Nothing stalls a weekend brake job like discovering mid-teardown that you are missing a tool or part. A quick checklist before you start keeps the job smooth. Here is what to have ready for a home brake job.
Parts to have on hand
Order everything before you start: the correct brake pads for your exact vehicle, rotors if replacing them, a full hardware kit (clips, shims, springs), high-temp brake grease, brake cleaner, and fresh fluid if flushing. Confirm fitment - pads are not universal.
Tools you will need
A jack and jack stands (never work under a car on a jack alone), lug wrench, a socket set, a caliper piston tool or C-clamp - and a rear caliper wind-back tool if your rears need it, see caliper compression tool - a torque wrench, and a wire brush. A turkey baster helps remove old fluid so the reservoir does not overflow.
The core steps in order
Loosen lugs, lift and support the car, remove the wheel, unbolt the caliper and bracket, remove old pads/rotor, clean the hub and bracket, compress the piston, grease the contact points, fit new hardware, pads, and rotor, torque the bracket and caliper bolts to spec, remount the wheel and torque the lugs - see how to install brake pads.
Do not skip these
Torque bolts to spec, clean the hub so the rotor sits true, replace hardware (do not reuse tired clips), and bed the pads in afterward - see how to bed in pads. Finish by checking the pedal is firm before driving. A little prep and this safety-minded approach make for a clean, quiet brake job.