What tools do I need to replace brakes and rotors?
The Tools Needed to Change Brakes
- Start With the Right Protection.
- Brake Pads and Rotors.
- Jack and Jack Stand.
- Lug Nut Wrench.
- Brake Caliper Piston Tool.
- Brake Bleeder Wrench.
- Allen Wrench Set.
How do you change rear discs?
Project step-by-step (11)
- Remove the Rear Wheel. Start the process by placing wheel chocks in front of the front wheels.
- Remove Bolts from Caliper Brackets.
- Remove the Brake Pads.
- Reattach Caliper Bracket.
- Seat the New Brake Pads.
- Remount Wheel.
- A Note on Safety.
Do I need any special tools to change my brakes?
The tools for fixing brakes, especially the ones used for changing your brake pads, are not hard to use. In fact, they can typically be found at any hardware store or auto parts shop. A wrench to remove the caliper bolts — You may need an Allen or Torx wrench for this job, depending on the vehicle.
What tools do you need to properly perform a disc brake inspection?
For disc brake work, basic hand tools are usually all you need to remove calipers and replace pads. But on some cars, you will need specific Torx drive bits for the caliper bolts. Some type of caliper piston tool, or a large C-clamp, is also necessary to push the piston back into the caliper when replacing pads.
What can happen if a brake disc is too thin?
When a rotor is too thin, it overheats and warps, leading to an annoying vibration or pedal pulsation. When rotors were thicker, they could take the wear from the brake pads, be machined and still have enough metal left to dissipate the heat.
What are the three main components of a disc brake system?
Disc brakes are responsible for stopping your vehicle. They consist of three main parts: brake pads, a caliper, and a rotor. Brake pads are located on each side of the rotor and are actually pushed against the rotor to stop the wheel and thereby stop your vehicle.
What kind of tool do you need to replace a disc brake?
The tools needed to complete this procedure include a lug nut wrench, a floor jack, two jack stands, a 14mm socket with a 3/8″ drive ratchet or a 14mm wrench, a disc brake caliper piston tool ( Lisle 28600) and a tube of synthetic brake parts lubricant grease.
Do you need special tools to remove brake rotors?
Special torx head bits or hex keys may be required to remove bolts which secure brake rotors in place. If you’ll be replacing brake rotors, removal of a small bolt or bolts that secure the rotor to the wheel hub is sometimes required. As with removal of calipers, an Allen Head (or hex) socket or Torx head socket may be necessary on some vehicles.
Do you need a wrench to change the brakes?
On the list of tools needed to change brakes, a brake bleeder wrench may or may not be needed depending on the job. If you disconnected the brake hose to change the brake calipers, then you need this tool to make sure no air is trapped in the hydraulic lines.
What’s the best tool to remove brake shoes?
Once the drum is removed, a T-handle brake shoe spring removal tool for American vehicles with big springs will make easy work of getting the shoes off. One hook grabs the spring as another arm of the tool wedges it off. Some import cars with smaller hold-down clips on the brake shoes may benefit from a compact, circular-ended brake clip tool.