How to Change Rear Brake Discs (Rotors) & Pads

Your vehicle's braking system is arguably the most critical safety feature, and maintaining it should be a top priority. Over time, the rear brake discs (rotors) and brake pads wear down due to the constant friction and heat generated during braking. If you notice reduced braking performance, squeaking, or grinding noises from the rear brakes, it might be time to replace the rear brake discs and pads. In this comprehensive guide, we'll walk you through the step-by-step process of changing these crucial components, ensuring your vehicle's safety and performance.

 Tools and Materials You'll Need:

1. Jack and jack stands

2. Lug wrench

3. Socket and ratchet set

4. C-clamp or brake caliper tool

5. Bungee cord or wire

6. Brake cleaner

7. Anti-squeal brake lubricant

8. New rear brake discs (rotors)

9. New rear brake pads

10. Torque wrench

11. Rubber mallet

12. Gloves and safety glasses

Rear brake disc assy

 Step 1: Prepare Your Vehicle

1. Safety First: Park your vehicle on a level surface, engage the parking brake, and wear safety glasses and gloves.

2. Loosen Lug Nuts: Using the lug wrench, slightly loosen the lug nuts on the rear wheels (but don't remove them completely).

3. Lift the Vehicle: Place the jack in the manufacturer-recommended lifting points and raise the rear of the vehicle. Secure it in place with jack stands for added safety.

4. Remove the Wheels: Fully remove the lug nuts and take off the rear wheels to access the rear brake components.

 Step 2: Remove the Caliper and Brake Pads

1. Locate the Caliper: The caliper is the component that holds the brake pads. It's secured to the bracket with two bolts.

2. Remove the Caliper Bolts: Using a socket and ratchet, carefully remove the two caliper bolts. Once they're out, gently slide the caliper off the brake disc. Be cautious not to damage the brake line, so consider using a bungee cord or wire to hang the caliper from the suspension components.

3. Remove the Brake Pads: With the caliper removed, the brake pads should easily slide out of the caliper bracket. Take note of their orientation for reinstallation.

 Step 3: Replace the Rear Brake Disc (Rotor)

1. Inspect the Brake Disc: Before removing the brake disc, inspect it for any visible damage or excessive wear. If it's damaged or excessively worn, it's time to replace it.

2. Remove the Brake Disc: In some cases, the brake disc might be secured with screws. If so, remove them. Then, gently tap the brake disc with a rubber mallet to loosen it. Slide the old brake disc off the wheel hub.

3. Clean the Hub: Use a wire brush to clean the wheel hub's surface, ensuring there's no rust or debris that could affect the new brake disc's fit.

4. Install the New Brake Disc: Slide the new brake disc onto the wheel hub. If there were screws, reattach them and tighten them to the manufacturer's specifications.

 Step 4: Install the New Brake Pads

1. Prepare the Brake Pads: Apply a thin layer of anti-squeal brake lubricant to the back of the new brake pads. This will help reduce noise and vibration.

2. Slide in the Brake Pads: Place the new brake pads into the caliper bracket, making sure they match the orientation of the old pads.

 Step 5: Reattach the Caliper

1. Compress the Caliper Piston: Using a C-clamp or a brake caliper tool, carefully compress the caliper piston back into the caliper housing. This step is necessary to make room for the thicker new brake pads.

2. Reattach the Caliper: Slide the caliper over the brake pads and onto the caliper bracket. Align the bolt holes and secure the caliper by tightening the two caliper bolts to the manufacturer's torque specifications.

 Step 6: Reassemble the Wheels

1. Reattach the Wheels: Carefully place the rear wheels back onto the wheel bolts. Tighten the lug nuts by hand as much as possible.

2. Lower the Vehicle: Remove the jack stands and slowly lower the rear of the vehicle using the jack until the wheels make contact with the ground.

3. Tighten the Lug Nuts: Using a star or crisscross pattern, tighten the lug nuts in stages to ensure even pressure. Refer to your vehicle's manual for the recommended torque specification.

 Step 7: Bedding In the Brake Pads and Discs

After changing the rear brake discs and pads, it's essential to "bed in" or properly break them in. This process involves gently braking multiple times to transfer a layer of friction material from the pads to the new brake discs. Follow these steps for bedding in:

1. Accelerate to about 40 mph (64 km/h) and gently apply the brakes to reduce your speed to about 20 mph (32 km/h). Repeat this process five to ten times without coming to a complete stop.

2. Allow the brakes to cool down by driving without using them for a few minutes.

3. Repeat step 1 but increase the speed to about 60 mph (97 km/h) and reduce it to 30 mph (48 km/h).

4. Again, allow the brakes to cool down by driving without using them for a few minutes.

Properly bedding in the brake pads and discs ensures optimal braking performance and longevity.

 Conclusion

Changing the rear brake discs and pads of your vehicle is a manageable DIY task for those with some mechanical aptitude. However, if you're uncertain or uncomfortable with any part of the process, it's always best to consult a professional mechanic. With the right tools, materials, and careful attention to detail, you can maintain your vehicle's braking system, ensuring safe and reliable stopping power for miles to come. Remember, safety should always be your top priority when working on your vehicle's critical components.