Front Disc Brakes Squeal? Fix Them Yourself

Do your front brakes squeal or chatter? If you'rethis will let you remove the caliper. Then remove
mechanically inclined, you can fix them yourself.brake pads and rotor. Repeat the step on the
The first thing you need to do is to check whatother side. Next take the pads and rotors to the
tools you need. Front disc brakes are not thatlocal parts store. Get new pads and have rotors
hard to fix. You will need a service manual, socketchecked to see if they can be turned; if not,
set, lug wench, jack, at least two jack stands, areplace them too.
large screwdriver or pry bar. Most late model carsHaving done all this, clean all the parts with brake
have metric bolts; some have standard and somecleaner including the new rotors if you replaced
have torx bolts. Check the service manual forthem. Next lube all moving parts with Brake Lube.
tools and a diagram for front disc brakes. MostIf pads came with shims be sure to use them.
auto parts stores have service manuals. Also, youAlso use Brake Quiet on metal side of pads.
need something to put lugs and parts in. If youReplace rotors, place both pads in the caliper and
have all of this, you are ready to start.take it put it over the rotor. Be sure the caliper is
First you need to open the hood and find theall way down and replace the bolts. Repeat the
master cylinder. This would be on the driver's sidestep on other side. If you replaced calipers this is
on the fire wall. Loosen the cap to relieve thethe time to bleed brakes. You will need two
pressure so that when you compress the caliperpeople to do this. Fill the master cylinder up to full
piston it is less likely to damage the mastermark and replace the cap. Have your partner
cylinder. Next remove the hub caps and loosenpump the brake pedal about 3 or 4 times and
the lug nuts. Next jack the car up and place jackhold it down. Then open the bleeder valve and
stands under the frame.Then finish removing theclose the valve. Repeat this until clear fluid comes
lug nuts and remove the wheel.out. Repeat this step on the other side. Be sure
Now you are ready to remove the caliper. Takepedal is solid when you push it. Refill master
a long screwdriver, or pry bar, and place it behindcylinder and replace cap.
the rotor in front of the old pad and pull forward.Replace the wheel and lug nuts. Snug the lug nuts
This will force the caliper piston back in the caliper.as much as you can on both sides. Take the jack
Push all the way back. If this doesn't work, waitstands out, let the car down and tighten all lug
until you get the caliper off and use a C clamp tonuts. Be sure the pedal is pumped up. This should
push the piston back. Next take caliper bolts out;finish your front disc pad replacements.