Brake Pads & Discs
Safety-critical but mechanically simple — modern cars use disc brakes with sliding callipers front and rear. Always replace pads in axle pairs (both front, both rear) and replace discs at the same time if they're worn or scored.
Covers front and rear with sliding callipers — the universal process.
Pump the brake pedal 15-20 times before driving — pads need to seat against the discs.
Bed in new pads gently for the first 200 miles. Avoid emergency stops until they're seated.
Rear callipers with parking-brake pistons need to be wound back, not just pushed. A wind-back tool is ~£15 from Halfords or Eurocarparts.
Never hang a calliper by the brake hose — secure it with a bungee or zip-tie. The hose isn't designed to hold weight.
Loosen wheel nuts on the ground (1/4 turn). Chock the opposite-axle wheels
Jack the car up and place axle stands. Remove the wheel
Remove the calliper slider bolts, then swing the calliper up and off the disc
Secure the calliper with a bungee cord — never hang it by the hose
Slide out the old pads. Inspect the disc for scoring, cracks and lip wear
If replacing discs: remove the calliper carrier bolts, then pull the disc off the hub
Wire-brush the hub face clean (rust here causes vibration / pulsing)
Push or wind back the calliper piston (depending on whether it's front or rear)
Clean and grease the calliper slide pins so the calliper floats freely
Fit new pads, anti-rattle clips and shims as supplied
Reassemble in reverse order. Torque every bolt to handbook spec
Pump the brake pedal until firm before driving. Bed in for 200 miles
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