How to Change the Brake Pads in a Hyundai Accent

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The Hyundai Accent has a hydraulic braking system. The front wheel brakes, called disc brakes, provide the majority of the stopping power. Hydraulic pressure causes the front brake pad to push against the rotor when you apply the brake. This action slows the car down or stops it, but it also leads to brake pad wear. Use these steps for how to change the brake pads in a Hyundai Accent.

Steps

1. 1
   Block the rear wheels. Place wood pieces behind each rear wheel. This ensures the car won't roll backward while on the jack. Apply the emergency brake for extra protection.

   
   
2. 2
   Loosen the lug nuts on the front tires. Use the tire iron to loosen them enough so the lug nuts turn easily, but remain attached.
3. 3
   Jack the car. Put the car jack in the middle of the car, behind the radiator. This is the Accent's 'jack point', which is the safest place to use the jack and avoid damage to the underbelly of the vehicle. Raise the car off the ground enough to be able to fit the jack stands underneath.
4. 4
   Place the jack stands. Put the first jack stand on the driver's side, lined up underneath the center of the driver's side door. Put the second jack stand on the passenger side, lined up underneath the center of the passenger side door.
5. 5
   Lower the jack. Ensure that the car feels steady on the jack stands before you begin the brake pad replacement.
6. 6
   Remove the front wheels. Finish loosening the lug nuts until they come off. Take off the wheels.
7. 7
   Unbolt the first brake caliper from the rotor. Use the torque wrench to remove the top and bottom bolts.
8. 8
   Slide the brake pads off. Use the torque wrench again to remove the bolts holding it onto the caliper.
9. 9
   Reset the piston. The piston, which is located on the back of the caliper, is 3 to 4 inches (76.2 to 102 mm) long and changes position as the brake pad wears. Put a piece of wood on top of the piston, place a C-clamp over the wood and the piston, and tighten the clamp until the piston is even with the caliper.
10. 10
    Attach the new brake pads. Lubricate the side of the brake pad that goes against the caliper. Place the brake pads back onto the caliper. Tighten the bolts.
11. 11
    Re-attach the caliper to the rotor.
12. 12
    Replace the wheel and tighten the lug nuts with the tire iron.
13. 13
    Repeat this procedure for the second brake pad.
14. 14
    Remove the jack stands. Put the jack back under the car in the same location used to place the jack stands. Use the jack to lift the Accent high enough to easily slide out the 2 jack stands. Lower the car to the ground and remove the jack.
15. 15
    Pump the brakes. Normal brake pressure is affected when the brake pads are changed. Before you drive the car anywhere, pump the breaks a few times until you feel the normal resistance.

    
    

Tips

• When the brake pads are worn down to less than 1/8 of an inch (3.175 mm), you should replace the pads.

Things You'll Need

• Car jack
• Tire iron
• 2 jack stands
• 2 brake pads
• Wood blocks
• Torque wrench
• C-clamp
• Brake grease

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