Brake pads can be replaced without disconnecting the brake fluid hose from the caliper or bleeding the brakes, and rotors can be replaced without disassembling the wheel hub and bearing, with front and rear brake pad replacement procedures being similar and requiring pads to be replaced in sets. Begin by raising the car and supporting it safely before removing the wheels. Disc brake pad wear can be checked through an opening in the caliper once the wheel is removed by measuring the pad friction lining thickness and comparing it to the specified values. Unbolt the caliper from the steering knuckle for further inspection of brake pad thickness, brake rotor condition, caliper seal condition, and caliper slider bolts. After inspection, replace parts as needed, and pry off the
Brake Caliper anti-rattle spring. Carefully remove the brake pad wear sensor from the brake pad using fingers, then remove plastic caps from caliper mounting bolts and the caliper guide bolts with a 17 mm Allen wrench before removing the caliper from the bracket. It is important not to let the brake caliper assembly hang from the brake hose; instead, support it from the chassis with strong wire. If there is a ridge on the brake rotor edge, press the caliper pistons back into the caliper before removal. Check the brake rotor thickness and inspect for rust or damage, replacing or machining the rotors as necessary. Remove the brake pads, noting that the inner brake pad has a spring to locate it in the caliper piston. Compress the caliper piston using a special tool or equivalent, taking care to prevent brake fluid reservoir overflow by removing some fluid with a clean syringe beforehand. Check the caliper dust boots for damage and replace if necessary, then clean the contact surfaces between the caliper and caliper carrier. Apply a thin coating of anti-squeal compound to the caliper contact face, avoiding grease on the brake pad backing plate, and ensure the caliper rubber dust sleeve does not come in contact with the compound. When installing directional brake pads, ensure marked pads are installed correctly, and if applicable, insert the brake pad wear sensor into the cutout in the new pad, pushing it into place until it locks. Route the pad wear sensor wiring through the caliper opening and under the bleeder dust cap. The remainder of the installation follows the reverse order of removal, including cleaning the brake caliper guide bolts and replacing them if not in perfect condition without greasing. Top off the brake fluid to the maximum marking, pump the brake pedal several times to ensure contact between the brake pads and rotors, check the brake fluid level, and top off if necessary. Finally, hold the ignition key in the accessory position for at least 30 seconds without starting the engine to clear fault codes in memory and turn off the brake pad warning light.