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Front brake pads

The car goes up on jack stands

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What it takes

Parts: Front brake pads. Links open Amazon.

Tools

  • 1
    Floor jack
    Amazon
  • 2
    Jack standsNever get under a car held up by a jack alone.
    Amazon
  • 2
    Wheel chocks
    Amazon
  • 1
    Breaker bar or lug wrench
    Amazon
  • 1
    Torque wrenchYour owner’s manual has the lug nut torque.
    Amazon
  • 1 set
    Socket set
    Amazon
  • 1
    Large C-clampPushes the caliper piston back for the new pads.
    Amazon

Supplies

  • 1 bottle
    Brake fluidUse the type printed on the reservoir cap.
    Amazon
  • 1 can
    Brake cleaner
    Amazon
  • 1 box
    Nitrile gloves
    Amazon
First time? Watch for these
  • Do one side at a time, so the other side shows you how the clips and pads go back.
  • Pushing the piston back raises the brake fluid: watch the reservoir so it doesn’t spill. Brake fluid eats paint; wipe drips right away.
  • Before you drive, pump the brake pedal until it’s firm. The first push after new pads can go all the way down.

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Step-by-step videos

Front brake padsMade for the 2015–2017 Ford F-150 (not Raptor)1:27 video · 12 s free · $1Front brake padsMade for the 2016–2023 Toyota Tacoma (2WD and 4x4)1:27 video · 12 s free · $1

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