1998 Front Brake Pad Replacement

[gpwhite7]

Hi,

A relative recently drove 450 miles down to see us and said that she needs a front brake job. She had them inspected before the trip and they told her the pads had 1500 miles left on em. Now their sqeeelin.

It is a 98 Explorer 4WD. I searched previous threads and found a post by mabulok which contained the following in short: "In a nutshell: remove wheel, loosen the top caliper bolt, remove lower caliper bolt and then rotate assy upward. Remove pads, clean caliper, lube all places where pads touch calipers, insert new pads and reassemble."

The advice from mabulok was for a 97 model. Hers is a 98 4WD. Does this advice still apply for the 98?

After you get the old pads out what do you spray brake parts cleaner on, everything?

Thanks

[gdonham]

I dont know if your pads are changable as easily as described but the cleaning I do know about. Recently I replaced my pads on 99 explorer and in the box was a little printed tech sheet. The sheet pointed out that if you pad has shims glued on them do not use any solvent cleaner. If you have certain pads that have rubber isolation pads dont use cleaner because it can detoriate the rubber. The rubber boot (dust seal) that protects the piston that makes your brakes work can be ruined by some cleaners. When you get the caliper off simply clean the area with a good brush. Remember that asbestos is still used in pads although small amount it is there. Do not blow the brakes without proper mask/ventiliation. What good does it do to clean the brakes beyond major build up. The dirt and grime will be back soon enough.

The pads are usually easily replaced. I would recommend a tool that is sold at automative stores that will compress your piston. You must compress your piston to get the new pads to fit on your rotor. You can use a block to beat the piston back down but you take the risk of cocking the piston and damaging the o ring that seals your piston. Get the tool it is only a few dollars. Bacically the tool is a long bolt with a handle on the operator end. The other end of the bolt has a washer like part that rotates independently of the bolt. The middle of the bolt has a piece that looks like a brake pad. You put the pad like part of the tool against the caliper and the bolt is screwed in to slowly push the piston down.

After you replace the pads you might consider replacing the brake fluid. You will notice that the fluid becomes black/rusty after use. This is because moisture is asorbed in the brake fluid and causes corrossion of the brake lines and cast calipers. you can drain or bleed the fluid out. Keep the resivior full, dont let it run dry. You get air that way.

Originally Posted by gpwhite7

Hi,

A relative recently drove 450 miles down to see us and said that she needs a front brake job. She had them inspected before the trip and they told her the pads had 1500 miles left on em. Now their sqeeelin.

It is a 98 Explorer 4WD. I searched previous threads and found a post by mabulok which contained the following in short: "In a nutshell: remove wheel, loosen the top caliper bolt, remove lower caliper bolt and then rotate assy upward. Remove pads, clean caliper, lube all places where pads touch calipers, insert new pads and reassemble."

The advice from mabulok was for a 97 model. Hers is a 98 4WD. Does this advice still apply for the 98?

After you get the old pads out what do you spray brake parts cleaner on, everything?

Thanks