Changed my front disk brakes...fun hour and a half for me today. Took me a bit longer than the auto shops, but then - I don't do this every day and hadn't changed them on this particular vehicle before. So now 'baby got a new pair of shoes' - my 2003 Ford Escape has more stopping power! ;)
So I started by getting most of the tools I thought I'd need and making sure I knew where to put the jack on the frame. Then, after loosening the lug nuts, I jacked up the car, removed the lug nuts, and took off the tires.
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Had to loosen the hex bolts first to get the caliper off...*after* I realized I didn't readily have the right size hex - dammit. ;) There's always *something* you're missing and have to get! ;) |
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Had to use a flathead screw driver to push the bolt out of the way once it was loosened. |
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Removed the old spring from the brake assembly. |
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Opened her up and GEEZE it was time to change them. Side by side view of the brake pads. |
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Used a C Clamp and the old brake pad to push the fluid back into the master cylinder... |
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I.....don't know why I took this photo...er..proly to show the thickness of the new pad. :D |
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New pads put into the assembly...aren't they purty!?!?!?! |
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Fit the assembly back in and line up the bolts to the holes... |
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Gotta love the socket action...! |
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It's all on and purty! :) |
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Make sure everything is lined up properly... |
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Don't forget the springs! After you get the tires back on - it's important to tighten the lug nuts AFTER you take the vehicle off of the jack. Also important to test and pump your brakes *before* you start rolling! ;) |
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Grubby hands.... |
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Grubbiness...but no blood! :) |
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I highly recommend Fast Orange for getting that pesky grease off - it's a great exfoliant for your hands, too! |