How to Replace Front Brakes, Pads and Rotors

Summary

In this detailed tutorial, ChrisFix walks you through the process of replacing the brake rotors and pads on a 2001 Mazda B3000 or Ford Ranger, although the method applies to most vehicles with disc brakes. From removing the old brake pads and calipers to compressing the pistons and installing new components, ChrisFix explains each step clearly, including the necessary tools like a torque wrench, brake cleaner, and silicone grease. He also provides valuable tips for ensuring proper brake performance, like using high-temperature silicone for guide pins and checking the wear indicators on the brake pads.

Takeaways

• 😀 Ensure you have the proper tools before starting: flat-head screwdriver, various ratchets, breaker bar, torque wrench, brake clean, brake pad tool, grease, thread locker, and quality brake pads/rotors.
• 😀 The process of changing brake pads and rotors is similar across most vehicles with disc brakes, making it a transferable skill for many cars.
• 😀 Start by removing the brake pads, unscrewing the top caliper guide pin, and prying open the caliper to remove the old pads.
• 😀 After removing the brake pads, hand tighten the caliper guide pin so it holds in place while working on the rotor.
• 😀 Disconnect the caliper and caliper bracket by unscrewing the bolts connecting them to the knuckle, using a breaker bar for extra leverage.
• 😀 Use a bucket or some support to hold the caliper while disconnected, ensuring the brake line isn't under pressure to avoid damage.
• 😀 Clean the new rotor with brake clean to remove any protective coating before installing it, and secure it temporarily with a lug nut to prevent shifting.
• 😀 Add Loctite thread locker to caliper bracket bolts before reattaching the caliper bracket to the knuckle, and torque them down to 85 ft-lbs.
• 😀 Compress the brake caliper pistons using a brake pad tool to fit the new, thicker brake pads. Open the master cylinder cap to relieve pressure when doing this.
• 😀 Apply a small amount of high-temperature silicone grease to areas with metal-to-metal contact, like the caliper and guide pins, to ensure smooth operation and prevent wear.
• 😀 Install the new brake pads, making sure they are properly seated, and ensure the pistons are fully compressed. Tighten the final caliper guide pin bolt to 20-25 ft-lbs.

Q & A

Why is it important to use high-quality brake pads and rotors?

High-quality brake pads and rotors help prevent issues like warping and excessive brake dust. They also improve braking performance and ensure a longer lifespan, reducing the need for frequent replacements.

What is the purpose of the brake pad tool used in the video?

The brake pad tool is used to compress the brake caliper pistons. This is necessary because the new brake pads are thicker than the old ones, and compressing the pistons creates enough space to fit them properly.

Why should you open the master cylinder cap before compressing the brake pistons?

Opening the master cylinder cap relieves the pressure in the brake system while compressing the pistons. This prevents damage to the brake lines and ensures that the system doesn't become pressurized during the process.

What is Loctite threadlocker, and why is it used on the caliper bracket bolts?

Loctite threadlocker is a product used to prevent bolts from loosening due to vibration. Applying it to the caliper bracket bolts ensures they remain secure, preventing the caliper from coming loose while driving.

What should you do if the brake caliper doesn’t sit perfectly during installation?

If the caliper doesn't sit perfectly, it’s helpful to use a lug nut to temporarily secure the rotor in place while you align and install the caliper. This ensures the caliper stays in position while you tighten the bolts.

What is the purpose of using silicone instead of grease for the guide pins?

Silicone is preferred for lubricating guide pins because it is compatible with the rubber boots, unlike grease, which is a petroleum product that can break down the rubber over time. Silicone allows the caliper to move smoothly without damaging the boots.

How do wear indicators on brake pads help vehicle owners?

Wear indicators on brake pads produce a high-pitched squeal when the pads are worn down to a certain level. This serves as an early warning that it's time to replace the pads before they become too thin, ensuring safe braking performance.

Why is it important to clean the new rotor with brake cleaner?

New rotors come with a protective coating that prevents rust during storage. Brake cleaner removes this coating, ensuring that the rotor is properly prepared for use and does not cause issues like poor braking performance or excessive dust buildup.

How do you properly torque the caliper guide pin bolts?

The caliper guide pin bolts should be torqued to the manufacturer’s recommended specification, typically between 20-25 foot-pounds. This ensures that the bolts are tight enough to secure the caliper while not over-tightening, which could damage the components.

What precautions should be taken when handling brake fluid?

Brake fluid should be handled carefully to prevent moisture from getting into the system, as moisture can lead to brake failure. Always close the master cylinder cap as soon as you're done working, and avoid leaving it open for too long.