Changing brake calipers is a vital 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 power to decelerate or cease the wheels. For those who discover any indicators of caliper failure, similar to uneven brake pad put on, pulling to at least one aspect whereas braking, or a spongy brake pedal, it is crucial to switch them promptly. Whereas this activity could appear daunting, it’s possible with the best instruments, preparation, and a scientific strategy. Observe these detailed directions to information you thru the method, making certain a profitable and protected final result.
Earlier than embarking on this endeavor, collect the required 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 degree floor. Have interaction the parking brake and chock the wheels to stop any sudden motion. Moreover, discuss with your car’s service guide for particular directions and security precautions.
Gathering Needed Instruments and Supplies
Instruments:
To interchange brake calipers, you will want 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
It is very important collect the entire needed instruments and supplies earlier than beginning the substitute course of. This can enable you keep away from any delays or inconveniences whereas working.
Extra Notes:
Instrument | 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 damage or injury to your car:
- Park your car on a degree floor and have interaction the parking brake.
- Permit the engine and brakes to chill utterly 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 whilst you work.
- By no means work below a car that’s supported solely by a jack.
Automobile Preparation
After you have taken the required 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 switch 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 positioned on the wheels of your car. They’re usually made from forged iron or aluminum and have two pistons that push the brake pads in opposition to the rotors to cease the car.
3. Take away the brake caliper bolts
The brake caliper bolts are usually positioned 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 sit down 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 you have eliminated the outdated brake calipers, it is time to set up the brand new ones. Here is a step-by-step information:
- Clear the mounting surfaces: Earlier than putting in the brand new calipers, it is vital to scrub the mounting surfaces on the knuckle and caliper bracket. This can guarantee a great seal and forestall any leaks. Use a wire brush or brake cleaner to take away any dust or particles.
- Apply a skinny layer of brake caliper grease: To forestall the calipers from seizing, apply a skinny layer of brake caliper grease to the mounting surfaces. This will even 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 will want to bleed the brakes. That is achieved by opening a bleeder valve on every caliper and permitting fluid to circulation out till no extra air bubbles are seen. Verify 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 in the course of the caliper substitute. This air could cause a spongy pedal really feel and diminished braking efficiency. To bleed the brakes, you will want 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 positioned on the highest or aspect 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 utterly.
- 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 whilst you open the bleeder screw. You must see brake fluid start to circulation out of the tubing.
- Proceed bleeding the brakes till the entire 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.
- Verify the brake fluid degree within the grasp cylinder and add fluid if needed. Be sure you use the proper sort of brake fluid on your car.
Extra Suggestions for Bleeding the Brake System
- In case you are having bother getting the entire air out of the brakes, it’s possible you’ll want to make use of a vacuum bleeder.
- Watch out to not overtighten the bleeder screws. This may 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 achieved.
How To Change Brake Calipers
Changing brake calipers is a comparatively easy activity that may be accomplished in a couple of hours. Nevertheless, it is very important comply with the directions rigorously to make sure that the job is finished appropriately.
To interchange brake calipers, you will want the next instruments:
- Socket wrench
- Ratchet
- Flathead screwdriver
- Giant wrench
- C-clamp
- New brake calipers
- Brake fluid
After you have the entire needed instruments, you possibly can start the substitute course of.
- Park the car on a degree floor and have interaction the parking brake.
- Loosen the lug nuts on the wheel that you’re engaged on, however don’t take away them utterly.
- 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 interact the brand new brake pads.
Your brake calipers are actually changed. Be sure you 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 differ relying on the make and mannequin of your car. Nevertheless, you possibly can count on to pay between $200 and $600 for the elements and labor.
How lengthy does it take to switch brake calipers?
Changing brake calipers usually takes between 1 and a pair of hours per caliper.
Can I exchange brake calipers myself?
Sure, it’s attainable to switch brake calipers your self if in case you have the required instruments and information. Nevertheless, it is very important be aware that this can be a safety-critical restore, and it is strongly recommended that you just seek the advice of with a professional mechanic if you’re not assured in your capacity to finish the job appropriately.