🔧 Front Brake Pads - Replacement

Your front brake pads wear faster than the rear set, especially on a hybrid because the brake system blends regenerative and friction braking. Replacing them restores stopping power, reduces noise, and helps protect the rotors from damage.

Difficulty Level: Intermediate | Estimated Time: 1.5-3 hours

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• Work on level ground with the parking brake engaged and the wheels chocked.
• Use jack stands under the vehicle; never rely on the floor jack alone.
• Front brakes can be hot after driving. Let them cool before starting.
• Do not press the brake pedal with a caliper removed.
• Push the caliper piston back slowly and evenly.
• Hybrid system warning: keep the vehicle OFF and key fob away from the vehicle while working.

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🔧 Required Tools

You'll need the following tools for this repair:

• Floor jack (rated 3-ton minimum)
• Jack stands (rated for vehicle weight)
• Wheel chocks
• 21mm lug wrench or socket
• 14mm socket
• 17mm socket
• Ratchet
• Breaker bar
• Torque wrench
• Brake caliper piston compressor tool (specialty)
• Flat-blade screwdriver
• Wire brush
• Brake cleaner
• Microfiber towels
• High-temperature brake grease
• 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
• Brake pad hardware kit - Qty: 1
• Brake grease - Qty: 1

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📋 Before You Begin

• Park on a flat surface and set the parking brake.
• Loosen the front wheel lug nuts before lifting the vehicle.
• Keep the hybrid system OFF while servicing the brakes.
• If the brake fluid reservoir is near the top, remove a small amount before pushing the piston back.
• Work on one side at a time.

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Raise the front of the vehicle

• Use the floor jack to lift the front of the vehicle at the proper jacking point.
• Support it with jack stands.
• Remove the wheel using the 21mm lug wrench or socket.

Step 2: Remove the caliper

• Use the 14mm socket to remove the caliper slide bolts.
• Lift the caliper off the bracket carefully.
• Hang the caliper with a hook or place it securely so the hose is not stretched.

Step 3: Remove the old pads and hardware

• Slide the old brake pads out of the bracket.
• Remove the pad clips and hardware.
• Clean the bracket contact points with a wire brush and brake cleaner.

Step 4: Compress the caliper piston

• Use the brake caliper piston compressor tool (specialty) to push the piston back in slowly.
• Watch the brake fluid reservoir while compressing.
• Go slow to avoid seal damage.

Step 5: Install the new hardware and pads

• Install the new pad clips from the brake pad hardware kit.
• Apply a thin layer of high-temperature brake grease to the pad ears and contact points.
• Install the new front brake pads in the bracket.

Step 6: Reinstall the caliper

• Position the caliper over the new pads.
• Install the slide bolts with the 14mm socket.
• Torque to 34 Nm (25 ft-lbs).

Step 7: Reinstall the wheel

• Put the wheel back on and hand-tighten the lug nuts.
• Lower the vehicle to the ground.
• Use a torque wrench and 21mm socket to tighten the lug nuts in a star pattern.
• Torque to 103 Nm (76 ft-lbs).

Step 8: Repeat on the other front side

• Replace the pads on the other side the same way.
• Replace brake pads in pairs.

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✅ After Repair

• Press the brake pedal slowly several times until it feels firm.
• Check the brake fluid level and top off if needed.
• Start the vehicle and verify there are no warning lights.
• Test the brakes at low speed before normal driving.
• New pads need a short break-in period.

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💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

Shop Cost: $250-$450 (parts + labor)

DIY Cost: $60-$140 (parts only)

You Save: $190-$310 by doing it yourself!

Shop labor rates vary but typically run $100-$150/hour. This repair takes a shop approximately 1.5-2.5 hours.

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🎯 Ready to get started?

HowToo makes it easy: same-day/2-day shipping on every part, plus all the tools and specialty tools you need! Check out the parts and tools sections below to add everything to your cart.