Before you start
Read the instruction sheet packed with your kit first. It lists the parts, the bolt torque values and the bleeding notes for that kit, and it takes priority over anything on this page. If you have not fitted brakes before, have a workshop do the job: brakes are safety parts, and a mistake is expensive.
- Confirm the kit clears your wheels. Our guide to checking wheel clearance explains how to measure.
- Tools: jack and axle stands, a torque wrench that covers the values on the sheet, a brake bleeding kit or a helper, fresh DOT 4 brake fluid from a sealed bottle, brake cleaner and thread locker if the sheet asks for it.
- Work on one corner at a time, on level ground, with the car supported on stands.
Fitting the brackets, calipers and rotors
- Remove the wheel, then the factory caliper, carrier and rotor. Clean the hub face so the new rotor sits flat.
- Fit the new rotor, then the bracket (if your kit uses one) and the caliper. Thread every bolt by hand first so nothing cross-threads.
- Torque the bolts to the values on the kit sheet, in the order it gives. Where the sheet calls for thread locker, use it.
- Fit the pads and the braided line. Route the line so it does not touch the wheel, the suspension or the body at full lock and full travel, and check it again with the car on the ground.
Bleeding the brakes
Bleed in the order your car's workshop manual gives, usually starting at the corner farthest from the master cylinder. Keep the reservoir topped up with fresh fluid, and continue until the fluid runs clear with no bubbles and the pedal is firm. Check every fitting for weeping before you refit the wheels, then torque the wheel bolts or nuts to the car maker's value.
Bedding in and the first drive
New pads and rotors need a bed-in before hard use. Our article on bedding in new pads and rotors walks through the stops. Drive gently for the first few miles, listen for rubbing, and re-check the torque of the caliper and bracket bolts after the first drive.
If something does not look right
Stop and ask before you drive. Send us your order number, your car and a photo of the problem, and we reply by email within one business day. For the torque values of a kit you ordered from us, ask with your order number and we send the sheet.