Changing brake calipers is an important activity that ensures the protection and efficiency of your car. These parts play a significant position within the braking system, changing hydraulic strain into mechanical pressure to decelerate or cease the wheels. When you discover any indicators of caliper failure, similar to uneven brake pad put on, pulling to at least one facet whereas braking, or a spongy brake pedal, it is crucial to interchange them promptly. Whereas this activity could seem daunting, it’s possible with the fitting instruments, preparation, and a scientific method. Comply with these detailed directions to information you thru the method, making certain a profitable and protected consequence.
Earlier than embarking on this endeavor, collect the mandatory instruments and supplies. You’ll require a set of wrenches, sockets, pliers, a brake fluid bleeder equipment, and new brake calipers. Security ought to be your utmost precedence all through the process. Put on protecting gloves and security glasses, and park your car on a stage floor. Have interaction the parking brake and chock the wheels to stop any sudden motion. Moreover, confer with your car’s service handbook for particular directions and security precautions.
Gathering Mandatory Instruments and Supplies
Instruments:
To exchange brake calipers, you’ll need the next instruments:
- Jack and jack stands
- Lug wrench
- Socket wrench set
- Allen wrench set
- Brake caliper spreader
- Bleeder wrench
- Flashlight
- Security glasses
Supplies:
Along with the instruments listed above, additionally, you will want the next supplies:
- New brake calipers
- New brake pads
- Brake fluid
- Anti-seize lubricant
You will need to collect all the vital instruments and supplies earlier than beginning the substitute course of. It will provide help to keep away from any delays or inconveniences whereas working.
Extra Notes:
| Software | Objective |
|---|---|
| Brake caliper spreader | Used to unfold the brake caliper pistons again into their bores when putting in new brake pads. |
| Bleeder wrench | Used to open the bleeder valves on the brake calipers to permit air to flee from the brake traces when bleeding the brakes. |
| Anti-seize lubricant | Utilized to the threads of the brake caliper bolts and different parts to stop them from seizing up as a result of corrosion. |
Security Precautions
Earlier than starting any brake work, it is very important take the next security precautions to keep away from harm or injury to your car:
- Park your car on a stage floor and interact the parking brake.
- Permit the engine and brakes to chill fully earlier than engaged on them.
- Put on security glasses and gloves to guard your self from brake mud and particles.
- Use a jack and jack stands to soundly increase your car and help it when you work.
- By no means work below a car that’s supported solely by a jack.
Car Preparation
After getting taken the mandatory security precautions, put together your car for the brake caliper substitute by following these steps:
1. Collect your instruments and supplies
You will have the next instruments and supplies to interchange your brake calipers:
- New brake calipers
- Brake pads
- Brake fluid
- Wrench or socket set
- C-clamp
- Brake cleaner
- Rags
2. Find the brake calipers
The brake calipers are situated on the wheels of your car. They’re sometimes product of forged iron or aluminum and have two pistons that push the brake pads towards the rotors to cease the car.
3. Take away the brake caliper bolts
The brake caliper bolts are sometimes situated on the again of the caliper. They’re normally 17mm or 19mm bolts. Use a wrench or socket set to take away the bolts and thoroughly raise the caliper off the rotor. Watch out to not injury the brake hose when eradicating the caliper.
Eradicating the Outdated Brake Calipers
Step 1: Loosen the lug nuts however don’t take away them completely.
Step 2: Jack up the car and safe it with jack stands.
Step 3: Take away the wheels.
Step 4: Disconnect the brake line from the caliper.
| Instruments Required | Process |
|---|---|
| Flare nut wrench | – Use a flare nut wrench to loosen the brake line becoming on the caliper. – Watch out to not overtighten the becoming. – If the road is cussed, apply a penetrating oil and permit it to take a seat for a couple of minutes earlier than making an attempt to loosen it. |
Step 5: Take away the caliper mounting bolts.
Step 6: Take away the caliper from the rotor.
Putting in the New Brake Calipers
After getting eliminated the previous brake calipers, it is time to set up the brand new ones. This is a step-by-step information:
- Clear the mounting surfaces: Earlier than putting in the brand new calipers, it is essential to scrub the mounting surfaces on the knuckle and caliper bracket. It will guarantee a very good seal and forestall any leaks. Use a wire brush or brake cleaner to take away any grime or particles.
- Apply a skinny layer of brake caliper grease: To stop the calipers from seizing, apply a skinny layer of brake caliper grease to the mounting surfaces. This may also assist to stop corrosion.
- Set up the brand new calipers: Fastidiously raise the brand new calipers into place and align them with the mounting holes. Use the bolts that got here with the brand new calipers to tighten them down.
- Set up the brake pads: Insert the brand new brake pads into the caliper brackets. Be certain that they’re seated correctly and absolutely engaged.
- Join the brake hoses: Join the brake hoses to the brand new calipers. Tighten the brake line fittings utilizing a flare nut wrench or torque wrench.
- Bleed the brake system: To take away any air from the brake system, you’ll need to bleed the brakes. That is finished by opening a bleeder valve on every caliper and permitting fluid to stream out till no extra air bubbles are seen. Test the producer’s directions for particular bleeding procedures.
Bleeding the Brake System
Bleeding the brake system is the method of eradicating any air which will have entered the hydraulic traces through the caliper substitute. This air may cause a spongy pedal really feel and lowered braking efficiency. To bleed the brakes, you’ll need a brake bleeder wrench, a size of clear tubing, and a clear rag or paper towels.
- Begin by finding the bleeder screw on the caliper. It’s normally a small, hex-shaped screw situated on the highest or facet of the caliper.
- Place the brake bleeder wrench onto the bleeder screw and switch it counterclockwise till it’s free. Don’t take away it fully.
- Connect one finish of the clear tubing to the bleeder screw and the opposite finish to a clear container.
- Have an assistant slowly depress the brake pedal when you open the bleeder screw. You need to see brake fluid start to stream out of the tubing.
- Proceed bleeding the brakes till all the air has been faraway from the system. You’ll know this when the brake fluid flowing out of the tubing is bubble-free.
- As soon as the brakes are bled, tighten the bleeder screw and take away the tubing.
- Repeat this course of for every of the opposite calipers.
- Test the brake fluid stage within the grasp cylinder and add fluid if vital. You should definitely use the proper sort of brake fluid in your car.
Extra Suggestions for Bleeding the Brake System
- In case you are having bother getting all the air out of the brakes, you could want to make use of a vacuum bleeder.
- Watch out to not overtighten the bleeder screws. This will injury the caliper.
- In case you are not comfy bleeding the brakes your self, you possibly can take your car to a mechanic to have it finished.
How To Change Brake Calipers
Changing brake calipers is a comparatively easy activity that may be accomplished in just a few hours. Nonetheless, it is very important comply with the directions fastidiously to make sure that the job is finished appropriately.
To exchange brake calipers, you’ll need the next instruments:
- Socket wrench
- Ratchet
- Flathead screwdriver
- Massive wrench
- C-clamp
- New brake calipers
- Brake fluid
After getting all the vital instruments, you possibly can start the substitute course of.
- Park the car on a stage floor and interact the parking brake.
- Loosen the lug nuts on the wheel that you’re engaged on, however don’t take away them fully.
- Jack up the car and safe it with jack stands.
- Take away the lug nuts and take off the wheel.
- Find the brake caliper and take away the 2 bolts that maintain it in place.
- Gently pull the brake caliper off of the rotor.
- Use the flathead screwdriver to pry the brake pads out of the caliper.
- Insert the brand new brake pads into the caliper.
- Place the brake caliper again over the rotor and safe it with the bolts.
- Tighten the lug nuts on the wheel.
- Decrease the car to the bottom and take away the jack stands.
- Pump the brake pedal a number of occasions to have interaction the brand new brake pads.
Your brake calipers at the moment are changed. You should definitely take a look at them out earlier than driving the car.
Individuals Additionally Ask About How To Change Brake Calipers
What’s the price of changing brake calipers?
The price of changing brake calipers can range relying on the make and mannequin of your car. Nonetheless, you possibly can anticipate to pay between $200 and $600 for the elements and labor.
How lengthy does it take to interchange brake calipers?
Changing brake calipers sometimes takes between 1 and a pair of hours per caliper.
Can I change brake calipers myself?
Sure, it’s potential to interchange brake calipers your self in case you have the mandatory instruments and data. Nonetheless, it is very important notice that it is a safety-critical restore, and it is strongly recommended that you simply seek the advice of with a professional mechanic if you’re not assured in your potential to finish the job appropriately.
