I will be installing my new rotors and pads within the next week, I want to make sure that i have all the tools before i begin besides the basics like jack and socket wrenches.

The things i need to either rent or pick up are:

Torque Rench
Impact screw driver
WD-40

I am pretty sure that is it but if you notice i am missing something please let me know i dont want to find out i am missing something when i am in the middle of doing it.
Also besides the lug nuts for the tires which i believe should be torqued to 80lbs what other torque specs should i be aware of.

Thanks

 

If you go to your local parts store like autozone or kragen/checkers
they will loan you MOST of the tools you need
Torque specs for the bolts that hold the caliper to its bracket and
the bracket to its mount can be found at kragen.com in the help section

On this forum- search or scroll for the recent DIY with pics and socket sizes and tips on front and rear brakes.
Additional stuff
Jackstand(s) Never get under a car without jackstand under frame rail or similar support
Brake caliper grease- 2 $1 tubes is enough or the tub $10 tub of CRC
Brake parts spray cleaner
rags
HAMMMER
wire coat hanger or big zip ties
there are alternatives to the impact screwdriver- lke a chisel
read the DIYs here and then read again
Only a few tricky parts- like the park brakes are drum brakes inside the rear rotor!

 

A tool that compresses the caliper piston into the caliper can be had for 5-10$
Some use chanell lock plier- others a c-clamp- I like the right tool for the job

Be prepared- the bolts that hold the caliper bracket to the car are 80 ft lbs torque- the long breaker bar or air gun helps here

 

Thanks for the info guys
I have a lot of tools already and I am aware of renting the tools at autozone which is very nice i have done it in the past.
As far as the grease the pads came with a tube of it.

I guess the one thing i will need to pick up will be some kind of breaker bar to give me more leverage.

Thanks again guys

 

The handle on the floor jack often fits over the ratchet or breaker bar you have

 

I am still having trouble finding the torque specs i know the wheen is 80lbs but not sure about the bolts for the caliper.
I checked Kragen.com but could not find it.

Any help would be helpfull
Thanks

 

caliper bracket to car 80 lbs

caliper TO bracket 40 lbs front brakes
28 lbs rear caliper to bracket

make sure the metal slider rails the caliper sits on are clean and greased

 

thanks for the info.

 

can you guys recommend a good inexpensive torque wrench?

 

Harbor Freight Tools has them on sale all the time for 15 bucks for the 3/8 drive- that goes to 100 ft pounds- perfect for most projects and normal sized sockets

Check if your city has one or order online
Sears makes a good one for about 25-30

 

Sbuswell:

Not sure if you know or not but you can go to autozone and rent a torque wrench they charge you but when you bring it back they refund your money.

 

Its actually just a security deposit on the tool
Its called the loan a tool program and zone and kragen both have them

 

those 2 terms shouldnt be used in the same sentence. you get what you pay for. You dont want to be over or under torquing the parts. i would look into atleast a craftsman

 

craftsman it is then. what do you mean by over or under though. My brains fried today.

 

torque spec is spec- not a bit over or under the number- you twist the handle on the torque wrench to the setting then turn to lock in place- when you push it against the bolt it acts like a normal ratchet until you hit the set mark and it goes CLICK-
you are done
always make sure to use an across the star pattern tightening the wheel lugs and do it in 3 steps- snug by hand with lug wrench=50 lbs then all to 70 then all to 80 and you are set

Tighten the caliper bolts same idea- halfway each, then a bit more each, then at torque spec

I was taught by the SnapOn man to leave it at 10 ft lbs when stored- the spring inside needs a little tension to maintain the calibration- it is a spring after all
Dont leave at 80, that will tweak the spring

 

i always leave mine with a very small tension on it. I compared my neighbors elcheapo torque wrench vs my very ecpensive one (and my digital one) and his was 11 lb/ft off at 80 lb/ft