How to Replace Front Brake Pads and Rotors

Tools you'll need

• Floor jack and jack stands
• Lug wrench
• Socket set (13-19mm)
• C-clamp or caliper piston tool
• Brake cleaner
• Torque wrench

Step-by-step

1. 1

   Loosen the lug nuts and lift the car

   With the car on level ground and in park, loosen the lug nuts a half turn. Jack up the front and support it on jack stands under the frame. Never work under a car held only by a jack.

2. 2

   Remove the wheel and caliper

   Take the wheel off. Remove the two caliper slide bolts and lift the caliper off the rotor. Hang it from the suspension with a bungee cord so the brake hose is not stretched.

3. 3

   Remove the caliper bracket and old rotor

   Unbolt the caliper bracket from the knuckle. Pull the old rotor off the hub. If it is seized, tap the hat area with a rubber mallet.

4. 4

   Install the new rotor

   Clean the hub face with a wire brush. Spray the new rotor with brake cleaner to remove its protective oil, then slide it onto the hub.

5. 5

   Compress the piston and fit new pads

   Use a C-clamp to slowly push the caliper piston back. Reinstall the bracket, clip in the new pads with the supplied hardware, and lubricate the slide pins.

6. 6

   Reassemble and torque to spec

   Refit the caliper and torque all bolts to the factory specification. Reinstall the wheel and torque the lug nuts in a star pattern.

7. 7

   Bed in the brakes

   Pump the pedal until firm. Make 8-10 moderate stops from 35 mph down to 5 mph without coming to a full stop, then drive gently for a few minutes to let them cool.

Parts for this job

• 

  Brakes

  Drilled & Slotted Rotor + Ceramic Pad Kit

  Most sedans & SUVs 2010+

  $129.99 Add to cart