Brake Pads and Rotors

Okay now that you can do your own oil changes let's take it one more step - brake pads and rotors.  Obviously you'll need new pads and rotors for your car, but you'll also need:

~ jack
~ jackstands
~ rachet and socket set
~ tire iron
~ hammer (if necessary)
~ C-clamp

1. Loosen the lug nuts on the wheels. **LOOSEN ONLY!! DO NOT REMOVE YET!!**
2. Raise the car and position the jackstands underneath it the same way you did when changing the oil.
3. Remove the lug nuts and remove the wheels.
4. Loosen the caliper bolts (location: back of caliper).
5. Remove the brake pads.
6. Use one of the old brake pads and the C-clamp to push the caliper piston back in.
7. Remove the knuckle (bracket that holds brake pads) bolts (location: back side of rotor).
8. Remove rotor **note: this may require some effort to remove if the rotor hasn't been replaced in a while**
9. Put new rotor on.
10. Put knuckle and brake pads back on.
11. Put caliper back on.
12. Ensure all bolts are tightened and place the wheel back on and tighten lug nuts.
13. Lower vehicle.
14. Repeat for other brake set ups.