, check the brake fluid level in the reservoir. Depress the brake pedal a few times to bed the pads in, and then re-check the fluid level.
You have now changed the front brake pads on your car, but before you go racing off into the sunset, give your brakes a bit of a test. If the brakes seem to be working fine, and nothing seems to be binding, then you're car is safe to drive. Just let the new padsfully settle in over maybe 80 to 100 miles before you go crazy with the heavy braking.
