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BrakesMedium

Brake Pad Inspection & Replacement

Brake pads are critical safety components. Worn pads reduce stopping ability and can cause rotor damage if ignored.

Time
1–2 hours
Interval
Every 30,000–70,000 miles
DIY Cost
$50–$150
Shop Cost
$150–$400

Tools & Supplies Needed

Video Guide Coming Soon

Step-by-step video walkthrough for this procedure

Step-by-Step Instructions

1

Remove the wheel

Loosen the lug nuts, lift the vehicle, secure on jack stands, and remove the wheel to access the brake assembly.

2

Inspect the brake assembly

Look at the caliper, rotor, and brake lines. Check the rotor for deep grooves, heat spots, or minimum thickness (stamped on the rotor edge).

💡 Pro Tip: If the rotor is scored or below minimum thickness, replace it at the same time as the pads.
3

Remove the caliper

Remove the two caliper slide pin bolts (usually 12mm–14mm). Lift the caliper off the rotor and support it with a wire or bungee cord — never let it hang by the brake hose.

⚠️ Warning: Letting the caliper hang by the hose can damage the brake line internally.
4

Remove old pads and compress the piston

Slide the old pads out of the caliper bracket. Use a C-clamp or brake caliper tool to slowly push the piston back into the caliper bore.

💡 Pro Tip: Check your brake fluid reservoir — it will rise as you compress the piston. Remove some fluid if needed to prevent overflow.
5

Install new pads and reassemble

Apply brake grease to the back of the new pads and the slide pin contact points. Insert the new pads into the bracket. Slide the caliper over the new pads and reinstall the slide pin bolts to torque spec.

6

Bed in the new pads

After reinstalling the wheel, pump the brake pedal several times until it feels firm. Drive at 30 mph and perform 5–6 moderate stops to transfer a layer of pad material to the rotor.

⚠️ Warning: The first press of the pedal after pad replacement will go to the floor — pump it before driving!