Assumption: Front brake service with standard single-piston floating calipers on your S60.

🔧 Front Brake Pads & Rotors - Replacement

Replacing the front pads and rotors restores braking power, reduces noise, and fixes rotor wear or pulsation. On your S60, the job is straightforward if you support the car safely and follow the caliper steps in order.

Difficulty Level: Intermediate | Estimated Time: 2-3 hours

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• Work on a flat surface and chock the rear wheels before lifting.
• Use jack stands; never rely on the floor jack alone.
• Do not press the brake pedal with a caliper removed.
• Keep grease, brake fluid, and cleaner off the rotor friction surfaces.
• If your brake pads have a wear sensor, unplug it before removing the pad.
• No battery disconnect is required for this front brake job.

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🔧 Required Tools

You'll need the following tools for this repair:

• Floor jack (rated 3-ton minimum)
• Jack stands (pair, rated 3-ton minimum)
• Wheel chocks
• 19mm lug socket
• Ratchet
• Breaker bar
• Torx T45 screwdriver
• 13mm socket
• 15mm socket
• Torque wrench
• Caliper piston compression tool (specialty)
• Bungee cord or caliper hanger
• Flat-blade screwdriver
• Wire brush
• Brake cleaner
• Safety glasses
• Nitrile gloves

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🔩 Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

• Front brake pad set - Qty: 1 set
• Front brake rotor set - Qty: 2
• Brake pad hardware kit - Qty: 1 set
• Brake cleaner - Qty: 2 cans
• High-temperature brake grease - Qty: 1 tube
• Front brake pad wear sensor - Qty: 1 if equipped

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📋 Before You Begin

• Park on level ground and set the parking brake.
• Loosen the front wheel bolts before lifting.
• Turn the steering wheel for better access if needed.
• Use a scan tool only if a brake warning remains after service.

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Loosen and lift the front of the car

• Use the 19mm lug socket and breaker bar to loosen the front wheel bolts 1/2 turn.
• Lift the front of the car with the floor jack at the proper jack point.
• Support it with jack stands and place wheel chocks at the rear wheels.

Step 2: Remove the wheel

• Remove the wheel bolts with the 19mm lug socket.
• Take off the wheel and set it aside.

Step 3: Remove the caliper

• Use the Torx T45 screwdriver or 13mm socket to remove the caliper guide bolts.
• Lift the caliper off the bracket.
• Hang the caliper with a bungee cord or caliper hanger. Never let it hang by the hose.

Step 4: Remove the brake pads and hardware

• Slide the old pads out of the bracket.
• If equipped, unplug the pad wear sensor first.
• Remove the pad clips and springs from the bracket.

Step 5: Remove the caliper bracket

• Use the 15mm socket to remove the caliper bracket bolts.
• Remove the bracket from the steering knuckle.
• Torque on installation: 105 Nm (77 ft-lbs)

Step 6: Remove the rotor

• Remove the rotor retaining screw, if fitted, using the Torx T45 screwdriver.
• Pull the rotor off the hub.
• If it is stuck, tap it gently from behind or use a small penetrating oil amount on the hub center.

Step 7: Clean and prep the hub

• Use the wire brush to clean rust from the hub face.
• Spray the hub with brake cleaner and wipe it dry.
• A clean hub prevents rotor wobble.

Step 8: Install the new rotor

• Clean the new rotor with brake cleaner before installation.
• Install the rotor on the hub and reinstall the retaining screw with the Torx T45 screwdriver, if equipped.

Step 9: Install the caliper bracket

• Reinstall the bracket with the 15mm socket.
• Torque to 105 Nm (77 ft-lbs).

Step 10: Install the new pads and hardware

• Install the new pad clips and springs from the brake pad hardware kit.
• Apply a thin film of high-temperature brake grease to the pad ears only.
• Install the new pads into the bracket.
• If equipped, connect the new front brake pad wear sensor.

Step 11: Compress the caliper piston and reinstall the caliper

• Use the caliper piston compression tool to push the piston fully back in.
• Slide the caliper over the new pads.
• Reinstall the guide bolts with the Torx T45 screwdriver or 13mm socket.
• Torque to 35 Nm (26 ft-lbs).

Step 12: Reinstall the wheel

• Put the wheel back on and hand-start the bolts with the 19mm lug socket.
• Lower the car and remove the jack stands.
• Torque the wheel bolts to 140 Nm (103 ft-lbs) in a star pattern.

Step 13: Repeat on the other side

• Replace front brake pads and rotors on both sides together.

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✅ After Repair

• Press the brake pedal slowly until it feels firm before moving the car.
• Check brake fluid level in the reservoir.
• Test at low speed first and confirm no pulling, noise, or vibration.
• Follow a short brake pad break-in: make several moderate stops, then let the brakes cool.

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💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

Shop Cost: $450-$850 (parts + labor)

DIY Cost: $160-$320 (parts only)

You Save: $290-$530 by doing it yourself!

Shop labor rates vary but typically run $100-$150/hour. This repair takes a shop approximately 2-3 hours.

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🎯 Ready to get started?

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