Is your car not braking like it used to? Do you flinch when you need to hit the brakes in the rain? If so, it’s likely time to replace your brake pads – and maybe your rotors too. In this video, ChrisFix gives you all the information you need to know to take care of your brake pads and rotors on your own.
How do you replace brake pads and rotors?
Replacing your own brakes and rotors is a simple process that can save you a ton of money. ChrisFix explains that there are four simple steps to replacing your brakes:
- Lift car
- Remove old brakes
- Add new brakes
- Put wheel on, test
Here, we took all the information from ChrisFix’s video on brake pads and rotors and put it into a text format below. Use this easy-to-reference guide to get your brakes in tip-top shape.
Replacing Brake Pads and Rotors: A Complete Guide
You’ll need a simple socket set, a breaker bar, a torque wrench, a wire brush, and a brake piston compressor (inexpensive and available at your auto parts store). You’ll also need a large hammer and a flat-head screwdriver. For consumable items, you’ll need copper anti-seize, silicone paste, brake cleaner, and thread locker.
Place a wheel block behind your back wheels, so your car doesn’t move. Loosen all the lug nuts on your car before you begin the process of lifting your vehicle. To replace the front brakes, use a car jack to lift the front of the car off the ground. After the jack stands are in place, give the car a shake to make sure it’s secure.
Remove the lug nuts and remove the wheel.
Turn the steering wheel so that the bolts to the caliper are more accessible.
Remove the bolt from the brake caliper; then pry open the caliper to pivot it upward so that you can access the brake rotor. Remove the caliper, and set it out of the way, while ensuring that you don’t have any pressure on the brake line (you may need to use a bungee cord).
Remove the bolts that are holding the caliper in place. Remove the caliper bracket.
Try to wiggle off the rotor. Often, you need to use a large hammer to knock the rotor loose. Use a metal wire brush to remove any rust from the hub surface. It’s smart to use safety glasses and a dust mask while you’re cleaning the hub. You’ll also want to clean your caliper bracket.
Your brake rotors will come with an oily film designed to keep them from rusting while packaged. Use a little bit of brake cleaner to spray your new rotors; then wipe them down with a clean cloth before installing. Be sure to wipe both sides.
Slide your new rotor into place (you may want to use a lug nut to keep it on while you install the other components).
Next, replace your calipers. Put a little bit of thread lock onto your bolts before screwing them back into place. Use your torque wrench to thoroughly tighten your caliper bolts.
Next, spray a little bit of brake cleaner onto a towel and use it to clean the piston. It’s important not to spray the cleaner directly onto the piston, as this can cause the rubber seal of the piston to degrade.
Set your brake piston into place, and put an old brake pad up against the piston; then use your brake piston compressor tool to press the piston back into the brake caliper.
Next, remove the old brake clip from the caliper and place the new brake clip in with the same orientation.
Now, it’s time to lubricate the brake system. Use anti-seize to lubricate the brake caliper brackets, as well as the brake clip and the back of the brake pad.
Either change your gloves or wash your hands before touching the front of the brake pad, as getting anti-seize on the front of the brake pad can cause brakes to fail.
The brake pads simple slide into the caliper. Don’t worry about putting them in backwards – if the aren’t placed correctly, they won’t fit.
Add silicone paste to the guide pin; then close the caliper. Tighten the bolts on the caliper, and remove the lug nut you used to hold the rotor in place.
Replace the wheel; repeat on the other side.
Take the car down off of the jack stands, and torque your lug nuts to the appropriate degree.
Start the car, pump the brakes a few times (it’s normal not to have any pressure for the first few pumps).
Working on Your Car? What You Need to Know
If you’re working to complete car repairs and part replacements on your own, it’s inevitable that you’ll have questions. That’s where Vehicle History comes in. Check out driver and expert thoughts on your vehicle, and get tips and tricks that can help you keep your vehicle running smoothly.
