🔧 Front Brakes and Rotors - Replacement

The front brake pads and rotors wear together, so replacing both at the same time gives you smoother braking and helps prevent noise and vibration. On your CX-5, the front calipers must be compressed before the new pads and rotors go in.

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

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• Work on level ground and chock the rear wheels before lifting.
• Use jack stands; never rely on a floor jack alone.
• Brake parts may be hot after driving.
• Brake dust is harmful; wear a mask if dust is present and avoid blowing it into the air.
• Do not press the brake pedal with a caliper removed.
• Support the caliper with wire or a hook so the brake hose is not stretched.
• No battery disconnect is required for this repair.

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🔧 Required Tools

You'll need the following tools for this repair:

• Floor jack (rated 3-ton minimum)
• Jack stands (rated 3-ton minimum)
• Wheel chocks
• 21mm socket
• 14mm socket
• 17mm wrench
• Ratchet
• Breaker bar
• Torque wrench
• C-clamp or brake caliper compression tool (specialty)
• Bungee cord or mechanic’s hook
• Flathead 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
• Front brake rotors - Qty: 2
• Brake hardware kit - Qty: 1
• Brake caliper slide pin grease - Qty: 1
• Brake cleaner - Qty: 1

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📋 Before You Begin

• Park on level ground and set the parking brake.
• Put the transmission in Park.
• Loosen the front wheel lug nuts slightly before lifting.
• Raise the front and support it securely on jack stands.
• Remove both front wheels.

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Remove the front wheels

• Use a 21mm socket and breaker bar to loosen the lug nuts, then remove the wheels.
• Set the wheels aside safely.

Step 2: Remove the caliper assembly

• Use a 14mm socket and ratchet to remove the two caliper slide bolt bolts.
• Lift the caliper off the bracket carefully.
• Hang the caliper with a bungee cord or mechanic’s hook. Never let it hang by the hose.

Step 3: Remove the brake pads and hardware

• Slide the old pads out of the caliper bracket.
• Remove the pad clips and hardware from the bracket.
• Use a wire brush to clean rust from the bracket contact points.

Step 4: Remove the caliper bracket

• Use a 17mm wrench and ratchet to remove the caliper bracket bolts.
• Take the bracket off the knuckle.
• Tighten on installation: Torque to 98 Nm (72 ft-lbs).

Step 5: Remove the old rotor

• Pull the rotor straight off the hub.
• If it is stuck, spray penetrating oil around the hub center and tap the rotor hat area with a rubber mallet.
• If your rotor has retaining screws, remove them with a Phillips screwdriver before pulling the rotor off.

Step 6: Clean the hub surface

• Use a wire brush and brake cleaner to clean the hub face until it is smooth and rust-free.
• A clean hub prevents rotor wobble.

Step 7: Install the new rotor

• Clean the new rotor with brake cleaner before installing it.
• Slide the rotor onto the hub and make sure it seats flat.
• If needed, install the retaining screw and snug it lightly.

Step 8: Reinstall the caliper bracket

• Put the caliper bracket back in place.
• Use a 17mm wrench and ratchet to install the bracket bolts.
• Torque to 98 Nm (72 ft-lbs).

Step 9: Compress the caliper piston

• Use a C-clamp or brake caliper compression tool to push the piston fully back into the caliper.
• Do this slowly and evenly.
• Watch the brake fluid level in the master cylinder so it does not overflow.

Step 10: Install the new pads and hardware

• Install the new pad clips in the bracket.
• Apply a thin layer of caliper slide pin grease to the slide pins and pad contact points.
• Install the new pads in the bracket.
• Use only a light film of grease.

Step 11: Reinstall the caliper

• Place the caliper over the new pads.
• Use a 14mm socket to install the slide bolts.
• Torque to 31 Nm (23 ft-lbs).

Step 12: Reinstall the wheels

• Install the front wheels and hand-tighten the lug nuts.
• Lower the vehicle to the ground.
• Use a 21mm socket and torque wrench to tighten the lug nuts in a star pattern.
• Torque to 108 Nm (80 ft-lbs).

Step 13: Set the brake pedal and inspect

• Before moving the vehicle, pump the brake pedal several times until it feels firm.
• Check the brake fluid level and top off only if needed.
• Inspect both front corners for leaks or loose parts.

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✅ After Repair

• Test the brakes at low speed in a safe area.
• Listen for scraping or clicking noises.
• New pads should be bedded in gently for the first 200 miles.
• Avoid hard stops unless needed for safety during the break-in period.

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💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

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

DIY Cost: $180-$360 (parts only)

You Save: $270-$490 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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