How To Replace Rear Brake Pads And Rotors In Car

Brake Pad and Rotor Replacement - Rear

Helpful Information

A rear caliper reset tool is necessary for parking brake integrated systems. The reset tool screws the piston back into the caliper. These calipers cannot be compressed with a clamping tool, it can only be reset with the reset tool. A locator slot is used on the inboard piston, which is fitted into a peg located on the backing plate of the pad. Rear disc brake pads offer improved performance and are not affected by moisture like conventional brake shoes.

Common Problems

• Brake pads wear down making a grinding noise.
• Caliper slides lock up, not allowing the caliper move causing premature pad wear.
• Inferior parts squeak, grumble and prematurely wear.

Best Practices

• Bleed brake system after the job is complete.
• Check system brake fluid level.

Step by step instructions on how to replace automotive rear brake pads and rotors. This article pertains to all rear disc brake vehicles.

Difficulty Scale: 4 of 10

Tools and Supplies Needed

• Socket set
• Wrench set
• Screw driver set
• Replacement pads and rotors
• Shop towels
• Brake grease
• Hammer
• Hydraulic jack
• Jack stands
• Protective gloves and eyewear

Begin with the vehicle on level ground, in park and the engine off and safely lifted in the air to perform a brake service.

Step 1 - After the vehicle is safely lifted into the air, remove the lug nut covers. (Step does not pertain to every vehicle.)

Remove Lug Nut Cover

Step 2 - Once the lug nut cover is removed, a lug wrench or socket can be used can loosen the wheel lugs.

Lug Nut Cover Removed

Step 3 - Next, loosen and remove the wheel lug nuts. (Note: If air impact wrench is not used, loosen the lug nuts one turn while the vehicle is still on the ground.)

Remove Lug Nuts

Step 4 - Then, grasp the tire and lift from wheel studs and axle flange.

Removing Tire

Step 5 - Using a pair of dikes remove the rotor retainer clip which is used in initial assembly and will not be reinstalled.

Remove Rotor Retainer Clip

Step 6 - Next, use a socket to remove both upper and lower caliper mounting bolts. Use a wrench if necessary to secure the slide.

Remove Caliper Mounting Bolts

Step 7 - Once both upper and lower bolts are removed, grasp the caliper and lift it from the brake pads, the fit can be a little tight. Secure the caliper away from work area, do not allow the caliper be supported from the brake line.

Remove Rear Brake Caliper

Step 8 - Next, use a small screwdriver to pry the brake pads from the caliper bracket.

Remove Rear Brake Pads

Step 9 - After the caliper is secure, loosen and remove both upper and lower caliper bracket bolts.

Remove Caliper Bracket Bolts

Step 10 - Once both caliper bracket bolts have been removed, grasp the caliper mounting bracket and lift it from the axle. Inspect the caliper slides on the bracket and add a small amount of brake grease to lubricate.

Remove Brake Caliper Mount Bracket

Step 11 - Next, use a hammer and strike the rotor near the edge of the axle flange, this will force the rotor free.

Shock Rotor

Step 12 - After the rotor has been loosened, grasp it using both hands to remove. (Note: brake rotors can be heavy.)

Remove Brake Rotor

Step 13 - Match the old rotor to the new one, then clean the brake surfaces using brake cleaner.

Clean New Rotor

Step 14 - Then reinstall the rotor after cleaning the axle flange surface using a shop towel.

Installing New Brake Rotor

Step 15 - Install an old brake pad as a buffer between the tool and the caliper piston(s). Using a large "C" clamp or channel locks move the piston(s) inward until fully retracted. If a brake caliper utilizes a parking brake mechanism, a caliper reset tool is needed.

Retract Caliper

For Further Part Go To Part 2:

REAR BRAKE PAD AND ROTOR REPLACEMENT PART 2