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Changing brake pads is one of the most common DIY car jobs. Having the right tools ready before you start makes it safer, faster and less stressful. Here is a complete checklist.

Lifting and safety

  • Floor jack: to lift the car at the jacking point in your owner's manual. See floor jacks on Amazon
  • Jack stands: never work on a car held up only by a jack. See jack stands on Amazon
  • Wheel chocks: to stop the car from rolling.
  • Gloves and safety glasses: brake dust and cleaner should stay off your skin and out of your eyes.

Wheels and bolts

  • Lug wrench or breaker bar with the correct socket.
  • Socket and wrench set for caliper and bracket bolts.
  • Torque wrench: wheel nuts and caliper bracket bolts must be tightened to the torque in your service manual. See torque wrenches on Amazon

Brake-specific tools

  • Caliper piston compressor: pushes the piston back to make room for thick new pads. See piston tools on Amazon
  • Wind-back tool for some rear calipers: rear calipers with a built-in parking brake must be turned back, not just pushed. Some cars with an electronic parking brake need a service mode or scan tool first. Check your manual.
  • Caliper hanger or a bungee cord: never let the caliper hang by its brake hose.
  • Wire brush: to clean rust from the caliper bracket where the pad clips sit.

Supplies

  • Brake cleaner for rotors and parts (never on painted surfaces or rubber parts).
  • Brake grease made for brakes. See our brake grease guide.
  • Brake fluid of the type in your manual, if you plan to bleed the brakes, plus a bleeder kit.

Tools people often forget

  • A flashlight or work light
  • A small container for bolts
  • A brake fluid tester to check fluid condition

FAQ

Do I really need a torque wrench?

Yes. Over-tightened or uneven wheel nuts can damage parts and cause vibration, and loose bolts are dangerous. A torque wrench removes the guesswork.

Can I use a C-clamp instead of a piston tool?

For many front calipers, a C-clamp with an old pad works. Rear calipers with an integrated parking brake usually need a wind-back tool.

Safety note: brakes are safety parts. If you are not sure how to do the job, have a qualified mechanic do it.