How to Replace a Brake Caliper & Bleed Your Brakes | DIY Step-by-Step Guide, by Pappawl's Projects on YouTube. 27 min 58 s.
- Video length
- 27 min 58 s
- Time to do it
- 2 hours
- Difficulty
- Medium
- Steps
- 10
What you need
Steps
Park on level ground, loosen the wheel nuts, then jack the car and rest it on axle stands. Never work under a car held only by a jack.
Remove the wheel and set it aside. Crack open the brake line fitting at the caliper with a line wrench before unbolting anything else.
Unbolt the caliper from the bracket and lift it off the rotor. Hang it with a bungee or wire so the hose is not stretched or kinked.
Pull the old pads and check the rotor for deep grooves or heavy rust. Replace the rotor if it is badly worn.
Fit the new pads with any shims and clips in the same positions as the old ones. Add a thin smear of brake grease to the pad ears, not the friction face.
Bolt the new caliper in place and torque the bolts to your car maker's spec. Reconnect the brake line and tighten the fitting snugly.
Top up the reservoir with fresh brake fluid. Have a helper press the pedal while you open the bleeder screw, then close it before they release.
Bleed in order, usually starting at the wheel farthest from the master cylinder. Keep checking the reservoir and top it up so it never runs dry.
Refit the wheel and lower the car. Pump the pedal until it feels firm, then check for leaks at the line fitting and bleeder screw.
Test the brakes slowly at low speed in a safe area before driving normally. Bed in new pads with a few gentle stops.
Tips and common mistakes
Never let the brake fluid reservoir run empty during bleeding, or you will pull air into the system and have to start over.
Brake fluid damages paint, so rinse any spills with water right away and wear gloves.
Use a line wrench on the brake line fitting to avoid rounding it off.
If the pedal still feels soft after bleeding, air is likely trapped and the system needs bleeding again.
Questions
Do I need to bleed the brakes after replacing a caliper?
Yes. Opening the brake line lets air in, and air makes the pedal spongy. Bleed until clean fluid runs with no bubbles.
Can I do this without a helper?
Yes, with a one-person bleed kit or a vacuum bleeder. A helper on the pedal is still the simplest method.
How much brake fluid will I use?
Plan on about half a litre to a litre for a full bleed. Buy extra so you never run short mid-job.
This guide was drafted from the video's details and general task knowledge. It has not been checked against the full video. Check the video and relevant product instructions before following a procedure. Report a correction.
