Brake Pads - Front

Replace front brake pads on a 1992 Dodge Viper, including caliper service and pad wear inspection.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Front brake pad set (left and right) × 1 — Use OEM specification or premium aftermarket
• Brake pad shims/anti-rattle clips (if included with pad set) × 1 — Often included with pad set

Fluids

• brake — 0.25 qt

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level, solid ground and engage parking brake.
2. Open hood and locate brake fluid reservoir. Check fluid level and condition.
3. Remove approximately 1/4 of brake fluid from reservoir using turkey baster or syringe to prevent overflow when compressing caliper pistons. Dispose of old fluid properly.
4. Loosen front wheel lug nuts 1/4 turn while vehicle is on the ground.
5. Lift front of vehicle using floor jack at designated front jacking point.
6. Place jack stands under frame rails or designated support points. Lower vehicle onto stands.
7. Remove front wheels completely and set aside.

Procedure

1. 1

   Inspect brake system condition
   Before disassembly, visually inspect the brake rotor surface for scoring, cracks, or heat discoloration. Check brake pad thickness through caliper opening - if pads are worn to less than 1/8 inch friction material, replacement is mandatory. Inspect brake hoses for cracks, bulging, or fluid leakage. Note any abnormal wear patterns for diagnosis.
2. 2

   Remove caliper slide pin bolts
   Locate the two caliper mounting bolts securing the fixed Brembo caliper to the steering knuckle. Using an appropriate socket, remove both caliper mounting bolts completely. The caliper should now lift free from the rotor. Support the caliper weight - do not allow it to hang by the brake hose.
   Torque spec

   Caliper Slide Pin Bolts35 Nm (26 lb-ft)
3. 3

   Secure caliper and remove old pads
   Rotate or lift the caliper up and away from the rotor. Use a wire or bungee cord to suspend the caliper from a suspension component - never let it hang by the brake hose, which can cause internal damage. Once secured, remove the pad retaining pins/clips and slide the outboard and inboard brake pads out of the caliper body. Note the position of any anti-rattle clips or shims for reinstallation.
4. 4

   Clean caliper bracket and hardware
   With pads removed, inspect the caliper bracket slide surfaces where the pad ears contact the bracket. Use a wire brush to remove rust, corrosion, and old grease from these slide surfaces. Spray all components with brake cleaner and wipe clean. Inspect the caliper pistons and dust boots for damage, corrosion, or fluid seepage. Inspect the pad retaining pins and anti-rattle spring for wear and replace if deteriorated.
5. 5

   Compress caliper piston
   Using a suitable pad spreader or wide flat tool, carefully compress the opposed caliper pistons on both sides evenly back into their bores. Position the clamp against the back of the caliper housing and against the piston face (or against the old inboard pad if still available to protect the piston). Compress slowly and evenly. Watch the brake fluid reservoir - it should rise but not overflow.
6. 6

   Prepare and install new brake pads
   Apply a thin film of silicone brake grease to the pad slide surfaces (ears) that contact the caliper bracket - do NOT get grease on the friction material or rotor surface. Install any new anti-rattle clips or shims included with the pad set according to manufacturer instructions. Install both inboard and outboard pads into the caliper body, ensuring they seat properly between the opposed pistons, then install the pad retaining pins and anti-rattle clip.
7. 7

   Reinstall caliper over new pads
   Remove the support wire/cord from the caliper. Carefully lower the caliper down over the new brake pads and rotor. Ensure the caliper seats flush against the knuckle mounting face. Clean the caliper mounting bolt threads with brake cleaner. Thread both caliper mounting bolts by hand first to ensure proper thread engagement.
   Torque spec

   Caliper Slide Pin Bolts35 Nm (26 lb-ft)
8. 8

   Torque caliper slide pin bolts
   Using a torque wrench, tighten both caliper mounting bolts to specification. The fixed caliper does not float; verify the caliper is rigidly seated against the knuckle mounting face with no movement.
   Torque spec

   Caliper Slide Pin Bolts35 Nm (26 lb-ft)
9. 9

   Repeat for opposite side
   Repeat steps 1 through 8 for the opposite front wheel. Always replace brake pads on both sides of an axle simultaneously to maintain balanced braking performance. Inspect both sides for consistent wear patterns - uneven wear may indicate caliper or suspension issues requiring additional service.
10. 10

    Reinstall wheels and torque lug nuts
    Clean the wheel hub face and wheel mounting surface of any rust or debris. Install wheels onto hubs, threading lug nuts by hand first. Snug lug nuts in a star pattern using a wrench, but do not fully torque yet. Raise vehicle slightly off jack stands using floor jack, remove jack stands, and lower vehicle completely to the ground.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts140 Nm (103 lb-ft)
11. 11

    Final wheel torque and brake fluid check
    With vehicle weight on wheels, torque all lug nuts to specification in a star pattern using a torque wrench. Check the brake fluid reservoir level and top off to the MAX line with fresh DOT 4 brake fluid (or as specified on the reservoir cap) if needed. Ensure reservoir cap is secure.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts140 Nm (103 lb-ft)
12. 12

    Bed-in brake pads
    Before normal driving, pump the brake pedal slowly several times with the engine off until pedal feels firm and returns to normal height. This repositions the caliper pistons against the new pads. Start the engine and verify pedal feel is normal with power assist. Perform 8-10 moderate stops from 40 mph with 30-second cool-down periods between stops to properly bed in the new pads. Avoid hard braking for the first 200 miles to allow full pad break-in.

Reassembly

1. Wheel installation mirrors removal: clean hub face, hand-start all lug nuts, snug in star pattern, lower vehicle, final torque in star pattern with vehicle on ground.
2. Brake fluid level must be checked after compressing pistons and before test driving.
3. New brake pads require a bed-in period - follow step 12 instructions before returning to normal driving.

Verification

• With engine running, verify brake pedal feels firm and does not sink when held under steady pressure for 30 seconds.
• Check brake fluid reservoir - level should be at MAX line with no visible leaks around cap or hoses.
• Visually inspect all caliper slide pin bolts and wheel lug nuts are installed and torqued.
• Test drive in a safe area at low speed - brakes should engage smoothly without pulling to one side, grinding, or squealing (light noise during bed-in is normal).
• After test drive and vehicle cool-down, inspect wheels for any signs of brake fluid leakage around calipers.
• After 50-100 miles, re-check wheel lug nut torque and brake fluid level.

Related trouble codes on this vehicle

Codes that commonly send this job to the bay — tap one for symptoms, causes, and diagnostic steps.

Chasing one of these codes and not sure which part is guilty? Ask a master mechanic about YOUR car →

More procedures for this vehicle