🔧 Front Brake Pads - Brake Pad Replacement

Replacing the front brake pads on your Stinger restores braking performance and helps prevent rotor damage from worn pads. This job is straightforward if you take your time and keep the caliper supported so the brake hose is not strained.

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

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⚠️ Safety & Precautions

• Work on level ground with the transmission in Park and the parking brake set.
• Use wheel chocks on the rear wheels so the car cannot roll.
• Let the brakes cool before touching them; rotors can get very hot.
• Do not press the brake pedal with a caliper removed.
• Support the caliper with wire or a hook; do not let it hang by the hose.
• No battery disconnect is required for front brake pads.

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🔧 Required Tools

You'll need the following tools for this repair:

• 19mm socket
• 14mm socket
• Ratchet
• Breaker bar
• Torque wrench
• C-clamp or brake caliper compression tool (specialty)
• Flat-blade screwdriver
• Bungee cord or mechanic’s hook
• Floor jack (rated 3-ton minimum)
• Jack stands
• Wheel chocks
• Wire brush
• Brake cleaner
• Gloves
• Safety glasses

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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 chock the rear wheels.
• Loosen the front wheel lug nuts slightly before lifting the car.
• Lift the front of the vehicle and place it securely on jack stands.
• Remove the front wheels.

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Remove the front wheel

• Use a 19mm socket and ratchet to remove the lug nuts.
• Take the wheel off and set it aside.

Step 2: Remove the caliper guide bolts

• Use a 14mm socket to remove the caliper slide bolts.
• Hold the caliper steady as the last bolt comes out.
• Lift the caliper off the bracket and support it with a bungee cord or mechanic’s hook.

Step 3: Remove the old pads

• Slide the old brake pads out of the bracket.
• If they are stuck, use a flat-blade screwdriver gently to pry them free.
• Remove the pad clips and hardware if they are included in your replacement kit.

Step 4: Inspect and clean the bracket

• Use a wire brush to clean rust and dirt from the pad contact areas.
• Spray the bracket with brake cleaner and let it dry.
• Clean contact points help prevent squeaks.

Step 5: Compress the caliper piston

• Use a C-clamp or brake caliper compression tool (specialty) to push the piston back into the caliper.
• Go slowly and keep the old inner pad against the piston if needed to spread the pressure.
• Make sure the brake fluid reservoir does not overflow.

Step 6: Install the new hardware and pads

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

Step 7: Reinstall the caliper

• Slide the caliper back over the new pads.
• Use the 14mm socket to reinstall the caliper slide bolts.
• Torque to 31 Nm (23 ft-lbs).

Step 8: Reinstall the wheel

• Put the wheel back on and hand-start the lug nuts.
• Lower the vehicle until the tire just touches the ground.
• Use the 19mm socket and torque wrench to tighten the lug nuts in a star pattern.
• Torque to 107 Nm (79 ft-lbs).

Step 9: Repeat on the other side

• Replace the pads on the opposite front wheel using the same steps.
• 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.
• Test drive at low speed first and confirm normal braking.
• Expect a brief break-in period for new pads and rotors.
• If you hear grinding, feel pulling, or the pedal stays soft, stop and recheck the work.

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💰 DIY vs Shop Cost

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

DIY Cost: $70-$180 (parts only)

You Save: $210-$340 by doing it yourself!

Shop labor rates vary but typically run $100-$150/hour. This repair takes a shop approximately 1.0-1.5 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.