DIRECTIONAL BRAKE PADS

So, now you’ve noticed a problem with your brakes or you want to upgrade, it’s time to change your brake pads. But do you know what you’ll need and how to do it?

1. Gather everything that you’ll need

Before you start, make sure you have all the tools, replacement parts and materials you need for the job.
This will probably include:

Tools:

• 4-in-1 screwdriver
• C-clamps
• Cordless drill
• Rags
• Socket/ratchet set
• Wire brush

Replacement parts:

• Directional brake pads
• Rotors
• Anti-rattle clips

Materials:

• 1/4 inch vinyl tubing
• Aerosol brake cleaner
• Blue and red thread locker
• Glass jar
• Mechanic’s wire
• Nickel anti-seize
• Polishing pads
• Synthetic high-temperature brake grease
• Spray rust penetrant

2. Remove the wheel

It’s always a good idea to work on one side at a time. This gives you a clear reference of the exact positions of all the clips, springs and other components.

The first task is to loosen the lug nuts while the tyre is on the ground. Then raise one side of the car, using a jack stand under the engine for additional safety. Remove the wheel completely.

3. Unbolt and remove the calliper

Loosen the calliper retaining bolts and the calliper bleeder screw. Lightly reseat the calliper bleeder screw.

Lift the calliper off the rotor and place it on top of the calliper bracket.

4. Retract the piston

Connect one end of the drain tube to the bleeder screw and place the other end in a glass jar. Open the bleeder and force the calliper piston back into the bore so that liquid can come out. When it’s done, tighten the bleeder and disconnect the drain tube. Secure the calliper to the coil spring or strut using mechanic’s wire so it doesn’t dangle while you are working on the brake.

Remove the calliper bracket, noting if the calliper bracket bolts were coated with red or blue thread locker as you’ll need to recoat the threads with the same type when you reinstall them.

5. Remove the rotor

Remove the rotor hold-down screw. This is often a difficult task, so soak it first in spray rust penetrant for at least 15 minutes before trying to remove it. When the screw has been removed, pull the rotor off the hub.

6. Cleaning is important

Improper cleaning or installation procedures are directly responsible for common brake complaints, including noise and vibrations. Proper cleaning and installation means:

• Cleaning all the rust off the calliper bracket;
• Using aerosol brake cleaner on the calliper bolts and checking for corrosion (replace if corroded);
• Replacing the anti-rattle clips and any other worn brake components;
• Greasing bolts and installing new rubber boots;
• Removing all rust and debris from the wheel hub, using a polishing pad on your drill makes this job easier;
• Cleaning the new rotors and spray with aerosol brake cleaner as a preventative measure. Washing in hot soapy water with a stiff brush and fully drying is recommended.

7. Reassemble

It’s time to reassemble your brake. Slide the rotor onto the hub, align the rotor retention screw hole with the threaded hole in the hub. Tighten the screw (see your owners’ manual for specs), apply the correct thread locker to the calliper bracket bolts and reinstall the calliper bracket.

Apply a thin layer of brake grease to the back of the noise reduction shims, slide them into place – see details above about chamfer and crescent cut-out brake pads – and install the springs. Reinstall the calliper.

8. Final tasks

To finish the installation, lower the car until the tyre just touches the ground. Set your torque wrench to half of the specified torque (see your owners’ manual) and tighten the lug nuts in a star format. Set the wrench to the full torque and tighten the lug nuts in the same star formation. Lower your car and remove the jack.

Now repeat with the other brake on the same axle. It is recommended to always replace the brake pads for wheels on the same axle at the same time.

Testing is also important. With the engine off, press the brake pedal several times until it feels firm. Then go for a test drive – at slow speeds – to ensure the brake pads work. Finally, check your owners’ manual to see if there are any specific ways for your car make and model to break in new brake pads.