Removing the Old Brakes

• 1). Remove the cap from the brake-fluid reservoir and use a poultry baster or other type of suction device to remove two-thirds of the fluid, which will release the pressure in your brake system, and then replace the cap.
  
  
• 2
  Socket wrenches make loosening the bolts much easierwrench sockets 5 image by Darko Draskovic from Fotolia.com
  
  Loosen the bolts on either the front or rear wheels of the vehicle, depending on which brake pads you are changing, using a socket wrench.
  
  
• 3
  Make sure you are on a level surface when attempting to raise your carHeat and flat tire image by Vladimir Jovanovic from Fotolia.com
  
  Use a jack to elevate the end of the car that you are working on, and support it securely with jack stands. Be sure to block the tires on the other end of the car, to avoid having the car roll.
  
  
• 4
  Disc brake assemblydisque image by MATTHIEU FABISIAK from Fotolia.com
  
  Remove the wheels, and plan to work on only one brake assembly at a time, in order to allow yourself to use the other assembled brake for reference.
  
  
• 5
  Heavily scored disc brakes are a danger on the roadCar Brake image by Joelyn Pullano from Fotolia.com
  
  Inspect the brake disc for deep grooves or scoring. If the disc is deeply scored, then it will need to be either replaced, or repaired by an automotive machine shop.
  
  
• 6). Place a drip pan under the elevated wheel, and thoroughly wash the brake assembly, using brake-system cleaner. Allow the brake system to dry thoroughly.
  
  
• 7
  C-clamps are adjustable and come in all sizessingle clamp image by Albert Lozano from Fotolia.com
  
  Use the C-clamp to depress the pistons into the caliper and then carefully remove the caliper and pad.
  
  
• 8). Pry the ends of the retaining spring out of the holes in the caliper.
  
  
• 9). Remove the caps from the caliper guide pins and then gently unscrew the pins themselves.
  
  
• 10
  
  If equipped with one, unplugged the electronic wear sensor.
  
  
• 11
  
  Remove both the inner and outer pads from the caliper frame. In some cases an adhesive may have been used, and it will be necessary to pry the pads off.
  
  

Installing the New Brake Pads

• 1
  New brake padsbrake calipers image by Tom Oliveira from Fotolia.com
  
  Install the new brake pads onto the calipers, inner pad first, followed by the outer pad.
  
  
• 2
  Follow the directions on the anti-squeal compound if using onecolle image by matteo NATALE from Fotolia.com
  
  If the pads are adhesive-backed, remove the foil lining and install. If not, then apply a film of anti-squeal compound to the plates before installing.
  
  
• 3). Clean and lubricate the caliper guide pins, install the caliper over the disc, and insert the guide pins into the caliper. Tighten pins to the specified torque.
  
  
• 4). If equipped, reconnect the electronic wear sensor.
  
  
• 5
  Replace the wheel when finishedfixing tire image by Joann Cooper from Fotolia.com
  
  Replace the tire, and repeat the process on the other tire.