What kind of tools do I need?

X-L-R-8

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Dec 28, 2004
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Hey guys.......I've got an 02 GT and I need to change the front brake pads. I changed the pads on my Nissan truck but never on my Mustang. What tools do I need to take the caliper off? I mean, it's pretty simple right? Just remove the wheel, loosen the bolts on the caliper, slide caliper off, c-clamp the piston in the caliper, remove old pads, insert new pads, slide caliper on, remove c-clamp, tighten caliper bolts and put the wheel on. Is that pretty much it? Is it a bolt that holds the caliper on or does it require an allen wrench? Do I just remove 1 caliper bolt and slide 1 side up and the clamp the piston? Anything I need to know? Thanks!!!!
 
The rear brake piston will require a pair of needle nose pliers to "turn in" the piston. If you use a C-clamp on the rear you'll brake the piston. You can use the clamp for the front calipers though.
 
if you have access to another vehicle take your rotors to a shop and have them turned

if not call a friend to pick you up and take you, i wouldn't recommend just doing pads. you can, it's your car, i just wouldn't recommend it
 
If your pads need replacing then you need to get your rotors turned or buy new ones. In the past I had to buy new ones since the old ones were to thin (according to ford spec...) and could not be turned down.

Recently I ordered mach 1 front brakes for $350 and installed them yesterday. My opinion is that you should not waste you time and money on new pads for the stock brakes, upgrade to the mach or cobra brakes. The difference is night and day plus the added braking may keep you out of a bad situation one day.
 
I beleive you need a 15mm wrench and a 10mm wrench. I'm 100% sure on the 15, but only 50% on the 10.

You'll also need a c-clamp to push the front pistons back in.

Some anti-seize on the back of the rotor and hub face is a good idea

A little high-temp grease to loube the slide pins

pads

recut rotors


i think that's it. You should bleed the brakes while you are there. Amazing how many people don't do this yearly. I do mine ever year and there is a def improvement in pedal feel. Goes to show you how much moisture the fluid absorbs in the course of a year.