Brake Repair Tools

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A floor jack helps lift the car off the ground. You need room under the car so you can remove the wheel and reach the brakes. A good floor jack makes lifting the car much easier.

Place the floor jack under the correct lifting point on the vehicle. Slowly raise the car until the tire is off the ground. Never guess where to place the jack.

A floor jack is useful for brake pads, brake rotors, calipers, and many suspension repairs. It is one of the basic tools you will use again and again when working on a car.

SAFETY: Never work under a car that is supported by only a floor jack. A jack can move, leak, or fail. Always use jack stands before working around or under the vehicle.

Having the right floor jack can make brake work safer and easier. Click the link/button below to see the type of floor jack used for basic automotive repair.

Jack stands hold the car up after you lift it with the floor jack. The floor jack lifts the car. The jack stands help keep it safely supported while you work.

Place the jack stands under strong support points recommended for your vehicle. Slowly lower the car onto the stands. Make sure both stands are sitting flat on solid ground.

Jack stands are very important during brake repair because the wheel may be off the car for a long time. You need the vehicle to stay still while you remove brake parts and install the new ones.

SAFETY: Never crawl under or work around a raised vehicle without proper support. Give the vehicle a small, careful push before starting work to make sure it is stable. Never use jack stands on soft or uneven ground.

Jack stands are simple tools, but they are one of the most important safety tools in the garage. Click the link/button below to see an example of jack stands for automotive repair.

A socket and ratchet set helps remove bolts and nuts. Brake calipers, brackets, and other brake parts are normally held together with bolts.

Cars use different bolt sizes, so having several metric sockets is helpful. Some vehicles may also use SAE sizes. A basic set gives you different sizes in one box.

A ratchet lets you loosen and tighten bolts without removing the tool after every turn. This can make brake repair much easier when there is not much room around the brakes.

SAFETY: Always use the correct size socket. A socket that is too large can slip and damage the bolt. Keep your hands in a safe position so they do not hit sharp metal if the bolt suddenly breaks loose.

You do not need a giant tool collection to start learning basic brake repair. A basic socket and ratchet set can handle many common jobs. Click the link/button below to see a basic socket set for automotive repair.

A brake caliper tool kit helps push or turn the brake caliper piston back into the caliper. This makes room for the new, thicker brake pads.

Some brake pistons simply push straight back. Other pistons must be pushed and turned at the same time. This is common on many rear brake systems.

The tool kit normally comes with different plates and adapters. These pieces help the tool fit many different brake calipers. Using the correct adapter can make the job much easier.

SAFETY: Do not force a brake piston if it does not want to move. Stop and check the brake system. Watch the brake fluid level because pushing the piston back can raise the fluid level in the reservoir.

A brake caliper tool can save time and help prevent damage to the caliper. Click the link/button below to see the type of brake caliper tool kit used for brake pad replacement.

A torque wrench helps tighten bolts to the correct amount. Brake and wheel bolts should not simply be tightened as hard as possible.

Every vehicle has torque specifications. These numbers tell you how tight important bolts should be. A torque wrench helps you reach that correct number.

A torque wrench is especially important when reinstalling wheels. Wheel lug nuts that are too loose can be dangerous. Lug nuts that are too tight can also cause problems.

SAFETY: Always check the correct torque specification for your vehicle before tightening important brake or wheel fasteners. Never guess. Also make sure you are using the torque wrench correctly and with the proper socket.

Brake repair is not only about removing old parts and installing new ones. Putting everything back together correctly matters too. Click the link/button below to see a torque wrench that can be used for automotive repair.