How To Change Brake Pads

All modern cars have disc brakes on the front wheels and a lot of models have discs at the rear as well. Disc brake pads gradually wear out. They have to be inspected at every service and renewed when they have worn to a specified minimum - see your car's handbook.


The brake discs themselves also wear and have to be renewed eventually - it's not unusual to have to do this at every second set of pads.


We've only been able to show a few typical steps here to give an idea of what's involved. There are various types of brake caliper with different ways of securing the pads. To do the job safely you will certainly need the Haynes manual which covers your car.


You will need the following:

New brake pads of the correct type, brake pad fitting kit (if applicable), new brake discs (if applicable), copper grease.



Step 1:

With the car raised and securely supported and the wheels removed, use one spanner to hold the guide pin.

Step 2:

Then unscrew and remove the guide pin bolt.

Step 3:

Swing the caliper upwards to get at the pads.

Step 4:

Remove the pads from their mounting bracket. These pads have anti-squeal shims on the back.

Step 5:

Push back the caliper pistons with a 'pusher' tool like this. Brake fluid will be forced back up towards the master cylinder. See your Haynes Manual for more details.

Step 6:

Apply a little copper grease to the edges and backs of the new pads. Avoid touching the friction linings.

Step 7:

Fit the new pads into the mounting bracket, then refit and secure the caliper. When you've done both sides, press the brake pedal a few times to bring the pads up to the disc, then check and top up the brake fluid level if necessary.

Step 8:

If brake discs are needed, on this model they are easily removed after taking off the caliper. See your Haynes Manual for more details.