How to Replace Car Brakes and Rotors
Replacing brake pads and rotors seems like an intimidating project for most people. The truth is this project will be a little challenging with some mechanical ability required, but it’s not impossible. Learning to replace your own brake pads and rotors will save you a lot of money.
Things You'll Need:
- Jack
- Jack Stands
- Impact Wrench
- Brake Cleaner
- Rags
- Allen Wrenches
- Rubber Hammer
- Jack your vehicle up and place jack stands under each tire on the frame. Also remember to park your vehicle on level ground for safety purposes. Make sure the vehicle is jacked up high enough so you can easily pull the wheels off and reach the brakes.
- Remove all four wheels with an impact wrench. Screw the wheel nuts back on the hub so you don't lose them. Place the wheels next to each hub they came from so you don't get them out of order.
- Clean around the brake rotors with brake cleaner and rags. You probably won't be able to remove all the dust, but you can at least make it easier to work around.
- Remove the brake caliper with an Allen wrench. The size of the wrenches will vary, so have an entire set nearby. The caliper should slide off the rotor when the Allen heads are removed.
- Remove the brakes pads from the caliper. There should be clips on the caliper you need to lift up to remove the pads. The new pads should easily slide in the caliper.
- The brake rotor should slide off the axle with a rubber hammer. Don't use a steel hammer because it could damage the rotor.
- Replace the rotor by sliding the new one on the axle.
- Replace the caliper and put the wheels back on.
- Lower the vehicle from the jack stands and test your brakes to make sure they work properly.