How to Change out your Front Brakes
There are a number of reasons why you may need to change out your front brakes. Such indications are low brake fluid in the brake cylinder, inability of the brake pedal to stop upon application of brakes, and a squeaking sound while the car is in motion.
The following tools are needed:
- a socket set
- two jack stands
- channel lock pliers
- a stop block for wheels
- wheel spanner
- C clamp
- damp rag
In preparation for this task, you will need to raise the hood of your car and remove the brake cylinder reservoir cover. The reason for the cover removal is to allow the brake fluid to escape, thereby ensuring free movement of the caliper piston.
Then, chuck your rear wheels with a stop block to prevent the car from moving at any time during the process.
Use the wheel spanner to loosen the wheel nut. The reason for loosening the wheel nut before jacking up the car is to prevent applying force to the nut while the car is in the up position. As with most other tasks, you will want to practice safety measures.
Jack the car up, and place the jack stand under the vehicle chassis.
Remove vehicle wheel. To prevent confusion and ensure safety, it is recommended that you complete one side first before you start on the other side. Note: Upon removal of the wheel, use damp rag to wipe the powdery asbestos substance off of the caliper, since it is a health hazard through inhalation.
Remove the brake line bracket for free movement of the caliper.
Pull the body of the caliper away from its bracket, by removing the two caliper bolts.
Remove the top and bottom sliding pins from the caliper bracket and use fine grain sand paper to clean them. Afterwards, rub high temperature grease onto the pins and return them to the caliper bracket.
Take the old brake pad and place it onto the caliper piston, and clamp the pad and the piston with your C- clamp.
Slowly turn the C clamp clockwise until the piston is fully compressed.
Then, fit the new brake pads onto caliper bracket, and return caliper to its bracket. (Don't forget to tighten the caliper bolts!) Replace the caliper brake line bracket which you removed earlier for free movement of the caliper.
You have now completed the first side, and now it's onto the second front side of the vehicle, following the same instructions. Upon completion of the second side, you will need to replace the brake cylinder reservoir cover which was removed in the beginning to allow the flow of brake fluid.
Place all nuts back on wheel. De-jack the vehicle, and tighten all nuts.
Before you start the engine or drive your vehicle, it is imperative that you pump your brakes to seat the new pads against the rotor disc. The reason for doing this is to ensure that your brakes are in good working condition.
