Tools needed to change brake pads

Place the other end of the clamp on the back of the caliper assembly. Now slowly tighten the clamp until the piston has moved far enough in so that you can easily plop the caliper assembly over the new pads. With the piston compressed, you should be able to easily slide the caliper assembly over the new pads. Once you have the caliper in place, replace the bolts you removed and tighten them. Press the brake pedal a few times to make sure you have solid brake pressure.

The first pump or two will be soft as the piston finds its new starting point on the back of the pad. Put your wheel back on, being sure to tighten all of the lug bolts. Now double-check your lug bolts. You're done! Feels good, right? Actively scan device characteristics for identification.

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Select basic ads. Create a personalised ads profile. Select personalised ads. Apply market research to generate audience insights. Measure content performance. Develop and improve products. List of Partners vendors. By Matthew Wright Matthew Wright. Matthew Wright has been a freelance writer and editor for over 10 years and an automotive repair professional for three decades specializing in European vintage vehicles.

Learn about our Editorial Process. Featured Video. Skip to content Many of the tools needed to change brakes are probably sitting in your toolbox or garage already. Start With the Right Protection Before you start any project on your car, make sure that you are properly protected.

Brake Pads and Rotors Before you get started, make sure you have the right replacement parts on hand for the job. Lug Nut Wrench The lug nuts should be loosened before you lift the car and place it on jack stands. Brake Caliper Piston Tool The piston or pistons need to be retracted in order to fit around the new, thicker brake pads.

Brake Bleeder Wrench On the list of tools needed to change brakes, a brake bleeder wrench may or may not be needed depending on the job. Categories Know How Tags brake calipers , brake drums , brake fluid , brake job , brake pads , shop tools , tools. Related Articles.

Nicole Wakelin View All Nicole Wakelin covers the automotive industry as a freelance journalist for a variety of outlets. Leave a Reply Cancel Reply Your email address will not be published. Close Menu Overlay. Mobile Newsletter chat subscribe.

Prev NEXT. Brake Repair. You may not drive anything as fancy as this Audi R8. But even if you did, brake pad repair is a job you can always do yourself. A C-clamp -- This will press on the caliper assembly and push the piston all the way in, resetting the brake once the new pads are in place.

Remember, prior to beginning any repair job, it's always a good idea to thoroughly investigate what will be required in order to determine any special tools you may need -- like a brake caliper tool A wrench to remove the caliper bolts -- You may need an Allen or Torx wrench for this job, depending on the vehicle. A lug wrench -- To remove the wheel nuts; although, you've most likely already used this tool prior to raising the vehicle.

Gloves -- These are to protect your hands from the chemicals and dirt that you'll encounter during the procedure.