How to Change Rotors & Pads

When you replace the brake pads on your car, you should consider resurfacing or replacing the brake rotors. In most cases, you need not change them, unless they show signs of damage such as scoring on the surface of the rotor disc, deep nicks or gouges. If the rotors are too thin for resurfacing, replace them with new discs. Replacing the brake rotors adds just one step, since you are replacing the brakes already. Replacing brakes and rotors is similar across most brands, except some use retaining clips or screws to hold the rotor in place, while on other cars, the rotors simply float on the wheel assembly.

• 1

  Park the vehicle on a level surface and place the wheel chocks behind the rear wheels. Open the engine compartment and remove two-thirds of the brake fluid from the brake master cylinder using the turkey baster. Drain the fluid from the turkey baster into the drain pan for recycling. Jack the vehicle up with the automobile jack. Place a jack stand under the vehicle near the jacking point and raise it up to the frame.

• 2

  Remove the wheel from the vehicle using the lug wrench. Push the caliper piston back into the housing while the caliper is still on the wheel using the C-clamp. Put the caliper and the back brake pad into the jaws of the C-clamp and turn it closed until the piston is seated within the caliper housing. Remove the brake caliper from the bracket using a socket and ratchet. Secure the caliper to the strut using a wire tie. Do not simply allow it to hang or you will damage the brake line.

• 3

  Remove the rotor from the wheel assembly. Some automobiles use retaining screws to hold the rotor on. Remove them using a screwdriver and the rotor will come off. If there are no retaining screws, or you have taken off the screws and you still cannot pull the rotor off, use the rubber mallet to strike the rotor until it breaks free from the wheel assembly. Put the new rotor on the wheel assembly and attach the retaining screws with the screwdriver, if there are any.

• 4

  Remove the wire tie securing the brake caliper to the strut with the pliers. Remove the old brake pads from the caliper assembly and put the new ones in place. Place the brake caliper into the mounting bracket and tighten the bolts with the socket and ratchet. Remove the jack stand from under the automobile.

• 5

  Lower the vehicle to the ground and repeat the process on the other wheel. Replace brakes and rotors in pairs. Add brake fluid to the master cylinder reservoir to bring it to the full mark. Do not re-use old brake fluid.