🔧 Front Brake Pads - Replacement

Front brake pads wear out from normal driving and need to be replaced before they get too thin or start making noise. On your Equinox, this job includes removing the wheel, retracting the caliper piston, replacing the pads, and then checking brake operation before driving.

Difficulty Level: Intermediate | 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.
• Use jack stands; never rely on the floor jack alone.
• Brake components can be hot after driving.
• Do not press the brake pedal with the caliper removed.
• If your brake fluid reservoir is full, watch for overflow when compressing the piston.
• No battery disconnect is required for this repair.

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🔧 Required Tools

You'll need the following tools for this repair:

• 17mm lug wrench or socket
• Ratchet
• 13mm socket
• 15mm socket
• Torque wrench
• C-clamp or brake caliper compression tool (specialty)
• Bungee cord or mechanic's hook
• Flat-blade screwdriver
• Wire brush
• Brake cleaner
• Brake pad spreader or old pad
• Safety glasses
• Nitrile gloves
• Floor jack (rated 3-ton minimum)
• Jack stands (rated for vehicle weight)
• Wheel chocks

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🔩 Required Parts

HowToo sells all the parts you need for this repair:

• Front brake pad set - Qty: 1
• Front brake hardware kit - Qty: 1
• Brake lubricant - 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 nuts slightly before lifting.
• Lift the front and support it securely on jack stands.
• Turn the steering wheel for better access to the side you are working on.

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🔨 Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these steps in order:

Step 1: Remove the wheel

• Use the 17mm lug wrench or socket to loosen and remove the wheel nuts.
• Remove the wheel and set it aside.

Step 2: Remove the caliper

• Use a 13mm socket to remove the caliper guide pin bolts.
• Lift the caliper off the rotor carefully.
• Hang the caliper with a bungee cord or mechanic's hook. Do not let it hang by the brake hose.

Step 3: Remove the old pads and hardware

• Pull the old brake pads out of the caliper bracket.
• Use a flat-blade screwdriver to remove the old pad clips if they are stuck.
• Remove any rust or debris from the bracket with a wire brush.
• Spray the area with brake cleaner and let it dry.

Step 4: Compress the caliper piston

• Use a C-clamp or brake caliper compression tool (specialty) with an old pad to slowly push the piston back into the caliper.
• Move slowly and watch the brake fluid reservoir.
• Go slow to avoid seal damage.

Step 5: Install the new hardware and pads

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

Step 6: Reinstall the caliper

• Place the caliper over the new pads.
• Use the 13mm socket to reinstall the guide pin bolts.
• Torque to 31 Nm (23 ft-lbs).

Step 7: Reinstall the wheel

• Mount the wheel and hand-tighten the lug nuts.
• Lower the vehicle and use the 17mm lug wrench or socket to finish tightening.
• Torque to 140 Nm (103 ft-lbs).

Step 8: Repeat on the other side

• Replace the pads on the opposite front wheel the same way.
• Replace both sides together.

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✅ After Repair

• Press the brake pedal several times until it feels firm.
• Check the brake fluid level and top off if needed.
• Test for abnormal noise and make sure the car stops smoothly at low speed.
• For the first 200 miles, avoid hard braking unless needed.

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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.