Jeep
Front Brake Overhaul - Caliper and Brake Pad Installation
***DISCLAIMER
- Please note that
this writeup reflects my experiences
only and anyone using it for reference or as a guide, etc. does so at
their own risk. You may link to this writeup, but you must obtain my
permission to re-post it elsewhere.***
In
the
first
part of this write-up, I explained how I disassembled the front
brakes on my Jeep Cherokee as part of a break overhaul. Follow along as
I install new calipers and brake pads.
Installing
calipers
The
first thing that
needs to be done is the slide bushings need to be
removed from the old caliper and installed in the boots in the new one.
As the caliper compresses/decompresses and as the pads wear, the
bushings allow the caliper to slide on them.
The pictures
pretty much say it all on how to get them out.
A
closer look at the
slide bushing reveals a lip on either end that the
boot needs to "snap" into. So when installing them in the new caliper,
make sure they are snug in their new homes.
Now, onto the
brake line. Each new caliper should come with two of
these:
When
you remove the
bolt holding the brakeline to the caliper the order
will be bolt head, washer, brake fitting, washer. Replace the two old
washers with the washers that came with the caliper. I did not get
pictures
of this because I did it quickly (to lose as little brake fluid as
possible). Make sure you have a catch pan and if you like your paint
job, don't get and brake fluid on it....that stuff eats paint. Here's
the bolt that needs to be removed.
Brake
Pads
If
you were not
replacing the calipers, you're in the right place. If
you did replace the calipers, go wash your hands and the get brake
fluid off them...we don't want that stuff getting all over the brake
pads.
First
figure out
which pad is the inboard and which is the outboard.
Then apply some disc brake quiet/ anti-squeal to the back of the pad. DO
NOT APPLY IT TO
THE FRICTION SURFACE!!! Just put some on the
back of the pad and
spread it around as evenly as possible.
When complete,
it should look a little something like this:
Now,
using the
opposite of what you did to remove the pads from the
caliper, install the new ones (remember to make sure that the location
lugs on the outboard pad are lined up with the ones in the caliper.)
After
the pads are
in, you can install the rotor on the lugs, followed
by installing the caliper. There are tabs at the bottom of the pads
that
you'll need to line up in order for the caliper to slip on.
Now just
reinstall the caliper bolts and tighten to spec.
After
you've
bled
all four
brakes, start the vehicle and step on the
brake (you might have to pump them to compress the new pads onto the
rotors and bring the pedal up), then turn off the engine and hold the
pedal down. If the pedal does not sink after 15-20 seconds, you're set.
If the pedal does sink, the system should be bled again.
Once
that's done,
install your wheels and take the vehicle for a test
drive, but go easy at first. If something is going to fail, it will
most likely be right away. Besides, you don't want to glaze over your
brandie new pads.
Stoppin' on a
dime,
Steve
***DISCLAIMER - Please note that this
writeup reflects my experiences only and anyone using it for reference
or as a guide, etc. does so at their own risk. You may link to this
writeup, but you must obtain my permission to re-post it elsewhere.***
