Operation CHARM: Car repair manuals for everyone.

Brake Pads Replacement - Front (J55)

Brake Pads Replacement - Front (J55)

Caution: Refer to Brake Dust Caution.

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 the vehicle and suitably support. Refer to Vehicle Lifting.
5. Mark the relationship of the wheel to the axle flange.
6. Remove the tire and wheel assembly.
7. Install a large C-clamp over the body of the brake caliper with the C-clamp ends 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).

Notice: Support the brake caliper with heavy mechanic's 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 out of the way with heavy mechanic's wire or equivalent. Do NOT disconnect the hydraulic brake flexible hose from the caliper.





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





1. Inspect the brake caliper bolt suspension boots for cuts, tears, or deterioration. If damaged, replace the pin boots.
2. Inspect the brake caliper pin bolts for damage or corrosion. Replace if damaged or corroded. Do not attempt to clean away corrosion. Corrosion is typically caused by damaged pin boots.
3. Inspect the piston boot for deterioration, replace if damaged.
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 lube to the front brake caliper pin bolts.

Notice: Refer to Fastener Notice.

7. Insert the lower brake caliper pin bolt (1).
^ Tighten the brake caliper pin bolts to 113 Nm (83 ft. lbs.).
8. Install the tire and wheel assembly.
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 10-11 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.
14. Burnish the pads and rotors.