Disc brake pads — replacement
Warning: Disc brake pads must be replaced on both front or rear wheels at the same time — never replace the pads on only one wheel. Also, the dust created by the brake system is harmful to your health. Never blow it out with compressed air and don’t inhale any of it. An approved filtering mask should be worn when working on the brakes. Do not, under any circumstances, use petroleum-based solvents to clean brake parts. Use brake system cleaner only!
Note: The following procedure applies to the front and rear brake pads.
Note: The manufacturer recommends replacing the pad shims and wear indicators whenever the pads are replaced.
1. Remove the cap from the brake fluid reservoir.
2. Loosen the wheel lug nuts, raise the front or rear of the vehicle and support it securely on
jack stands. Block the wheels at the opposite end.
3. Remove the wheels. Work on one brake assembly at a time, using the assembled brake for reference if necessary.
4. Inspect the brake disc carefully as outlined in Brake disc — inspection, removal and installation. If machining is necessary, follow the information in that Section to remove the disc, at which time the pads can be removed as well.
5. Push the piston back into its bore to pro- vide room for the new brake pads. A C-clamp can be used to accomplish this (see illustration). As the piston is depressed to the bottom of the caliper bore, the fluid in the master cylinder will rise. Make sure that it doesn’t overflow. If necessary, siphon off some of the fluid.
4.5 Before removing the caliper, be sure to depress the piston into its bore in the caliper with a large C-clamp to make room for the new pads
6. Follow the accompanying photos, beginning with illustration 4.6a. Be sure to stay in order and read the caption under each illustration.
4.6a Always wash the brakes with brake cleaner before disassembling anything
4.6b To remove the caliper, remove the bolts indicated by the upper and lower arrows (the center arrow points to the brake hose banjo bolt, which shouldn’t be unscrewed unless the caliper is being completely removed from the vehicle)
4.6c Remove the caliper …
4.6d … and hang it from the strut coil spring with a piece of wire; do not allow the caliper to hang by the flexible brake hose
4.6e Remove the upper and lower anti- squeal springs (if equipped)
4.6f Remove the outer brake pad and shims , noting the arrangement of the shims
4.6g Remove the inner brake pad and shims
4.6h Remove the upper and lower pad support plates; inspect them for damage and replace as necessary (if they’re weak or distorted, they should be replaced)
4.6i Pry the wear indicator off the old inner brake pad and transfer it to the new inner pad (if the wear indicator is worn or bent, replace it)
4.6j Install the upper and lower pad support plates, the new inner brake pad and the shims; make sure the ears on the pad are properly engaged with the pad support plates as shown
4.6k Install the outer pad and the shims, engaging the pad with the support plates
4.6i Install the upper and lower anti- squeal springs (if equipped); make sure both springs are properly engaged with the pads
4.6m Pull out the upper and lower sliding pins and clean them off (if either rubber boot is damaged, remove it by levering the flange of the metal bushing that retains the boot)
4.6n Apply a coat of high-temperature grease to the pins and install them
4.6o Install the caliper and tighten the caliper bolts to the torque listed in this Chapter’s Specifications
7. When reinstalling the caliper, be sure to tighten the mounting bolts to the torque listed in this Chapter’s Specifications. After the job has been completed, firmly depress the brake pedal a few times to bring the pads into contact with the disc. Check the level of the brake fluid, adding some if necessary. Check the operation of the brakes carefully before placing the vehicle into normal service