Replacing the Front Brake Pads

Steps 1 through 6

An experienced car owner can replace the front brake pads, provided they have the proper lifting equipment and strictly follow safety guidelines. Before removing the pads, verify that the pads, wear indicators, and accessories are exactly compatible with the vehicle.

1.Loosen the five nuts that hold the wheel in place.

2.Position a hydraulic jack correctly in the designated spot, thin place a jack stand to secure the jack.

3.Completely loosen the five nuts, then remove the wheel.

4.The caliper is now accessible. Release the clip holding the wear indicator cable to the noise-dampening spring. Before pushing the pistons back in, check the brake fluid level and remove any excess if the reservoir is near the maximum mark; protect painted surfaces from spills.

5.Use long-nose pliers (electrician's pliers) to compress the spring by simply bringing its two central parts together. The spring will then pop out on the left side (left wheel).

6.Tilt the spring to the right side.

Steps 7 through 15

7.Use a piston pusher, which is available at auto parts stores, among other places.

8.Once the brake pads have been fully retracted — the pistons are fully retracted into their housings — release the pads, one at a time, from the top, then remove the wear indicators from their slots.

9.Reinstall the new wear indicators on the new brake pads, following the reverse order of removal.

10.Install the new brake pads.

11.Flip the noise-canceling spring and press it down to snap it back into place, under the tab on the left side.

12.Secure the clip that holds the wear indicator cable in place.

13.Press the brake pedal several times until it feels firm, then check the fluid level and replace the reservoir cap properly.

14.Reinstall the wheel by tightening the nuts in a crisscross pattern.

15.Remove the jack, lower the jack, and then tighten the wheel nuts to the torque specified by the manufacturer.