🔧 Front Brake Pads - Replacement

Your front brake pads wear down with use and must be replaced before they get too thin or you may damage the rotors. On your XC60, this job is straightforward if the caliper hardware moves freely and the pads are installed in the correct orientation.

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

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• Work on a level surface and chock the rear wheels before lifting the front.
• Use jack stands under the vehicle; never rely on the jack alone.
• Brake parts can be hot if the vehicle was just driven.
• Do not press the brake pedal with the caliper removed.
• Support the caliper so the brake hose is not stretched or twisted.
• If the brake fluid reservoir is full, compress the caliper piston slowly and watch for overflow.

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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
• 19mm lug wrench or socket
• Ratchet
• 14mm socket
• 17mm socket
• Brake caliper compression tool (specialty)
• Torque wrench
• Flat-blade screwdriver
• Bungee cord or hook
• Brake cleaner
• Wire brush
• Safety glasses
• Mechanic 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 caliper slide pin grease - Qty: 1

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📋 Before You Begin

• Park on level ground and set the parking brake.
• Loosen the front wheel lug bolts slightly before lifting the vehicle.
• Open the hood and check the brake fluid level before pushing the pistons back.
• If your brake warning light is on, scan and diagnose that issue first.

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Loosen and lift the front of the vehicle

• Use a 19mm lug wrench or socket to loosen the front wheel lug bolts about one turn.
• Raise the front of the vehicle with a floor jack (rated 3-ton minimum).
• Set the vehicle securely on jack stands (rated for vehicle weight).
• Remove the wheel bolts and wheel.

Step 2: Remove the caliper

• Use a 17mm socket and ratchet to remove the caliper guide pin bolts.
• Lift the caliper off the bracket carefully.
• Support the caliper with a bungee cord or hook.
• Do not let the hose hang.

Step 3: Remove the old pads and hardware

• Slide the old brake pads out of the bracket.
• Remove the pad springs and clips if equipped.
• Use a flat-blade screwdriver if the pads are stuck in the bracket.

Step 4: Clean and inspect the bracket

• Use a wire brush and brake cleaner to clean the pad contact points.
• Check the rotor for grooves, heavy rust, or cracks.
• Make sure the slide pins move smoothly.
• If needed, clean and grease the pins with brake caliper slide pin grease.

Step 5: Compress the caliper piston

• Use a brake caliper compression tool (specialty) to slowly push the piston fully back into the caliper.
• Watch the brake fluid reservoir while compressing the piston.
• Stop if fluid starts to overflow.

Step 6: Install the new pads

• Install the new clips and hardware from the front brake pad set or brake pad hardware kit.
• Install the new pads in the same position as the originals.
• Make sure the friction material faces the rotor.
• The pad backing plate is the metal side.

Step 7: Reinstall the caliper

• Slide the caliper back over the new pads.
• Install the guide pin bolts by hand first, then tighten with a 17mm socket and torque wrench.
• Torque to 35 Nm (26 ft-lbs).

Step 8: Reinstall the wheel

• Put the wheel back on and hand-start all lug bolts.
• Lower the vehicle and tighten the lug bolts with a 19mm lug wrench or socket.
• Torque to 130 Nm (96 ft-lbs).

Step 9: Repeat on the other side

• Replace the pads on the opposite front wheel the same way.
• Replace pads in pairs.

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✅ After Repair

• Press the brake pedal several times before moving the vehicle.
• Check that the pedal feels firm.
• Confirm the brake warning light is off.
• Test drive at low speed and verify quiet, even braking.
• For the first 200 miles, avoid hard stops unless needed for safety.

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💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

Shop Cost: $250-$500 (parts + labor)

DIY Cost: $80-$180 (parts only)

You Save: $170-$320 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.