What tools do you need to change brake pads?

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[Tony Vincent](https://www.quora.com/profile/Tony-Vincent-5) Collects vintage Motorcycles, cars, and old machinery. · Author has 4.8K answers and 5.8M answer views  ·  [10y](https://www.quora.com/What-tools-are-required-to-change-brake-pads/answer/Tony-Vincent-5?no_redirect=1) When I do it I use; a wheel brace, a car jack, solid prop-stands, a pair of pliers, a tyre lever (a big stiff screwdriver would do), and a spanner to fit the bleed nipple. You might also need some brake fluid, a hose to fit the bleed nipple and a small jam-jar or similar, should you need to bleed the brakes. Jack the car up. Let it down onto the jack stands. Make sure the back wheels are locked. Hand brake if its on the rear wheels (it isn't always, my Citroen is front wheel emergency brake). Put it in 1st gear or reverse and wedge in front and behind the rear wheels if not. Remove th When I do it I use; a wheel brace, a car jack, solid prop-stands, a pair of pliers, a tyre lever (a big stiff screwdriver would do), and a spanner to fit the bleed nipple. You might also need some brake fluid, a hose to fit the bleed nipple and a small jam-jar or similar, should you need to bleed the brakes. Jack the car up. Let it down onto the jack stands. Make sure the back wheels are locked. Hand brake if its on the rear wheels (it isn't always, my Citroen is front wheel emergency brake). Put it in 1st gear or reverse and wedge in front and behind the rear wheels if not. Remove the wheel. Turn the lock to extreme lock. The pads will be retained by a pin with a spring clip or split pin through it. Remove the retaining pin. loosen the bleed nipple a fraction! while you lever one of the pads away from the surface of the disk. A little brake fluid will leak from the nipple. If it is just cracked open you will not get much more than a seep. The pad should slide clear. If the pad doesn't move away from the surface of the disk you will need to loosen the bleed nipple a little more until it does. If the face of the disk has grooves worn into the surface, the pads will have conformed to the shape and will need to be moved far enough for them to clear any grooves. Disks should really be replaced if there are deep grooves. You will need to use the tyre lever to push the brake cylinder back into its housing, to slide the new, thicker pad into place. Do the same to the other pad. Replace the retaining pin (or spring clip). Tighten the bleed nipple and do the other wheel. If you do it right you won't need to bleed the brakes. But take note how the brakes work afterwards. Check and top up the brake fluid reservoir. Don't get the fluid on any paintwork, it's corrosive. Any slight hesitation or 'spongy' feel to the brakes is an indication that air has got into the system and they will need bled. Above all, be aware that your working on a machine that, if not securely positioned on strong jacks (not a pile of bricks or the hydraulic jack or jack that came with the car!) it can, and a number of times has, killed someone. Ground clearance, with no wheels on is zero. if you sit with your legs under the car, and something goes wrong you will limp..probably forever. Every mechanic I've ever met does the same thing. Removes the wheel, lays it down and sits on it, with his legs under the car while he does the job. [Chad Courtney](https://www.quora.com/profile/Chad-Courtney-1) Worked at Intel (company) (2015–2023) · Author has 11.1K answers and 17.1M answer views  ·  [7y](https://www.quora.com/What-tools-do-you-need-to-change-your-brake-pads/answer/Chad-Courtney-1?no_redirect=1) Originally Answered: [What tools do you need to change your brake pads?](https://www.quora.com/What-tools-do-you-need-to-change-your-brake-pads?no_redirect=1) · It’s a bit difficult to say. Are they drums or disk brakes. Both will need at least the following. Jack Stands Jack Lug Wrench. Drums: Need a pair of pliers. Preferably a pair of locking needle/long nosed pliers. To be able to remove the retaining spring(s) A flat head screw driver, to turn the tensioner back (not all have one, but most do.) Disk Brakes: You need the appropriate wrench to remove the caliper assembly from the rotor hub. These are often Allen Wrench’s but not always. I also use a large C clamp and a short flat piece of wood (6″ of 2x4 is usually sufficient.) This is needed to compress the It’s a bit difficult to say. Are they drums or disk brakes. Both will need at least the following. Jack Stands Jack Lug Wrench. Drums: Need a pair of pliers. Preferably a pair of locking needle/long nosed pliers. To be able to remove the retaining spring(s) A flat head screw driver, to turn the tensioner back (not all have one, but most do.) Disk Brakes: You need the appropriate wrench to remove the caliper assembly from the rotor hub. These are often Allen Wrench’s but not always. I also use a large C clamp and a short flat piece of wood (6″ of 2x4 is usually sufficient.) This is needed to compress the caliper back fully. You need to do this straight back. There are other methods, but I like this one, slow and easy, and you can tell if it’s not going back in straight. If you’re new to this. It’s best to put both sides up on Jack stands, take both wheels off, and leave one intact and use it as a reference view (take pictures before and during steps also helps.) This is especially true for the drum brakes. Don’t take both sets of drum brakes completely apart at the same time, you can a take the Drum off though (you want to so you can see how things are assembled inside.) Your response is private Was this worth your time? This helps us sort answers on the page. Absolutely not Definitely yes [Mike Broberg](https://www.quora.com/profile/Mike-Broberg-4) Lead Mechanic at Salem Keizer School District (1993–present) · Author has 1.4K answers and 1.5M answer views  ·  [3y](https://www.quora.com/Do-you-need-special-tools-to-change-your-vehicles-brakes-brake-pads/answer/Mike-Broberg-4) Originally Answered: [Do you need special tools to change your vehicle's brakes (brake pads)?](https://www.quora.com/Do-you-need-special-tools-to-change-your-vehicles-brakes-brake-pads?no_redirect=1) · You might…this may come as a surprise but not all cars are the same, you didn't say what kind of car you have in mind and I have no ide what sort of tools you may already own. If it is an older car, at the very least you need somthing to press the caliper piston back into its bore. If it has ABS some require a scan tool to bleed the system. If it is new enough to have an electronic park brake you should not fool with it. When you ask for DIY help on the internet you can't get specific help information if you don't provide year make and model…just like if you went in the the parts store to buy b You might…this may come as a surprise but not all cars are the same, you didn't say what kind of car you have in mind and I have no ide what sort of tools you may already own. If it is an older car, at the very least you need somthing to press the caliper piston back into its bore. If it has ABS some require a scan tool to bleed the system. If it is new enough to have an electronic park brake you should not fool with it. When you ask for DIY help on the internet you can't get specific help information if you don't provide year make and model…just like if you went in the the parts store to buy brake pads. You wouldn't say, “I need brake pads for my car" and expect the guy on the other side of the counter to know what it is without you telling him. Related questions [What tools do you need to change your own brakes? Can you change brake pads and calipers yourself?](https://www.quora.com/What-tools-do-you-need-to-change-your-own-brakes-Can-you-change-brake-pads-and-calipers-yourself) [What tools are needed for changing brakes?](https://www.quora.com/What-tools-are-needed-for-changing-brakes) [What happens if you only change one brake pad?](https://www.quora.com/What-happens-if-you-only-change-one-brake-pad) [Can you change your brake pads without a computer?](https://www.quora.com/Can-you-change-your-brake-pads-without-a-computer) [Do you leave the handbrake on when changing brake pads? Is it easy to change brake pad?](https://www.quora.com/Do-you-leave-the-handbrake-on-when-changing-brake-pads-Is-it-easy-to-change-brake-pad) [Tim Hofstetter](https://www.quora.com/profile/Tim-Hofstetter) Been exclusively my own mechanic since 1976 · Author has 8.2K answers and 26.1M answer views  ·  [9y](https://www.quora.com/What-tools-do-you-need-to-change-brake-pads/answer/Tim-Hofstetter) Varies. For some vehicles you need only a bottle jack, a lug wrench, a single box-end or combination wrench of the correct size, and a C-clamp. For other vehicles... one pickup in particular required the use of an air hammer, a long pin punch, a ball peen hammer, and a propane torch... and about half a can of WD-40 (plus Brakleen to clean up the WD-40). If it had been any tougher, I would have changed the calipers and left the pads intact. Your response is private Was this worth your time? This helps us sort answers on the page. Absolutely not Definitely yes Assistant Bot  ·  Sep 6 Essential tools and supplies to change brake pads safely and efficiently: Basic hand tools * Lug wrench or impact wrench (correct socket size for wheel lug nuts) * Ratchet and socket set (common sizes: 10–19 mm or 3/8" drive set) * Combination wrenches (open/box) for caliper guide bolts and parking-brake hardware Brake-specific tools * C-clamp or dedicated brake caliper piston tool (for compressing piston on single-piston calipers) * Caliper hanger or short length of sturdy wire/zip tie (to support caliper off the rotor without stressing the brake hose) * Brake pad spreader (optional alternative to C-clamp; faste Essential tools and supplies to change brake pads safely and efficiently: Basic hand tools * Lug wrench or impact wrench (correct socket size for wheel lug nuts) * Ratchet and socket set (common sizes: 10–19 mm or 3/8" drive set) * Combination wrenches (open/box) for caliper guide bolts and parking-brake hardware Brake-specific tools * C-clamp or dedicated brake caliper piston tool (for compressing piston on single-piston calipers) * Caliper hanger or short length of sturdy wire/zip tie (to support caliper off the rotor without stressing the brake hose) * Brake pad spreader (optional alternative to C-clamp; faster and safer on some calipers) Inspection and measurement * Brake pad thickness gauge or caliper rule (verifies new vs old pad thickness and rotor wear) * Feeler gauge (for caliper piston retraction clearance, optional) Fastener care and reassembly * Torque wrench (to torque lug nuts and caliper/brace bolts to manufacturer specs) * Allen/hex bits, Torx bits, or E-Torx sockets (many caliper bolts use these) * Threadlocker (medium strength, for reassembly if manufacturer recommends) Cleaning, lubrication, and consumables * Brake cleaner (spray, for rotor and caliper cleaning) * Brake grease/antiseize (high-temp synthetic grease for pad backing contact points and caliper slides) * Copper slip or ceramic-friendly lubricant (on pad backing where indicated; do not contaminate friction surface) * Shop rags and disposable gloves * Replacement hardware kit (clips, shims, anti-rattle springs) if original are worn or included with pads * New pads (match vehicle make/model and front/rear application) * Optional: new rotor(s) if required Safety and support * Floor jack (rated for vehicle weight) * Jack stands (never rely on jack alone) * Wheel chocks * Safety glasses Optional useful extras * Mechanic’s light * Impact driver (for stubborn bolts) * Wire brush (clean caliper bracket and slide rails) * Small hammer or rubber mallet (for freeing stuck components) * Brake fluid reservoir cover/cleaner and a turkey baster/syringe (if pistons require extra reservoir space during compression) Quick procedure outline (tool use context) 1. Secure car with chocks, jack, and jack stands. 2. Remove wheel with lug wrench/impact. 3. Remove caliper bolts (ratchet + appropriate socket/hex/Torx); hang caliper with hanger. 4. Remove old pads and hardware; inspect rotors and slides. 5. Retract caliper piston with C-clamp or piston tool (monitor brake fluid reservoir level). 6. Clean mounting surfaces with brake cleaner and wire brush; grease slides. 7. Install new shims/clips and pads; reassemble caliper and torque bolts to spec. 8. Refit wheel, torque lug nuts with torque wrench, lower vehicle. 9. Pump brake pedal to seat pads before driving; check fluid level. Notes * Always consult the vehicle service manual for bolt sizes, torque specs, piston retraction method, and any model-specific tools. * Use non-contaminating lubricants and avoid getting grease on friction surfaces. * Replace hardware and rotors if worn or if manufacturer recommends; new pads on old, deeply scored rotors can reduce effectiveness. [Mike Bisco](https://www.quora.com/profile/Mike-Bisco) Construction at Universal Remodeling (2000–present)  ·  [4y](https://www.quora.com/How-do-you-change-your-brake-pads/answer/Mike-Bisco?no_redirect=1) Originally Answered: [How do you change your brake pads?](https://www.quora.com/How-do-you-change-your-brake-pads?no_redirect=1) · first pads are way easier than shoes. and for me the hardest part is taking the tires off,i never could exp.anything quick and ill be writing for ever,but if u are mechanically inclined you could accomplish it easy remember to take off the brake fluid cap so when push the calipers in with a C-clamp to fit the new pads on it's easier its a rule.just one tip incase u dont see it on utube.push them in slow sonu dont get any air in the lines,and at the end make sure u fill ure brake fluid and put the cap on and pump the new pads against the rotors before u take of with the car and even then keep p first pads are way easier than shoes. and for me the hardest part is taking the tires off,i never could exp.anything quick and ill be writing for ever,but if u are mechanically inclined you could accomplish it easy remember to take off the brake fluid cap so when push the calipers in with a C-clamp to fit the new pads on it's easier its a rule.just one tip incase u dont see it on utube.push them in slow sonu dont get any air in the lines,and at the end make sure u fill ure brake fluid and put the cap on and pump the new pads against the rotors before u take of with the car and even then keep pumping the breaks while u with no just idle when u take it for a test drive or u might have no breaks for a couple seconds just another tip.utub should explain sll this but them things inwanted u to know its alit easier then it sounds like i said i could never exp.things easy so with that said go to utube u vould probably even find the kind of car ure working on if not there all basically the same and alot if times u dont have to bleed them if the pedal is spongy ir goes to the ground when ure done and it dont fix when unpymp the breaks up u need to bleed them so just lncase soray wd40 and tape the tit thing where u put the break fluid in so its easier to losen them but 8 times out of ten i never do.gd.luck again its easier then it sounds alot easier. Related questions [What do you need to know before changing brake pads?](https://www.quora.com/What-do-you-need-to-know-before-changing-brake-pads) [Is it possible to remove brake pads without tools?](https://www.quora.com/Is-it-possible-to-remove-brake-pads-without-tools) [Can you change brake pads without removing a caliper?](https://www.quora.com/Can-you-change-brake-pads-without-removing-a-caliper) [Do you have to change brake discs when changing pads?](https://www.quora.com/Do-you-have-to-change-brake-discs-when-changing-pads) [Should brake pads slide freely?](https://www.quora.com/Should-brake-pads-slide-freely) [Ralph Robichaud](https://www.quora.com/profile/Ralph-Robichaud) Studied at University of New Brunswick · Author has 459 answers and 385.9K answer views  ·  [7y](https://www.quora.com/What-tools-do-you-need-to-change-brake-pads/answer/Ralph-Robichaud) Here are the basics you will need in most applications- * a jack with a reach of 12–13 inches * wheel chock (2) or wedge pieces of wood, like split firewood. * jackstand * a good quality wheel wrench or a set of sockets& breaker bar * a set of good quality "Allen" or torx wrenches , most callipers are so mounted * a couple of blade screwdrivers * sandpaper to clean the sliding surfaces * proper brake lubricant for the sliders * about a 4 in jaw "C" clamp to compress the piston * a micrometer to measure the thickness of your rotors * a torque wrench with at least 100ft/lb capacity * one can of brake clean fluid * that should about d Here are the basics you will need in most applications- * a jack with a reach of 12–13 inches * wheel chock (2) or wedge pieces of wood, like split firewood. * jackstand * a good quality wheel wrench or a set of sockets& breaker bar * a set of good quality "Allen" or torx wrenches , most callipers are so mounted * a couple of blade screwdrivers * sandpaper to clean the sliding surfaces * proper brake lubricant for the sliders * about a 4 in jaw "C" clamp to compress the piston * a micrometer to measure the thickness of your rotors * a torque wrench with at least 100ft/lb capacity * one can of brake clean fluid * that should about do it- and assuming you currently have none of the above- moderate grade tools will cost you $200–300. Don't undertake this type of job with tools from the hardware aisle at the " buck or two" stores. [Just Brakes and Stuff.](https://www.quora.com/profile/Just-Brakes-and-Stuff) Studied at Automotive Brakes · Author has 7.3K answers and 9M answer views  ·  [3y](https://www.quora.com/Do-you-need-special-tools-to-change-your-vehicles-brakes-brake-pads/answer/Just-Brakes-and-Stuff) Originally Answered: [Do you need special tools to change your vehicle's brakes (brake pads)?](https://www.quora.com/Do-you-need-special-tools-to-change-your-vehicles-brakes-brake-pads?no_redirect=1) · Yes and no, this depends on what vehicle you have. VW uses triple square fasteners, some use hex head and most use metric bolts. Some are odd size bolts that are not common in toolsets you get at home depot. 21 mil and 22 mil are kinda odd and you may need both the wrench and the sockets and you will need the bigger half-inch drive for some. You will need a way to compress the calliper pistons back and some have wind back pistons that will require a special tool. Lubricants form the slide pins and a for the pad backs and some way of cleaning the calibre brackets before installing new clips. [Brian Alan Whatcott](https://www.quora.com/profile/Brian-Alan-Whatcott) owned a Jaguar E-type (XKE) and an MGA in a former life · Author has 6.7K answers and 8.8M answer views  ·  [3y](https://www.quora.com/How-do-you-change-brake-pads-on-a-vehicle/answer/Brian-Alan-Whatcott) Originally Answered: [How do you change brake pads on a vehicle?](https://www.quora.com/How-do-you-change-brake-pads-on-a-vehicle?no_redirect=1) · Jack up the car near the wheel of interest. Place a safety stand near this wheel too. Remove wheel. Remove one bolt holiding the brake caliper. Loosen the other caliper bolt. Swing the caliper with worn pads out. Remove pins or clips securing pads in place. Expand the distance between brake cylinder and the opposite side which may or may not hold another ram/cylinder. Clean work area. Place new pad, applying any provided anti-squeal goo or spring. Place second pad securing both with pins or clips. Rotate the brake caliper closed, and tighten bolts, torquing to the specified torque limit, or lacking Jack up the car near the wheel of interest. Place a safety stand near this wheel too. Remove wheel. Remove one bolt holiding the brake caliper. Loosen the other caliper bolt. Swing the caliper with worn pads out. Remove pins or clips securing pads in place. Expand the distance between brake cylinder and the opposite side which may or may not hold another ram/cylinder. Clean work area. Place new pad, applying any provided anti-squeal goo or spring. Place second pad securing both with pins or clips. Rotate the brake caliper closed, and tighten bolts, torquing to the specified torque limit, or lacking this; as tight as possible. Remove jack stand, let jack down. Repeat as necessary. [Billy Howard](https://www.quora.com/profile/Billy-Howard-27) Former Auto Service Engineer.  ·  [7y](https://www.quora.com/What-tools-do-you-need-to-change-brake-pads/answer/Billy-Howard-27) To begin you need to know if the caliper has bolts with a hex head or torx female bolt. And the size. Once you remove the caliper,(use flathead screw driver) the pads will come out without much trouble. Once you replace the pads, observe how they look when you remove them, and replace them the same way. You will need a metal clamp to force the caliper cylinder back flush with the body of same. Then once installed, pump the brakes, one thing I didn't mention, remove the master cylinder cap before using the metal clamp. Then pump until the brakes feel ok. Hope that helps. Drums are alittle more To begin you need to know if the caliper has bolts with a hex head or torx female bolt. And the size. Once you remove the caliper,(use flathead screw driver) the pads will come out without much trouble. Once you replace the pads, observe how they look when you remove them, and replace them the same way. You will need a metal clamp to force the caliper cylinder back flush with the body of same. Then once installed, pump the brakes, one thing I didn't mention, remove the master cylinder cap before using the metal clamp. Then pump until the brakes feel ok. Hope that helps. Drums are alittle more involved. [Greg Hvazda](https://www.quora.com/profile/Greg-Hvazda) USAF Vet (1989–present) · Author has 9K answers and 5.1M answer views  ·  [7y](https://www.quora.com/What-tools-do-I-need-to-change-my-brake-pads/answer/Greg-Hvazda?no_redirect=1) For myself, all I need is a rather large allen wrench (Hex key), and a largish c-clamp, and naturally a jack, and a lugnut wrench And for safety’s sake, a jackstand (it’s not good practice to get any part of your body under a vehicle supported only by a jack) It should only take 15 or 20 minutes per wheel. Now drum brakes can be very confusing! [Sean Stevens](https://www.quora.com/profile/Sean-Stevens-19) Owned Thousands of Cars, Trucks, and Bikes. · Author has 1.2K answers and 14.6M answer views  ·  [9y](https://www.quora.com/What-tools-do-you-need-to-change-brake-pads/answer/Sean-Stevens-19) First you need a repair manual..and you need to review the section that deals with the repair you are setting out to do. Then; a good jack, floor jack preferably, a set of stands, a lug wrench, whatever socket in half inch drive that removes the bolts holding the brake caliper to the hub assembly (some are torx, some are allen head, others are six point bolts, etc), a half inch drive ratchet, and, if needed an extension, a large "C" clamp, a line wrench that fits your bleeder valve. The C clamp is used to compress the caliper piston back into the caliper. The first thing though, is to read th First you need a repair manual..and you need to review the section that deals with the repair you are setting out to do. Then; a good jack, floor jack preferably, a set of stands, a lug wrench, whatever socket in half inch drive that removes the bolts holding the brake caliper to the hub assembly (some are torx, some are allen head, others are six point bolts, etc), a half inch drive ratchet, and, if needed an extension, a large "C" clamp, a line wrench that fits your bleeder valve. The C clamp is used to compress the caliper piston back into the caliper. The first thing though, is to read the manual. [Iain Muir](https://www.quora.com/profile/Iain-Muir-13) Car d i y. · Author has 63 answers and 74.2K answer views  ·  [4y](https://www.quora.com/How-do-you-change-your-brake-pads/answer/Iain-Muir-13?no_redirect=1) Originally Answered: [How do you change your brake pads?](https://www.quora.com/How-do-you-change-your-brake-pads?no_redirect=1) · The brake pads are contained inside the brake caliper. This is usually bolted to a bracket with two bolts. The pads may have pins or clips holding them to the caliper, these need to be removed. Once the caliper is freed from the bracket, the old pads can be removed. The piston in the caliper will have to be retracted, to create space for the new pads. A g clamp or special tool will do this. Before putting in new pads, all areas will need to be cleaned. Copper vrease should be put on metal back of pads, to avoid brake squeal. The slider pins on the calipers should move freely, and be greased wi The brake pads are contained inside the brake caliper. This is usually bolted to a bracket with two bolts. The pads may have pins or clips holding them to the caliper, these need to be removed. Once the caliper is freed from the bracket, the old pads can be removed. The piston in the caliper will have to be retracted, to create space for the new pads. A g clamp or special tool will do this. Before putting in new pads, all areas will need to be cleaned. Copper vrease should be put on metal back of pads, to avoid brake squeal. The slider pins on the calipers should move freely, and be greased with silicon grease . Always pump the brakes before road testing.! Related questions [What tools do you need to change your own brakes? 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