How to Put in New Rear Brake Pads

Since the beginning of automotive history, many cars had brakes only on the rear wheels. Even Henry Ford's cars did not have front brakes until the 1928 Model A. Brakes have come a long way, with disc brakes on all four wheels replacing less efficient drum brakes. Disc brakes dissipate heat well and are resistant to fade. Brake pads contained in the disc brake caliper are pressed against the machined surface of the rotor when the brake pedal is applied. Although rear brake pads may not wear out as quickly as front pads, their replacement is similar and should present no problems for the average mechanic.

• 1

  Park on a level, firm surface. Chock the front wheels. Loosen the lug nuts on the rear wheels one or two turns with a lug wrench. Raise one side of the rear of the vehicle with a hydraulic floor jack placed under the vehicle's jacking point until the tire is just off the ground. Place a jack stand under the lower suspension control arm or shock absorber mounting bracket. Lower the hydraulic jack so most of the vehicle's weight rests on the jack stand.

• 2

  Finish removing the lug nuts, then remove the wheel. Spray penetrating fluid on the brake caliper retaining bolts and allow it to soak in. Remove the nuts from the caliper bolts with a socket and ratchet. Place a wrench on the bolt head and hold it if it wants to turn while you try to remove the nut. Slide the bolts out of the caliper.

• 3

  Lift the caliper straight up from the brake rotor, but do not stretch the rubber brake line still attached to it. Hang the caliper to the wheel house liner with a bungee cord. Remove the wire spring (if equipped) from the leading edge of the brake pads by prying it off with a flat-blade screwdriver. Pry the pads out of the caliper with the screwdriver and discard them.

• 4

  Open the hood and remove the cap from the brake master cylinder reservoir. Compress the piston back into the caliper by placing a "C" clamp over the caliper and tightening it. Remove the "C" clamp. Slide the new pads into the caliper until they are fully seated. Press the wire spring back into position until it snaps into place.

• 5

  Remove the bungee cord and push the caliper back down over the disc rotor. Replace and tighten the caliper retaining bolts. Replace the wheel and hand-tighten the lug nuts. Raise the car again with the hydraulic jack and remove the jack stand. Lower the jack until the wheel is on the ground. Tighten the lug nuts with the lug wrench.

• 6

  Repeat this procedure for the other rear wheel.

• 7

  Observe the level of brake fluid in the master cylinder reservoir. Remove excess fluid, if necessary, with a syringe to bring the level down to the full mark. Replace the reservoir cap and close the hood.