Rear disc brake pads offer better performance and are not as affected
by moisture
like conventional brake shoe style brakes are. Rear disc
brakes are
similar to front
disc brakes. The main difference is that rear disc brake systems must
incorporate
the emergency brake system. There are two methods widely used for the
emergency
brake with rear disc systems. The first system is a brake shoe inside
the brake
disc that is actuated by the emergency brake lever. The second is a
screw style
actuator inside the brake caliper. When activated the brake pads are
forced into
the brake disc and held tightly by the emergency brake lever.
READ COMPLETELY BEFORE STARTING
Step 1 - Identify Rear Disc Brake Components
Rear disc brake assembly includes; rear brake disc, rear brake pads,
brake caliper
mount and a caliper mounting screw. (Note: Some vehicles do not have the
rotor mounting
screw.)
Step 2 - Removing the Rear Brake Caliper Mount Bolts
To replace rear brake pads and rotors the rear brake caliper needs to
be removed.
First loosen the rear brake caliper mount bolts and remove them. Turn
counter clockwise.
Step 3 - Lift Rear Brake Caliper from The Caliper Mount
After the caliper mount bolts have been removed, gently lift the
brake caliper
from the caliper mount. Inspect the caliper slides; they should move
freely in the
caliper mount. Remove rear brake pads and hardware.
Step 4 - Removing Caliper Mount Bolts
With a socket wrench or other appropriate removal tool, loosen the
rear brake
caliper mounting bolts. Remove bolts and lift the caliper mount and
remove it from
the vehicle. Remove the retaining screw from the disc mounting hole. Tap
the rotor
gently to release any rust that has accumulated between the rotor and
bearing hub.
Lift brake rotor from
wheel hub
holding on tightly, using both hands. You
do not want to drop the rotor.
Step 5 - Removing Rear Brake Rotor
Remove the retaining screw from the disc mounting hole, tap the rotor
gently
to release any rust that has accumulated between the rotor and bearing
hub. Lift
brake rotor from
wheel hub, hold
on using both hands and do not drop.
Step 6 - Install New Brake Rotor
Check the new rotor against the old brake rotor to make sure they are
the same
size. Clean the mating surface on the wheel hub before the new brake
rotor is installed.
Reinstall rotor retainer screw.
Step 7 - Reset Rear Brake Caliper
Before new
brake pads can be
installed, the rear brake caliper must be reset.
The reset tool winds the piston back into position so the new brake pads
will fit.
This style of brake caliper will not compress with a clamp tool; it can
only be
reset with the proper reset tool.
Step 8 - Reinstall Rear Caliper Mount and Install New Rear Brake
Pads
After the caliper has been reset, reinstall caliper mounting bolts
and make sure
the bolts are tight. Then match up the old brake pads to the new brake
pads. They
should be exactly the same except, of course; the old ones will be worn
out. Check
the new brake pads for proper fit and install any brake hardware that is
required.
Step 9 - Remount Rear Brake Caliper
Reinstall the brake caliper, align brake pad hardware and reinstall
caliper mounting
bolts. (Note: align the rear peg of the brake pad to the groove in the
caliper piston.)
Recheck and retighten all caliper and caliper mount bolts.
Bleed
brake system to relieve any air in the system. Before driving the
vehicle, push
the brake pedal down and let it up slowly. This operation forces the
brake pads
to travel to the brake rotors. DO NOT DRIVE
VEHICLE
until proper brake pedal
operation resumes.
When test driving vehicle listen for any unusual noises during the
operation of
the
brakes.
WARNING! Always have the vehicle under
inspection
on level ground, in park with the emergency brake on. Always wear
protective eyewear,
gloves and necessary clothing before inspection or work begins. Never
crank an engine
over when anyone is near the battery or engine. Always have an
operational fire
extinguisher close by, obey all first aid instructions in the event of
an injury.
Never stand in front or behind a vehicle when cranked over or running.
When engine
is cranked over keep hands and clothing away from rotating components.
Never move
a car without proper brake pedal operation.
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