Front
Front Brake Pads Inspection and ReplacementCAUTION: Frequent inhalation of brake pad dust, regardless of material composition, could be hazardous to your health.
- Avoid breathing dust particles.
- Never use an air hose or brush to clean brake assemblies. Use an OSHA-approved vacuum cleaner.
1. Loosen the front wheel nuts slightly. Raise the front of the vehicle, and make sure it is securely supported. Remove the front wheels. Remove the brake hose mounting bolts (A) from the knuckle.
2. Remove the caliper bolt (B), and pivot the caliper (C) up out of the way. If the caliper pin head is the hex. type, the caliper bolt should be removed using a wrench while holding the caliper pin with another wrench. Check the hoses and pin boots for damage and deterioration.
3. Remove the pads (A), pad shims (B), and pad retainers (C).
4. Using vernier calipers, measure the thickness of each brake pad lining. The measurement does not include the pad backing plate (A) thickness.
5. If the brake pad thickness is less than the service limit, replace the front pads and shims together as a set.
6. Clean the caliper thoroughly; remove any rust, and check for grooves and cracks.
7. Check the brake disc for damage and cracks.
8. Install the pad retainers (A).
9. Apply Molykote M77 grease to both sides of the pad shims (A) and the back of the pads (B). Wipe excess grease off the shim.
10. Install the brake pads and pad shims correctly. Install the pad with the wear indicator (C) on the inside. If you are reusing the pads, always reinstall the brake pads in their original positions to prevent loss of braking efficiency.
11. Push in the piston (A) so the caliper will fit over the pads. Make sure the piston boot is in position to prevent damaging it when pivoting the caliper down.
NOTE: Check the brake fluid level, the brake fluid may overflow the reservoir if too full.
12. Pivot the caliper down into position, being careful not to damage the pin boot. Install the caliper bolt (B), and torque it to proper specification. If the caliper pin head (C) is the hex. type, the caliper bolt should be installed by using a wrench while holding the caliper pin with another wrench. Install the brake hose onto the knuckle.
13. Press the brake pedal several times to make sure the brakes work, then road-test.
NOTE: Engagement of the brake may require a greater pedal stroke immediately after the brake pads have been replaced as a set. Several applications of the brake pedal will restore the normal pedal stroke.
14. After installation, check for leaks at hose and line joints and connections, and retighten if necessary.