Brakes · Car

Replace your front brake pads

Replacing pads is within reach of a careful DIYer, provided you follow three rules: full axle, torque settings and bedding in.

Time 1 h 30Difficulty ManageableAt a garage, this job costs £80 – £175

Tools

  • Jack and axle stands
  • Wheel brace or socket
  • Torque wrench
  • Piston tool or G-clamp
  • Wire brush, brake cleaner

Parts

  • Front pad set (both wheels)
  • Ceramic brake grease

Before you start

Measure the discs: below the minimum thickness stamped on the edge, replace them too.
Open the brake fluid reservoir and remove a little fluid if it sits at MAX.

Steps

  1. Loosen the wheel nuts on the ground, raise the car and set it on stands.
  2. Remove the wheel. Take out the two caliper guide bolts, often 7 mm hex or 13 mm.
  3. Swing the caliper off and hang it with wire: it must never hang by its hose.
  4. Remove the old pads and clean their seats with the brush.
  5. Push the piston back slowly while watching the reservoir level rise.
  6. Lightly grease the metal-to-metal contact points, never the friction material.
  7. Fit the new pads, refit the caliper and torque the bolts to spec.
  8. Do the other side, refit the wheels and torque them (often 90 to 140 Nm depending on model).
  9. Before driving, pump the pedal until it is firm. The first presses will not stop the car.
  10. Bed in over 200 km: progressive braking, avoid emergency stops if you can.

Safety

Brakes are safety-critical. If in any doubt, have the fitting checked by a professional.
With an electric parking brake, rear pistons are retracted with a diagnostic tool, never by force.
Safety-critical part: have the work checked by a professional.

Indicative estimate. MecaScan cannot see your vehicle: always have a diagnosis confirmed by a professional, and never work on brakes, steering or airbags without the skills.