Replacing disc brake pads is one of the most satisfying jobs a home mechanic can do, and on most vehicles it takes about an hour per axle. This guide walks the general procedure. Always follow the torque specs and steps in your vehicle's service manual - this is an overview, not a substitute for it. If you are not confident working on brakes, have a professional do the job.
Tools and parts you need
- New brake pads for your exact vehicle, as a full axle set
- A fresh brake hardware kit (clips and shims)
- Jack and jack stands, lug wrench, socket set
- A C-clamp or caliper piston tool, and brake grease for the slide pins
Step by step
- Loosen and lift. Break the lug nuts loose, raise the vehicle, support it on jack stands, and remove the wheel.
- Remove the caliper. Unbolt the caliper (usually two bolts on the back). Lift it off the rotor and support it with wire or a bungee - never let it hang by the brake hose.
- Take out the old pads. Slide the worn pads out of the bracket and note how they and the hardware sit, so the new ones go in the same way.
- Compress the piston. Use the C-clamp or piston tool to push the caliper piston back into its bore so the new, thicker pads will fit. Watch the brake fluid level as you do this.
- Fit new hardware and pads. Install the new clips, add a thin film of brake grease to the contact points and slide pins, and set the new pads in place.
- Reinstall the caliper. Slide it back over the pads and rotor and torque the bolts to spec.
- Wheel back on. Reinstall the wheel, snug the lugs, lower the vehicle, and torque the lug nuts to spec in a star pattern.
- Pump the pedal. Before you drive, pump the brake pedal several times until it is firm. The first pumps take up the gap you created when compressing the piston. Do not skip this.
Break in the new pads
New pads need a bedding-in procedure to transfer an even layer of friction material onto the rotor. A common method is a series of moderate stops from around 35 mph, letting the brakes cool between them, without coming to a full hard stop. Proper bedding is what keeps new pads quiet and prevents uneven deposits. Check your pad maker's specific instructions.
Questions about fitment or what is included with a set? Our brake parts FAQ has answers.