Changing brake pads and turning rotors.

[MaDHaVoK]

I am at college and I need to change my brake pads and turn the rotors. I would like to do this myself to save money. I have helped my dad do this many times, but I can't remember all the steps and all the tools needed. The car is a 1999 Escort. Do you think i am over my head?

Tools I have, Wrenches, Screw Drivers, Hammer, Plyers, Channel Lock: NO Ratchets, or clamps

 

[GMachine]

Do yourself a favor and go see a mechanic. How the hell are you going to turn your rotors without the proper equipment? Brake pads are no sweat but you sound like you will screw something up bad unless your dad is helping. Go see a pro.

 

[N8Magic]

<< NO Ratchets >>



You need a ratchet to get the one bolt off.
(you do on my car anyways)

 

[notfred]

You can probably do the brake pads, but you need a machine shop to turn the rotors.

 

[Thegonagle]

Why not go see your dad?

It may be easier (and cheap enough) to just get new rotors. You can have the old ones turned before your your next brake job, and swap them back. You may not need the ratchet/socket set, but it will make things go a little more smoothly. You will need to go get a 6-8 inch C-clamp.

 

[MaDHaVoK]

Obviously I wouldn't turn te rotors myself. I would bring them down to a shop... and about having a mechanic do it, I had that done 6 months ago..... now its giving me headaches. If I picked up a c clamp would i have my bases covered? I would do it at home, but I am not driving 500 miles on these things..

 

[Tominator]

Jack up the car. Use blocks in front and behind the opposite axle and use jack stands.

Take the wheel/tire assemblys off.

On most cars there are 2 bolts holding the calipers to the backing plates on each side. If you can reach them with your wrenches or can borrow a socket/extension/ratchet, you are almost there!

Take those bolts off and use an old coat hanger to hang the calipers from as you want to try not to let it dangle by the rubber brake hose.

The rotor should almost fall off in your lap!

Go to Autozone or other reputible mass merchandiser of auto parts.

New pads should be about $14 and $5 each to turn the rotors. They will measure them and if not the proper thickness will advise you to buy new ones.

Buy the proper Haynes manual for your car. Buy a can of 'brake clean.'

Go home and read the section on brakes and pay attention to the diagram. Put it together.....DONE!

IF...the old pads are worn unevenly you may have other problems covered in the manual.

You'll do fine...

 

[MaDHaVoK]

Lol, actually I helped my dad replace the transmission on my mom's mini van with a Haynes manual...
Only took 3 days.

 

[bUnMaNGo]

Haynes manual rock. Much better than Chilton's IMO... we have one for every car we own. I had to wait a while for the one for my car ('97 Acura Integra) to come out. When I get my bike, hopefully they'll have one out for whatever bike that might be