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Brakes How To 2015-2016

McGyver9

Hasn't posted much yet...
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Location
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Hey guys, and gals...
I replaced the front brakes on my 2016 3.8.
Took some pix along the way, so those that might be intimidated about doing this EASY task can see it's simplicity.
I'm not a 'tuner' or anything...I don't hot-rod my car around...I ordered my rotors/ceramic pads off of Amazon...

FIRST thing....If you EVER want to change a tire on the roadside, you BETTER be carrying a piece of cheater pipe (3/4 black iron pipe/get it at home depot) that will fit the lug wrench, at LEAST 2 maybe 3 feet long! (also useful if some idiot approaches you while you're in your trunk) ;)
Otherwise, you're going to be waiting for a tow truck!
The tiny supplied lug wrench will NEVER give you enough torque to get those lugs loose...
I (220 pounds) even jumped on it (really stupid), just so I can tell you that THAT didn't work either.
Spread the word!

That said, if you are starting on the drivers side, turn the wheel ALL the way to the right.....(turn to the left for the passenger side)
Once you have the car jacked up/jackstands in place/brake set/rear wheels chocked....and get the wheel off, just follow the steps in the photos.
I removed everything I could with the caliper still attached...so it's stable. That access plate, the retainer clips in the pins, and the pins.
I clamped the vicegrips (pictured) on the pins, then tapped them out with a hammer.
Don't forget the 10mm retainer on the brake line.
An impact with a deep well (not necessary/that's all I have) will fit to loosen the caliper bolts....or you can use a socket wrench.. 17mm IIRC.
I had this little chock to set the caliper on, but you can use a block of wood, or you can balance it on the suspension someplace if you don't...I wouldn't let it hang from the brake line.

Had to beat the rotor loose with a sledge (after removing the #3 Philips...NOT the standard size #2...you'll strip it out!)
THANKS NY salt trucks!

NOTE: If you are really anal and added brake fluid prior to it being "low", then you're going to have to be prepared to catch some overflow/suck some fluid out before compressing the pistons...

Use the c-clamp to compress the pistons all the way back into the caliper.
I've also seen people jamb a screwdriver in between the old brake-pads and the old rotor, (before removing the caliper) and force them back THAT way...
Whatever....I like the c-clamp on the old pad myself....If you don't have one, the other way WILL work.

Put the new spring clips in, (being careful to not cut yourself) ONE at a time (remove the old one/replace it w/ the new one...so you don't get confused)
If you're in the rustbelt, like ME, you might want to take a file/wire brush to the rusty places on the caliper,under the spring clips, before installing the new ones. The pads will go in easier.

Be sure to use a healthy amount of brake cleaner and paper towels on both sides of the rotors, to get the shipping oil off of them.
I set them in the opened cardboard box, (on concrete) to catch any overflow.... It'll melt blacktop.

I always put "never seize" on the pins/bolts/lugs/hub.
Somebody will probably chime in and tell you that I'm "killing you and your family", but if you have to go rent a torch to get one of these things off NEXT time, I might ALSO be saving you from killing your family at a DIFFERENT time...... ;):p:oops:

Everything else is pretty much the reverse of everything you did in removal.

This is a REALLY easy job.
It kills me to see what people pay to have things like this done FOR them.
I guess if you work 70 hours a week, maybe your time is more valuable to you....but I bet you wait LONGER at the dealer/garage to get it back, than it would take you to DIY...and you don't have the satisfaction of a job well done!

PS, I'm SURE there are torque specs for all of these fasteners, but I just use my built in torque wrench...tight as you can comfortably make them.....I've done literally a hundred brake jobs, and survived 57 years...
That never-seize would throw off a torque spec anyway... (but again, you WILL thank me later/next time/side of the road)

 
Great post!!!

Very helpful since I just ordered some Raybestos Element3 hybrid brake pads for my 5.0 and will be changing the pads and rotors soon. I was curious about how to change the four piston caliper pads on the Genesis. Seem very easy from your post.

What brake pads did you use?

I like these pads, suppose to provide shorter stops over stock pads. They are a metallic/ceramic hybrid pad so it seems like they would work well for the money.

I will be installing Raybestos Street performance rotors. I got an open box Raybestos front rotor off Amazon for $22. I guess someone ordered the wrong size and returned it. The rotor looks perfect and was not used. The large Raybestos 14in rotor is usually $98 new on Amazon.

My $22 rotor!!! Amazon does have some good deals. However it was the only one available at the time. I will have to pay full price and wait a month for a second rotor.
1606039522626.webp
50631718932_4d9593b165_k.jpg
 
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Great post! Yeah it amazes me how much a brake job can be when it's fairly easy to do. Thanks for your effort.
 
Great post!!!

Very helpful since I just ordered some Raybestos Element3 hybrid brake pads for my 5.0 and will be changing the pads and rotors soon. I was curious about how to change the four piston caliper pads on the Genesis. Seem very easy from your post.

What brake pads did you use?

I like these pads, suppose to provide shorter stops over stock pads. They are a metallic/ceramic hybrid pad so it seems like they would work well for the money.

I will be installing Raybestos Street performance rotors. I got an open box Raybestos front rotor off Amazon for $22. I guess someone ordered the wrong size and returned it. The rotor looks perfect and was not used. The large Raybestos 14in rotor is usually $98 new on Amazon.

My $22 rotor!!! Amazon does have some good deals. However it was the only one available at the time. I will have to pay full price and wait a month for a second rotor.
View attachment 33177
50631718932_4d9593b165_k.jpg
Looks like Rock Auto has that rotor for $37.
 
How many miles were on the car? You sure got your monies worth out of those pads.

Were the tires replaced at some point and nuts (over)tightened with an impact? Shouldn't be that tough to get broken loose.
 
How many miles were on the car? You sure got your monies worth out of those pads.

Were the tires replaced at some point and nuts (over)tightened with an impact? Shouldn't be that tough to get broken loose.
For sure... only should be 100 ft lbs or so. Even Discount Tire uses a torque wrench on em.
 
Looks like Rock Auto has that rotor for $37.
Thank you. I just purchased a wholesale one from Rock Auto. It costed me about $57 with taxes and shipping. Which is still better than $98 for a new one.

The wholesale ones on Rock Auto are running out like Amazon supply did; so now is the time to buy a cheap set of high grade rotors for the 5.0. I was assuming that my Amazon rotor was a return, but it may have been part of a wholesale lot purchased by Amazon like with Rock Auto. Amazon did list the rotor as new.

I also ordered the Raybestos performance rear rotors as well pretty cheap at $87 dollars a set with shipping and tax. I may become more of a Rock Auto user for now on.

This is why I love this forum!!!
 
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Looking to update and upgrade your Genesis luxury sport automobile? Look no further than right here in our own forum store - where orders are shipped immediately!
Personally, I wouldn't have bothered with the rears. Hardly get used versus the fronts.

Since you have them on the way, when you install the new stuff, shoot us a shot of the new/used front and rear pads to compare and note the mileage.

Here's what happens when you over-engineer the brakes and under-engineer the wishbones: (blocked... click the youtube link)

 
Great post!!!

Very helpful since I just ordered some Raybestos Element3 hybrid brake pads for my 5.0 and will be changing the pads and rotors soon. I was curious about how to change the four piston caliper pads on the Genesis. Seem very easy from your post.

What brake pads did you use?

I like these pads, suppose to provide shorter stops over stock pads. They are a metallic/ceramic hybrid pad so it seems like they would work well for the money.

I will be installing Raybestos Street performance rotors. I got an open box Raybestos front rotor off Amazon for $22. I guess someone ordered the wrong size and returned it. The rotor looks perfect and was not used. The large Raybestos 14in rotor is usually $98 new on Amazon.

My $22 rotor!!! Amazon does have some good deals. However it was the only one available at the time. I will have to pay full price and wait a month for a second rotor.
View attachment 33177
50631718932_4d9593b165_k.jpg

Great post!!!

Very helpful since I just ordered some Raybestos Element3 hybrid brake pads for my 5.0 and will be changing the pads and rotors soon. I was curious about how to change the four piston caliper pads on the Genesis. Seem very easy from your post.

What brake pads did you use?

I like these pads, suppose to provide shorter stops over stock pads. They are a metallic/ceramic hybrid pad so it seems like they would work well for the money.

I will be installing Raybestos Street performance rotors. I got an open box Raybestos front rotor off Amazon for $22. I guess someone ordered the wrong size and returned it. The rotor looks perfect and was not used. The large Raybestos 14in rotor is usually $98 new on Amazon.

My $22 rotor!!! Amazon does have some good deals. However it was the only one available at the time. I will have to pay full price and wait a month for a second rotor.
View attachment 33177
50631718932_4d9593b165_k.jpg
I just ordered what had the best ratings for a 'bundle' on amazon....pad and rotor deal...
That "Performance" box looks kind of familiar. I did this about 2 months ago....sorry...
To tell the truth, my old/original rotors were barely marked/didn't really need to be replaced....just 'tuned up' a little to get rid of a little flutter..
I just don't know of anyone around here that still turns rotors.

As for the lugs not coming off with that POS 12"(at the MOST) long lug wrench, All I know is my clapped out, 1/2" impact wouldn't get them started...and that feeble wrench was NOT going to get the job done, by itself.
I would have been hoping I could find a big ass rock, of about 40 pounds to drop on it, along the road....and probably bounce off and smash the fender...

Blame it on the guy who put my new tires on, or the shitty NY salt/weather situation....or both..
Just beware...if you're a DIY guy, who doesn't call AAA to change your tire FOR you.
None of that will get you out of a situation at midnight, in the middle of nowhere.
Never seize!
JMHO....Your mileage may vary. ;)
 
Last edited:
Personally, I wouldn't have bothered with the rears. Hardly get used versus the fronts.

Since you have them on the way, when you install the new stuff, shoot us a shot of the new/used front and rear pads to compare and note the mileage.

Here's what happens when you over-engineer the brakes and under-engineer the wishbones: (blocked... click the youtube link)

No problem. I will give some feedbak on the Raybestos top of the line performance pads and rotors. I usually just change all my pads and rotors at the same time as a habit.
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Help support this site so it can continue supporting you!
 
I just ordered what had the best ratings for a 'bundle' on amazon....pad and rotor deal...
That "Performance" box looks kind of familiar. I did this about 2 months ago....sorry...
To tell the truth, my old/original rotors were barely marked/didn't really need to be replaced....just 'tuned up' a little to get rid of a little flutter..
I just don't know of anyone around here that still turns rotors.

As for the lugs not coming off with that POS 12"(at the MOST) long lug wrench, All I know is my clapped out, 1/2" impact wouldn't get them started...and that feeble wrench was NOT going to get the job done, by itself.
I would have been hoping I could find a big ass rock, of about 40 pounds to drop on it, along the road....and probably bounce off and smash the fender...

Blame it on the guy who put my new tires on, or the shitty NY salt/weather situation....or both..
Just beware...if you're a DIY guy, who doesn't call AAA to change your tire FOR you.
None of that will get you out of a situation at midnight, in the middle of nowhere.
Never seize!
JMHO....Your mileage may vary. ;)
I always put an aftermarket extendable wrench in my trunk with the spare tire to provide more leverage than the short OEM lug wrench. I learned that lesson years ago that the OEM lug wrench provide hardly any leverage force on over-tightened lug nuts.

I use this lug wrench.
 
Last edited:
Hey guys, and gals...
I replaced the front brakes on my 2016 3.8.
Took some pix along the way, so those that might be intimidated about doing this EASY task can see it's simplicity.
I'm not a 'tuner' or anything...I don't hot-rod my car around...I ordered my rotors/ceramic pads off of Amazon...

FIRST thing....If you EVER want to change a tire on the roadside, you BETTER be carrying a piece of cheater pipe (3/4 black iron pipe/get it at home depot) that will fit the lug wrench, at LEAST 2 maybe 3 feet long! (also useful if some idiot approaches you while you're in your trunk) ;)
Otherwise, you're going to be waiting for a tow truck!
The tiny supplied lug wrench will NEVER give you enough torque to get those lugs loose...
I (220 pounds) even jumped on it (really stupid), just so I can tell you that THAT didn't work either.
Spread the word!

That said, if you are starting on the drivers side, turn the wheel ALL the way to the right.....(turn to the left for the passenger side)
Once you have the car jacked up/jackstands in place/brake set/rear wheels chocked....and get the wheel off, just follow the steps in the photos.
I removed everything I could with the caliper still attached...so it's stable. That access plate, the retainer clips in the pins, and the pins.
I clamped the vicegrips (pictured) on the pins, then tapped them out with a hammer.
Don't forget the 10mm retainer on the brake line.
An impact with a deep well (not necessary/that's all I have) will fit to loosen the caliper bolts....or you can use a socket wrench.. 17mm IIRC.
I had this little chock to set the caliper on, but you can use a block of wood, or you can balance it on the suspension someplace if you don't...I wouldn't let it hang from the brake line.

Had to beat the rotor loose with a sledge (after removing the #3 Philips...NOT the standard size #2...you'll strip it out!)
THANKS NY salt trucks!

NOTE: If you are really anal and added brake fluid prior to it being "low", then you're going to have to be prepared to catch some overflow/suck some fluid out before compressing the pistons...

Use the c-clamp to compress the pistons all the way back into the caliper.
I've also seen people jamb a screwdriver in between the old brake-pads and the old rotor, (before removing the caliper) and force them back THAT way...
Whatever....I like the c-clamp on the old pad myself....If you don't have one, the other way WILL work.

Put the new spring clips in, (being careful to not cut yourself) ONE at a time (remove the old one/replace it w/ the new one...so you don't get confused)
If you're in the rustbelt, like ME, you might want to take a file/wire brush to the rusty places on the caliper,under the spring clips, before installing the new ones. The pads will go in easier.

Be sure to use a healthy amount of brake cleaner and paper towels on both sides of the rotors, to get the shipping oil off of them.
I set them in the opened cardboard box, (on concrete) to catch any overflow.... It'll melt blacktop.

I always put "never seize" on the pins/bolts/lugs/hub.
Somebody will probably chime in and tell you that I'm "killing you and your family", but if you have to go rent a torch to get one of these things off NEXT time, I might ALSO be saving you from killing your family at a DIFFERENT time...... ;):p:oops:

Everything else is pretty much the reverse of everything you did in removal.

This is a REALLY easy job.
It kills me to see what people pay to have things like this done FOR them.
I guess if you work 70 hours a week, maybe your time is more valuable to you....but I bet you wait LONGER at the dealer/garage to get it back, than it would take you to DIY...and you don't have the satisfaction of a job well done!

PS, I'm SURE there are torque specs for all of these fasteners, but I just use my built in torque wrench...tight as you can comfortably make them.....I've done literally a hundred brake jobs, and survived 57 years...
That never-seize would throw off a torque spec anyway... (but again, you WILL thank me later/next time/side of the road)

Thanks for the of the photos. I have to ask though, why would you put everything in the caliper before mounting it back on? It just seems like it would be harder to do because it's not attached to anything (third hand) and also might be fussy if a pad slipped or something trying to get it back on. When you just need to replace pads you don't need to remove the caliper.

On the anti-seize front, I've never found it super useful in brakes, except maybe at the hub for the rotor, but not on anything in the caliper. I find silicone grease stays in place better because it doesn't liquify under the heat.
 
One mistake you made, never push brake fluid on a modern car backwards into the master cylinder. Just open the caliper bleeders and let the fluid out. Could save you from damaging the ABS.
 
One mistake you made, never push brake fluid on a modern car backwards into the master cylinder. Just open the caliper bleeders and let the fluid out. Could save you from damaging the ABS.
Sounds like you've had an early 2000s E-class. :)
 
These brakes don't change often, so a 3.5 year old thread doesn't either!

Curious how many miles the OP had on his car when he did the brakes. I've read from some on here that the brakes can go 60-80k miles. That would be double what I've seen on my prior cars.

My G80 does do a lot of downshifting and engine braking, many times in the city I'll roll up to the light and only use the brake to stop the car from rolling at idle.
 
I have more on mine right now (over 70K) than I've ever managed with any previous car.
 
just commenting to see if there is one of these threads somebody can link for a 2017 g80 3.8, rear brake step by step walk through type thing
 
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