How to replace brake pads
Brake pads wear gradually and should be replaced before they reach the minimum thickness (often about 3 mm of friction material). Always replace pads on both sides of an axle.
Tools
- Jack and axle stands
- Wheel brace and torque wrench
- Socket set and caliper bolt sockets/bits
- Piston compression tool or large clamp
- Wire brush
- Brake cleaner
Parts & materials
- Brake pads for both wheels of the axle
- Brake discs if worn below minimum thickness or damaged
- Pad hardware/clips if supplied
- Brake grease (high-temperature)
Step by step
- Loosen the wheel nuts slightly, raise the car and support it on axle stands. Remove the wheel.
- Inspect the disc: measure its thickness against the minimum stamped on it.
- Remove the caliper guide bolts and lift the caliper off. Hang it with wire; never let it hang on the brake hose.
- Remove the old pads and clips. Clean the caliper bracket where the pads slide with a wire brush.
- Push the caliper piston back. Watch the brake fluid reservoir so it doesn't overflow. Many rear calipers with integrated parking brakes need the piston wound back, or the electronic parking brake put into service mode with a scan tool.
- Fit new clips and pads with a thin layer of brake grease on the contact points (never on the friction surface).
- Refit the caliper and tighten the guide bolts to specification.
- Refit the wheel and tighten the nuts to the specified torque in a star pattern.
- Pump the brake pedal several times before driving until it is firm. Check the fluid level.
- Bed in the new pads with several moderate stops from medium speed, avoiding hard stops for the first 200 km.
Safety: Brakes are safety-critical. If you are unsure, have a qualified technician do or check the work.
Safety: Brake dust can be harmful: clean with brake cleaner, never compressed air.
Symptoms this can fix
Procedures differ between vehicles. Check your vehicle's service information for specifications, torque values and any special steps.