Parts and tools required

• Axle Stands & Trolley Jacks
• Socket Set
• Torque Wrench
• Spanners
• Wire Brush
• Safety Glasses
• Safety Gloves
• Specialist Brake Tools

!Warning:

Brake pads are part of the braking system of your car and as such are safety critical. For this reason, all work must be carried out with the utmost care, and by persons competent to do so. This step-by-step is a generic process and won’t be suitable for cars that require a more specialised brake pad replacement. If you’re unsure, seek the help of a professional.

Step 1 – Check you Brake Fluid

Before starting this job, take the cap off the brake fluid reservoir to give the pressure you create in the system during the process somewhere to escape. Put some cloth or rag around the reservoir to catch any fluid that may escape during the process. Brake fluid can remove paint from surfaces under the bonnet if not removed. For more information, please check How To Check Brake Fluid Guide.

Step 2 - Remove Your Wheel

To access the brake pads, you’ll need to remove your wheel. Ensure your vehicle is on a flat surface, apply the handbrake, and if possible, chock the wheels to prevent the vehicle moving when raised. Slacken the wheel nuts while your car is on the ground.

Then raise your car with a jack, using your vehicle manufacturer's recommended jacking points - see your vehicle handbook for the location of these. Place axle stands under the vehicle for extra support.

You can now unscrew the wheel nuts or bolts and remove the wheel. Always inspect the wheel nuts or bolts to check they are in a good and clean condition. Any corrosion should be removed with a wire brush.

Step 3 - Remove the old filter

Next, you’ll need to undo the guide pin bolt to remove the calliper – these bolts align the calliper to the brake disc. You can undo the guide pin bolt by holding it with a spanner or socket and wrench and unscrewing.

Next, unbolt the calliper and swing them free. Don’t leave the calliper hanging, as this will put strain on the brake line. Instead, use ties or bungee cable to hang it safely.

Step 4 - Remove the Brake Pads

With the calliper out of the way, you can remove any clips that may be holding the brake pads in place and remove them from the calliper carrier.

Step 5 - Check the Brake Disc

Inspect the condition of your brake discs. You should check for warping, excessive wear and tear such as grooves or scoring, uneven wear and check against the manufacturers minimum thickness specification. Always fit in pairs.

Step 6 – Prepare the Brake Pads

Before you fit the brake pads, clean any corrosion off the calliper carrier and its slides with a wire brush

Check the placement of the wear sensors to ensure they are in the correct position for your vehicle.

Step 7 - Fit Brake Pads

Fit the new brake pads into the calliper carrier, making sure that the pad can move freely back and forth, and the friction material is facing the brake disc.

Step 8 – Re-fit Brake Callipers

Then, untie and refit the brake calliper. and take notice of any torque settings required to ensure they are tightened correctly. You may need to push the calliper piston back into its cylinder to fit the new thicker brake pad. This may cause the brake fluid to rise to above the maximum level in the reservoir. This is the purpose of the cloth around it to catch any excess.

!Check the fluid reservoir levels.

Step 9 - Test Brake Pads

When you've done both sides, press the brake pedal a few times to bring the brake pads up to the disc, then check and top up the brake fluid level if necessary, removing the cloth and any excess fluid that may have escaped.

!Do a final check the fluid reservoir level after the brake test.

Step 10 - Refit the Wheel

Before refitting, make sure that the surfaces of the wheel and hub are clean and free of any corrosion – you can use a wire brush to do so. With the new brake pads fitted, you can now place your wheel back on the hub and secure the wheel bolts. Tighten the wheel using a wheel brace or wrench so that it can be rotated to ensure that it is located correctly.

Remove the axle stands and lower the jack, then once your vehicle is back on the ground, tighten the wheel nuts or bolts fully and replace the wheel cover. It is advisable to use a torque wrench to ensure that the wheel is tightened to the correct setting.

Step 11 – Drive and bedding in

When driving the vehicle for the first time following brake pad replacement, the pedal may feel different. It could feel spongier than before - this is the new friction material coming into contact with the brake disc. It is vital to “bed in” a new set of brakes by carefully applying the brakes for the first 100 miles, and you should avoid heavy braking during this time. Bedding in will ensure that the brake pads operate correctly and last appropriately.

Top Tips

• In some brake pad kits, new calliper retaining bolts may be supplied. If so, always fit the new part.
• Always renew brake pads in pairs across the axis (e.g., all front pads or all rear pads) to avoid uneven braking.
• Not sure what you're doing? Get advice from an expert - don't take chances with brakes! Book a Free Brake Check now at your local Halfords Autocentre.

Helpful Guides

How To Bleed Brakes
How To Check Brake Fluid Guide