- In the following pages we will show you how to replace the front brake pads in different makes and models, we will provide detailed step by step instructions enhanced with pictures.
As you know, the brake pads in your vehicle are extremely important, they are among the items that can't be overlooked. We will start by answering a few common asked questions:
How do I know if I need new brake pads?
Most good brands of brake pads come with a built in reminder metal tab in the leading brake pad ( driver's side ).
This small metal tab produces a very high pitch sound when it starts rubbing on the brake rotor, this sound will be stronger when applying the brakes, also remember that low quality brake pads produce a similar sound even if they are new, so it is not recommended to use cheap brake pads for this reason.
- How often should I replace my brake pads?
IT depends on your driving habits, the type of roads you drive on, the amount of towing you may or may not do etc., there is no set time to replace them, however, during every oil change, rotate your tires and inspect your brakes, that way you will know what condition they are in.
Are ceramic brake pads better than semi-metallic brake pads?
Yes, they are, semi-metallic pads very often are the noisiest of them all, low quality semi-metallic pads tend to ruin the brake rotors due to their high metal content, if you are unsure of the quality of the pads you are about to buy, go to the dealership and buy the OEM pads, they will cost you more, but you will be a lot happier in the long run.
Also, good quality brake pads like the ones we used in the example we are about to show you ( Raybestos ), come with all new hardware, allowing the brake pads to seat properly reducing the noise and at the same time it extends their life.
The vehicle we used in this page is a 1998 Ford F-150 pick-up 2wd.
You can also visit our page: How to replace the front brake pads on a 2002 Hyundai Accent GS
- Start by lifting the truck, secure it on jack stands and remove the front wheels.
- With the front wheels removed, proceed to remove the two bolts that hold the brake caliper in place, next pull the brake caliper away from the rotor, and set it aside, you may need to fasten it with a small piece of rope so the brake hose doesn't get stretched out.
- With the brake caliper off, proceed to remove the brake pads by pulling them away from the brake rotor.
- Next remove the caliper pins and set them on a work bench
- Clean the bushings where the caliper pins slide in with brake cleaner, you may need to use a piece of cloth and a screwdriver to get inside the bushing if it is quite dirty.
- Next remove the rubber boots from the caliper pins, clean them really good with brake cleaner and lubricate them with brake caliper lube, add some caliper lube inside the bushings also. Install the boots back on the pins when you are done.
- Next, install the new brake hardware supplied with your new brake pads.
- Next, if you didn't have the brake rotors machined, you need to use sand paper to scuff the surface of the rotors to allow the new pads to brake-in, do it in a criss-cross pattern, once you are done, clean the brake rotor with brake cleaner
- Next, install a hose attached to a container in the bleeder screw, and proceed to compress the pistons in the brake caliper, don't allow old fluid to travel back in to the brake system, this could cause the small passages in the ABS system to get clogged and start malfunctioning.
- Once the caliper is fully compressed, proceed to clean the surface where the brake pads will make contact with it, once they are clean, apply a thin coat of Permatex disk brake quiet or a similar product, this eliminates a potential noise originated by caliper to brake pad friction
- When you are installing the new pads, make sure that the reminder tab is on the driver's side, that way you will be able to hear the high pitch sound made by the tab rubbing against the brake rotor when they need to be replaced.
- Install the remaining items in the reverse order you took them off.
Once you are done with both sides, install the wheels, before you start the truck, pump the brakes slowly until you get full pedal, check the fluid level in the master cylinder.
Lower the car, torque the wheel lug nuts to their specifications, and take it for a test drive, check for potential fluid leaks, if everything looks good, you are done.
DISCLAIMER: The content in this website is provided free of charge for informational purposes only, we are not liable for any loss, damage or injure you may suffer when attempting to perform your own vehicle repairs, it is your responsibility to make sure that you are working under a safe environment and that you check more than one source to verify the accuracy of the information given.
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