Brake Pads and Rotors - Rear

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

Warnings

Tools required

Parts

• Rear brake pad set (includes pads for both wheels) × 1 — Use OEM specification or quality aftermarket
• Rear brake rotors × 2 — Use OEM specification or quality aftermarket
• Thread locker (medium strength blue) × 1 — Loctite 243 or equivalent

Fluids

• Mopar DOT 4 Brake Fluid — 0.5 qt

Preparation

1. Park vehicle on level ground and engage parking brake firmly
2. Loosen rear wheel lug nuts 1/4 turn while vehicle is still on the ground
3. Lift rear of vehicle with floor jack at rear axle differential and support on jack stands under frame rails
4. Remove rear wheels completely and set aside
5. Check brake fluid level in master cylinder reservoir and remove approximately 1/4 of fluid with turkey baster to prevent overflow when compressing caliper pistons
6. Inspect brake lines, hoses, and calipers for leaks, cracks, or damage before beginning work

Procedure

1. 1

   Remove caliper slide bolts
   Using an 18mm wrench or socket, remove the two caliper slide bolts (top and bottom) from the rear of the caliper. These bolts secure the caliper to the caliper bracket. Keep these bolts as they will be reused.
2. 2

   Remove caliper from rotor
   Carefully pivot the caliper up and off the rotor and brake pads. Support the caliper with a wire hanger or bungee cord attached to the suspension or frame. Never let the caliper hang by the brake line as this can damage the line or hose.
   ⚠Do not allow caliper to hang unsupported from brake hose. This can damage the hose internally and cause brake failure.
3. 3

   Remove brake pads and hardware
   Remove the old brake pads from the caliper bracket. Note the position of any anti-rattle clips or pad retaining springs. Remove these hardware pieces and inspect for wear or damage. Clean the caliper bracket contact points with a wire brush.
4. 4

   Remove caliper bracket
   Remove the two caliper bracket bolts that secure the bracket to the axle flange using an appropriate socket. These are large bolts requiring significant torque to remove. The caliper bracket can now be removed completely.
5. 5

   Remove and inspect old rotor
   Pull the old rotor straight off the wheel hub studs. If the rotor is stuck, tap it with a rubber mallet from behind to break it free. Do not strike the rotor face. Inspect the hub surface for rust, debris, or damage and clean with a wire brush if necessary.
6. 6

   Install new rotor
   Clean the new rotor thoroughly with brake cleaner to remove protective coating. Install the new rotor onto the hub, ensuring it seats flat against the hub face. Temporarily secure with one lug nut if necessary to hold in place during caliper bracket installation.
7. 7

   Reinstall caliper bracket
   Apply medium-strength blue thread locker to the caliper bracket bolt threads. Position the bracket over the rotor and align with the mounting holes on the axle flange. Install both bracket bolts and torque to specification in a cross pattern.
   ⚠️Caliper bracket bolts are CRITICAL fasteners. Failure to torque properly can result in caliper detachment and complete brake failure. Use a calibrated torque wrench.
   Torque spec

   Bracket Bolts117 Nm (86 lb-ft)
8. 8

   Compress caliper piston
   Using a C-clamp or brake caliper compression tool, slowly compress the caliper piston fully into the caliper bore. Position the clamp against the piston and the back of the caliper body. Compress slowly and watch the brake fluid reservoir to ensure it does not overflow.
   ⚠Monitor brake fluid reservoir during piston compression. If fluid begins to overflow, remove additional fluid before continuing.
9. 9

   Install new brake pads and hardware
   Install anti-rattle clips and pad hardware onto the caliper bracket in the same position as removed. Apply a thin layer of silicone brake caliper grease to the pad backing plate contact points on the bracket (not on friction surface). Install new brake pads into the bracket with friction material facing the rotor.
10. 10

    Lubricate and reinstall caliper
    Remove the caliper slide bolts and clean them thoroughly. Apply silicone brake caliper grease to the bolt shafts (not the threads). Swing the caliper down over the new pads and rotor. Install both caliper slide bolts and torque to specification.
    ⚠️Caliper slide bolts are CRITICAL fasteners. Improper torque or lack of lubrication can cause caliper seizure and brake failure.
    Torque spec

    Caliper Slide Bolts39 Nm (29 lb-ft)
11. 11

    Repeat for opposite side
    Repeat steps 1-10 for the opposite rear wheel. Both rear brakes must be serviced together to maintain even braking performance.
12. 12

    Reinstall wheels
    Reinstall both rear wheels onto the hubs. Thread all lug nuts by hand to prevent cross-threading. Snug lug nuts in a star pattern but do not fully torque while vehicle is on jack stands.
13. 13

    Lower vehicle and torque wheels
    Carefully lower the vehicle off jack stands until wheels just contact the ground but most weight is still on the jack. Torque all lug nuts to specification in a star pattern. Fully lower vehicle and remove jack. Re-torque lug nuts in star pattern to ensure proper seating.
    ⚠️Wheel lug nuts are CRITICAL fasteners. Improper torque can cause wheel detachment. Always use a calibrated torque wrench and torque in star pattern.
    Torque spec

    Wheel Lug Nuts156 Nm (115 lb-ft)

Reassembly

1. Check brake fluid level in master cylinder reservoir and top off to MAX line with Mopar DOT 4 brake fluid if necessary
2. Do not mix different brake fluid types or brands
3. Ensure all tools and parts have been removed from work area and underneath vehicle

Verification

• Before driving, pump brake pedal several times until it feels firm. The pedal should become firm within 3-4 pumps as the caliper pistons extend to contact the new pads
• Check brake pedal feel with engine running. Pedal should be firm and not sink to floor
• Perform a low-speed brake test in a safe area (5-10 mph) to verify brakes engage properly before normal driving
• After first 50-100 miles, re-torque wheel lug nuts to specification
• Expect some light brake noise or reduced performance during first 200-300 miles of break-in as pads seat to rotors
• Avoid hard braking for first 200 miles to allow proper pad bedding
• Visually inspect for any brake fluid leaks around calipers and brake lines after first test drive

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