Front Disc Brake Pads Replacement (J55)

Front Disc Brake Pads Replacement (J55)
Warning: Refer to Brake Dust Warning (Brake Dust Warning).

Warning: Refer to Brake Fluid Irritant Warning (Brake Fluid Irritant Warning).


Caution: Refer to Brake Fluid Effects on Paint and Electrical Components Caution (Vehicle Damage Warnings).

Removal Procedure

1. Inspect the fluid level in the brake master cylinder reservoir.
2. If the brake fluid level is midway between the maximum-full point and the minimum allowable level, no brake fluid needs to be removed from the reservoir before proceeding.
3. If the brake fluid level is higher than midway between the maximum-full point and the minimum allowable level, remove brake fluid to the midway point before proceeding.
4. Raise and support the vehicle. Refer to Lifting and Jacking the Vehicle (Service and Repair).
5. Mark the relationship of the wheel to the axle flange.
6. Remove the tire and wheel assembly. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation (Service and Repair).




7. Install a large C-clamp over the body of the brake caliper with the C-clamp end against the rear of the caliper body and against the outer brake pads.
8. Tighten the C-clamp until the caliper pistons are compressed into the caliper bore enough to allow the caliper to slide past the brake rotor.
9. Remove the C-clamp from the brake caliper.




10. Remove the brake caliper pin bolts (1).

Caution: Support the brake caliper with heavy mechanic wire, or equivalent, whenever it is separated from its mount and the hydraulic flexible brake hose is still connected. Failure to support the caliper in this manner will cause the flexible brake hose to bear the weight of the caliper, which may cause damage to the brake hose and in turn may cause a brake fluid leak.

11. Pivot the brake caliper body upward and secure with heavy mechanics wire or equivalent.




12. Install a large C-clamp (1) over the body of the brake caliper (3) with the C-clamp ends against the rear of the caliper body and against an old inner brake pad or a wood block (2) installed against the caliper pistons.
13. Tighten the C-clamp until the caliper pistons are compressed completely into the caliper bore.
14. Remove the C-clamp and the old brake pad or wood block from the caliper.
15. Remove the inboard and outboard brake pads from the brake caliper mounting bracket.
16. Remove and inspect the brake pad retainers.

Installation Procedure

Note: The brake rotor is coated with a corrosion inhibitor and must not be refinished.

1. Inspect the surface of the brake rotor. Refer to Brake Rotor Surface and Wear Inspection (JL9) (Brake Rotor Surface and Wear Inspection (JL9))Brake Rotor Surface and Wear Inspection (J55) (Brake Rotor Surface and Wear Inspection (J55)).
Replace the brake rotor if refinishing is indicated.
2. Inspect the disc brake mounting hardware. Refer to Front Disc Brake Mounting and Hardware Inspection (Front Disc Brake Mounting and Hardware Inspection).
3. Inspect the brake caliper. Refer to Brake Caliper Inspection (Testing and Inspection).




4. Install the brake pad retainers into the brake caliper bracket.
5. Pivot the brake caliper down over the brake pads and into the brake caliper bracket.
6. Apply a thin coat of high temperature silicone brake lubricant to the brake caliper pin bolts.





Caution: Refer to Fastener Caution (Fastener Caution).

7. Insert the lower brake caliper pin bolt (1) and tighten to 113 Nm (83 lb ft).
8. Install the tire and wheel assembly. Refer to Tire and Wheel Removal and Installation (Service and Repair).
9. Lower the vehicle.
10. With the engine OFF, gradually apply the brake pedal to approximately 2/3 of its travel distance.
11. Slowly release the brake pedal.
12. Wait 15 seconds, then repeat steps 9-10 until a firm brake pedal apply is obtained. This will properly seat the brake caliper pistons and brake pads.
13. Fill the brake master cylinder reservoir to the proper level. Refer to Master Cylinder Reservoir Filling (Master Cylinder Reservoir Filling).
14. Burnish the pads and rotors. Refer to Brake Pad and Rotor Burnishing (Procedures).