🔧 Front Brake Pads - Replacement

Replacing the front brake pads on your S60 means removing the caliper, swapping the pads, and then compressing the piston back into the caliper. This job is straightforward if you work safely and keep dirt off the brake parts.

Difficulty Level: Intermediate | Estimated Time: 1.5-2.5 hours

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• Work on a flat surface with the parking brake set and the rear wheels blocked.
• Use jack stands; never rely on the jack alone.
• Do not press the brake pedal with a caliper removed.
• Keep grease, oil, and brake cleaner off the rotors and pads.
• If your S60 has a pad wear sensor, disconnect it before pulling the pad out.
• Battery disconnect is not 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
• Wheel chocks
• Lug wrench
• 7mm hex socket
• Ratchet
• Torque wrench
• C-clamp
• Brake 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
• Brake pad wear sensor - Qty: 1 if equipped
• Brake grease - Qty: 1
• Brake cleaner - Qty: 1

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📋 Before You Begin

• Park on level ground and set the parking brake.
• Loosen the front lug bolts slightly before lifting the vehicle.
• Raise the front and support it securely on jack stands.
• Turn the steering wheel to give yourself more access to the caliper.

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Remove the wheel

• Use the lug wrench to loosen and remove the front wheel bolts.
• Set the wheel aside flat so it does not roll.

Step 2: Remove the caliper guide pins

• Use a 7mm hex socket and ratchet to remove the two caliper guide pin bolts.
• Hold the caliper steady as the last bolt comes out.
• Lift the caliper off the bracket and hang it with a brake caliper hanger.
• Never let the caliper hang by the hose.
• Torque on installation: 35 Nm (26 ft-lbs)

Step 3: Remove the old pads and hardware

• Slide the old brake pads out of the bracket.
• Remove any pad springs or clips that come with the pad set.
• If equipped, disconnect the pad wear sensor carefully.

Step 4: Clean and inspect the brake area

• Use a wire brush and brake cleaner to clean the pad contact points.
• Check the rotor surface for deep grooves, cracks, or heavy rust.
• Inspect the caliper slide pins for smooth movement.

Step 5: Compress the caliper piston

• Use a C-clamp to slowly push the piston fully back into the caliper.
• Watch the brake fluid level in the reservoir while compressing.
• Go slow to avoid seal damage.

Step 6: Install the new pads

• Apply a thin layer of brake grease to the pad ears and contact points only.
• Install the new inner and outer pads into the bracket.
• Reconnect the wear sensor if your S60 is equipped with one.

Step 7: Reinstall the caliper

• Lower the caliper back over the new pads.
• Install the guide pin bolts using the 7mm hex socket.
• Torque to 35 Nm (26 ft-lbs).

Step 8: Reinstall the wheel

• Mount the wheel and start all lug bolts by hand.
• Lower the vehicle and torque the lug bolts with a torque wrench.
• Torque to 140 Nm (103 ft-lbs).

Step 9: Repeat on the other side

• Replace the pads on both front wheels so braking stays even.

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✅ After Repair

• Press the brake pedal several times before driving until it feels firm.
• Check brake fluid level and top off if needed.
• Test the brakes at low speed first.
• Listen for rubbing, clicking, or pulling to one side.
• For the first 200 miles, avoid hard stops unless needed for safety.

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💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

Shop Cost: $280-$520 (parts + labor)

DIY Cost: $90-$180 (parts only)

You Save: $190-$340 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.