• Automotive disk brakesbrake image by Jan Will from Fotolia.com
  
  Brakes are one of the most important safety features on your car. If they are not changed properly and in a timely manner, you may find yourself on the losing end of a brake malfunction. With just a few tools, you can change the brake pads on most vehicles.
  
  

Jack

• A very large hydraulic jackhydraulic lock mechanism image by green308 from Fotolia.com
  
  Use a jack to lift the vehicle and remove the wheels. Unless you have a set of jack stands as well, it is best to change the brakes one wheel at a time. Most vehicles come with a screw jack, but it is much quicker and easier to raise the vehicle with a hydraulic jack, which you can purchase from any automotive store. Be sure to loosen the lug nuts prior to lifting the vehicle.
  
  

Wrench

• Box end wrenches are best for brake jobs.Wrench image by hugy from Fotolia.com
  
  Once the vehicle is jacked up, you will need a set of wrenches to remove the brake calipers and brake pads from the disk. Consult your vehicle's owner manual for a list of wrenches you will need. Each vehicle may require different wrenches, and some require specialty tools that can be rented from most automotive stores. Make sure that you have all the tools you will need before the tires come off the vehicle.
  
  

C-Clamp

• A large C-clampsingle clamp image by Albert Lozano from Fotolia.com
  
  The only other tool you will need when replacing a set of disk brake pads is a C-clamp. This will be used to compress the piston in the brake caliper back into its housing. The piston should be compressed to the point that it is level with the inside of the caliper. Once the piston is fully compressed, you will be able to install the new brake pads and the whole caliper assembly will fit back onto the disk.