How to Install New Brake Pads & Rotors
Brake pads and rotors are part of a vehicle's braking system that require replacement at regular intervals. The brake calipers squeeze the pads against the spinning rotor to stop the vehicle. Many cars owners save money by installing their new brake pads and rotors.
Things You'll Need:
- Lug wrench
- Floor jack
- Jack stands
- Rubber mallet
- Socket wrench
- Remove the hubcap, and loosen the lug nuts on your wheel with a lug wrench. Raise the car with a floor jack, and support it on jack stands. Disconnect the lug nuts, and remove the wheel from the wheel hub.
- Remove the mounting bolts for the brake calipers with a socket wrench. Remove the calipers from the wheel hub. Loosen the calipers with a rubber mallet if necessary.
- Remove the mounting bolts from the brake pads with a socket wrench, and detach the brake pads from the calipers.
- Mount the new brake pads to the calipers, and secure them in place with the mounting bolts.
- Loosen the rotor from the wheel hub with the rubber mallet. Slide the rotor from the wheel hub. Install the new rotor onto the wheel hub.
- Install the brake calipers onto the wheel hub. Fasten them into place with their mounting bolts.
- Mount the wheel onto the wheel hub, and fasten the lug nuts by hand.
- Remove the jack stands and lower the car with the floor jack. Tighten the lug nuts with the lug wrench, and replace the hubcap. Test the new brake pads and rotor on the vehicle.