This procedure covers removal and replacement of front brake pads on a 2012-2018 Jeep Wrangler with 3.6L V6 engine, including caliper service and proper torque specifications.

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Front brake pad set (4 pads total, both sides) × 1 — Use OEM specification or equivalent ceramic/semi-metallic pads
• Brake hardware kit (clips, springs, shims) × 1 — Included with quality pad sets or purchase separately

Fluids

• Mopar DOT 4 Brake Fluid — 0.25 qt

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level, solid surface and engage parking brake firmly
2. Place wheel chocks behind rear wheels
3. Open hood and locate brake fluid reservoir. Remove some fluid with turkey baster or pump to lower level by approximately 1 inch to prevent overflow when compressing pistons
4. Loosen front wheel lug nuts one full turn while vehicle is on ground (do not remove)
5. Lift front of vehicle with floor jack at manufacturer-specified lift point on front axle or frame
6. Install jack stands under frame rails on both sides. Lower vehicle onto stands and verify stability
7. Remove front wheels completely and set aside

Procedure

1. 1

   Inspect brake system condition
   With wheel removed, visually inspect the brake rotor for deep grooves, cracks, or excessive rust. Check brake hoses for cracks, bulging, or leaks. Measure rotor thickness with micrometer if available (minimum thickness is stamped on rotor). If rotors are below minimum thickness, severely scored, or warped, they must be replaced before installing new pads. Inspect caliper for fluid leaks around piston boot and bleeder screw.
2. 2

   Remove caliper slide pin bolts
   Locate the two caliper slide pin bolts on the back side of the caliper (accessible from behind). These are typically 13mm or 15mm hex head bolts. Using appropriate socket, remove both upper and lower slide pin bolts completely. Support the caliper with your hand as you remove the second bolt to prevent it from falling and stressing the brake hose.
   ⚠Do not let the caliper hang by the brake hose. This can damage the hose internally and cause brake failure.
3. 3

   Remove caliper and secure
   Carefully lift the caliper assembly off the brake rotor and pads. Use a piece of wire, zip tie, or bungee cord to hang the caliper from the suspension or frame. Position it so there is no tension or strain on the rubber brake hose. Do not disconnect the brake hose unless caliper replacement is needed.
4. 4

   Remove old brake pads and hardware
   Remove the inner and outer brake pads from the caliper bracket. Note the position of any anti-rattle clips, shims, or springs. Remove all old hardware clips from the caliper bracket. Use a wire brush to clean the pad contact surfaces on the caliper bracket where the pad ears sit. Clean any rust or debris from the bracket thoroughly with brake cleaner.
5. 5

   Compress caliper piston
   Before installing new pads, the caliper piston must be pushed back into its bore to accommodate the thicker new pads. Place a C-clamp or brake piston tool over the caliper body and piston face. Slowly compress the piston fully into the caliper bore. If equipped with dual pistons, compress both evenly. Watch the master cylinder reservoir to ensure fluid does not overflow.
   ⚠If the piston is difficult to compress or does not move smoothly, the caliper may be seized and require replacement.
6. 6

   Install new brake hardware
   Install new anti-rattle clips and hardware onto the caliper bracket according to the hardware kit instructions. Ensure clips are fully seated and secure. Apply a thin layer of high-temperature brake grease to the pad contact points on the bracket (where pad ears slide) - do not get grease on the rotor or pad friction material.
7. 7

   Install new brake pads
   Install the new inner and outer brake pads into the caliper bracket. Ensure pads are properly oriented with friction material facing the rotor. The wear indicators (if equipped) should be positioned at the top of the pad. Verify pads move freely in the bracket but are held securely by the clips.
8. 8

   Service caliper slide pins
   Remove the caliper slide pins from the caliper bracket (they should pull out). Inspect the rubber dust boots for tears or damage - replace if compromised. Clean old grease from the pins with brake cleaner. Apply a liberal coating of synthetic high-temperature brake caliper grease to the full length of each slide pin. Reinstall pins into the bracket, ensuring dust boots are properly seated.
   ⚠Use only brake-specific synthetic grease on slide pins. Never use petroleum-based grease which will damage rubber boots and cause pin seizure.
9. 9

   Reinstall caliper assembly
   Remove the caliper from its temporary hanging position. Carefully position the caliper over the new brake pads and onto the caliper bracket. Align the slide pin bolt holes. Insert both slide pin bolts by hand and thread them in several turns to ensure proper thread engagement before tightening.
   Torque spec

   Caliper Slide Pin Bolts35 Nm (26 lb-ft)
10. 10

    Torque caliper slide pin bolts
    Using a torque wrench, tighten both caliper slide pin bolts to 38 Nm (28 lb-ft) in a crisscross pattern. Verify both bolts are secure and the caliper moves freely on the slide pins with no binding or catching.
    Torque spec

    Caliper Slide Pin Bolts35 Nm (26 lb-ft)
11. 11

    Repeat for opposite side
    Repeat steps 1 through 10 for the opposite front wheel. Both front brake pads should always be replaced as a pair, even if one side shows less wear than the other.
12. 12

    Reinstall wheels
    Clean the wheel hub mounting surface with a wire brush to remove rust and debris. Reinstall the wheels, threading lug nuts on by hand first to ensure proper thread engagement. Tighten lug nuts in a star pattern with a hand wrench until snug but not fully torqued.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts140 Nm (103 lb-ft)
13. 13

    Lower vehicle and torque wheels
    Carefully raise the vehicle slightly off the jack stands using the floor jack. Remove jack stands and slowly lower the vehicle to the ground. With vehicle weight on wheels, torque all lug nuts to 149 Nm (110 lb-ft) using a torque wrench in a star pattern (not in a circle). Recheck each lug nut to verify proper torque.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts140 Nm (103 lb-ft)
14. 14

    Restore brake pedal pressure
    Before attempting to move the vehicle, pump the brake pedal slowly and firmly multiple times until it becomes firm and returns to normal height. This seats the caliper pistons against the new pads. Check the brake fluid reservoir and top off to the MAX line with fresh Mopar DOT 4 brake fluid if needed. Do not overfill.
    ⚠️The brake pedal will go to the floor on the first press after pad replacement. This is normal. Never attempt to drive before pumping the pedal to restore pressure.

Reassembly

1. Verify all slide pin bolts and lug nuts are torqued to specification
2. Confirm brake fluid level is between MIN and MAX marks on reservoir
3. Ensure no tools or parts were left in wheel wells or under vehicle
4. Check that calipers are properly secured and brake hoses have no kinks or tension

Verification

• With engine running, pump brake pedal several times. Pedal should feel firm and not sink slowly to the floor
• Perform initial brake test at low speed (5-10 mph) in a safe area with no traffic. Verify brakes engage smoothly without pulling to one side
• Check for any unusual noises such as grinding, squealing, or rubbing during brake application
• After first test drive, recheck wheel lug nut torque and verify they remain at 149 Nm (110 lb-ft)
• Inspect around wheels for any signs of brake fluid leakage
• After 50-100 miles, recheck brake fluid level and top off if needed as pads complete initial bedding process
• If brake pedal feels soft, pedal travels too far, brakes pull to one side, or any abnormal condition exists, do not drive the vehicle and seek professional service immediately

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