How to change your front brake pads.

I found that it was taking longer to stop and my brake pedal was going all the way to the floor, well its time to change the brake pads. This took me about 15 minutes each side. It is a simple process and can be done with minimal tool and experience. This job was done on an 89 Bronco II

 
Tools used

First gather all the tools you will need. Tools used are pictured here.
8" c-clamp
hammer
jack
 jack stand
4 way
old screw driver
impact gun.    

Remember SAFETY FIRST
Block the wheels and set the emergency brake
Break the lug nuts loose, then jack up the vehicle and place a jack stand under it. Then remove the wheel.

 Safety First
                   
                    Wheel Removed                                                Old Brake pad
wheel off old brake pad 
Take your brake fluid cap off. When you depress the caliper it will force the fluid back into the reservoir. Once the wheel has been removed take the 8" C-clamp and depress the brake caliper. Then take a punch (I use a old screw driver) and drive the caliper pin out. This pin has a edge on each side to lock it in place. You may have to drive the edge in then drive the pin out. I usually hit it with the hammer and the edges go in. After the top and bottom pin are driven out you can lift the caliper off the rotor. The out side pad will come off with the caliper. The inside pad you will have to wiggle out. While the caliper is off inspect your rotor, any groves or major wear replace it or have it turned by a machine shop. When you are ready to replace the pads, slide the inside pad into place, then clip on the outside pad. Now you can place the caliper back onto the rotor and drive the pins back into place. You should press your brake and check your fluid. If you need to bleed your brakes.
depressing caliper caliper depressedcaliper pin
                Before depressing                                                    After depressing                                                          Caliper Pin

caliper pin removed
                    Pin driven out                                                  Caliper out with pad attached                                       Inside pad


                    Placing new pad on the inside                        Placing out side pad onto caliper                            Driving pin back into place

                    Job complete

[ Home ] [The Daily Driver ] [ Brake Pad Replacement ] [Auto Hub Swap ]