1What You'll Need
Before starting, gather your tools: a floor jack and jack stands, lug wrench, C-clamp or brake piston tool, socket set (10mm–19mm), brake cleaner spray, brake grease, and of course, your new brake pads. We recommend OEM-quality ceramic pads for the best dust performance and longevity.
2Step 1: Prepare Your Vehicle
Park on a flat, level surface. Apply the parking brake. Loosen the lug nuts slightly while the wheel is still on the ground, then jack up the vehicle and secure it on jack stands. Never work under a vehicle supported only by a floor jack. Remove the wheel completely.
3Step 2: Inspect the Brake Caliper
Locate the brake caliper — the large clamp around the rotor. Inspect it for leaks, cracks, or corrosion. The caliper slides on guide pins; make sure these move freely. If the caliper is frozen or leaking brake fluid, it may need professional attention before proceeding.
4Step 3: Remove the Old Pads
Remove the two caliper bolts (usually 10mm or 12mm). Carefully slide the caliper off the rotor — do not let it hang by the brake hose. Use a wire or bungee cord to support it. Slide out the old pads; they'll often have a metal clip or retainer. Note how they're oriented before removal.
5Step 4: Compress the Piston
Before the new (thicker) pads will fit, you need to push the caliper piston back in. Place the old pad against the piston and use a C-clamp to slowly compress it. Watch your brake fluid reservoir — it may overflow as the piston retracts. Have a rag handy and remove some fluid if necessary.
6Step 5: Install New Pads & Reassemble
Apply a thin layer of brake grease to the caliper slide pins and the back of the brake pads (not the friction surface). Install the new pads into the bracket, ensuring they're seated properly. Reinstall the caliper, tighten the bolts to spec (usually 25–40 ft-lbs). Mount the wheel and torque the lug nuts in a star pattern.
7Step 6: Bed In Your New Brake Pads
New brake pads require a break-in process. In a safe area, perform 10 moderate stops from 30 mph down to 5 mph. Allow 30–60 seconds between each stop for the brakes to cool. This process seats the pad material evenly on the rotor surface and significantly improves initial stopping performance.
Pro Tip from Our Technicians
Always buy quality parts from reputable brands. Cheap parts may save money upfront but often fail sooner and can cause secondary damage that costs far more to repair. Our team at Ovlo only stocks verified OEM-quality or better components.
Michael Torres
ASE Master Technician, Ovlo
With over 20 years of hands-on automotive experience, Michael specializes in helping car enthusiasts get the most from their vehicles through quality parts and expert guidance.
