Brakes so simple, even you can do them!

         TOOLS: metric socket set, metric wrench set, floor jack, jack stands, c-clamp, new brake supplies.

     Brakes are another easy repair that you can do yourself. The automtive industry uses a disc brake setup like above, and a drum brake setup, disc brakes will be what I help walk you through as drum brakes are for the more experienced and I will not be talked about in this tutorial. Now you need to decide how much of brake repair you want to do, most of the time if you dont feel and vibrations while applying the brakes, you can just replace the pads, but if the rotor is extremely rusted or causes vibrations then just replace along with the pads. All parts will need to be purchased from a local auto parts store and if you go there with your vehicle info they can help get you what you need.
     1) Always use a wheel chalk or brick along with emergence brake before jacking any vehicle into the air.Break lugnuts loose but do not remove, then jack up the the vehicle and place certified jackstands under the correct location usually the pinch weld on the underside will do.
     2) Remove the wheel and place it to the side.
     3) Locate the backside of the caliper, will be 2 bolts holding caliper to the spindle, remove these bolts.( remember there are multiple caliper designs some need to be removed some don't)
     4) Either use a bungee and hang the caliper or set it to the side on something, being careful not to let it hang or slip cause a brake hose damage will be caused making for even more repairs.
     5) After you removed the caliper off the bracket, remove the brake pads from the current location, either in the caliper or on the bracket.
     6) Now clean and lube the resting points where the pads lay on the bracket, and also the sliders, the things around the 2 bolts you took out earlier, do not get any grease on the rotor as this will cause serious stopping problems.
     7) Use the specified tool, or in modern day cases a c-clamp and compress the brake caliper piston back as far as possible to install new pads, some calipers use multiple pistons so make sure the keep pressure on each one as they are compressed.
     8) Re-install pads in reverse order of removal, along with caliper over the rotor and tighten bolts to manufacturer specs.(Little more than snug will do)
     9) Re-install wheel making sure using a criss-cross pattern to tighten lug nuts which should be tightened no less than 80 ft/lbs
     10) Lower vehicle back onto the ground, If needed, re-tighten lug nuts after vehicle is back on the ground, and pump the brakes untill you have a nice firm pedal. Now do a couple routine stops but with a little more force to insure pads are broken in an on your way you go!