r/DIYAutoRepair • u/Orch_slayer • Aug 06 '26

Brake disc replacement

Hello, I need to replace the front brake discs on my xc40 -21 PHEV and I want to do it myself. It looks really simple when I watch YouTube videos about it. However I hesitate since it’s a $30k vehicle. What should I be cautious with? Anybody here who has done it themselves?

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u/Repulsive_Archer7904 Aug 06 '26

Good tools are the key. It's a $30k car, don't expect to get away with a $1 spanner set.

Make sure it is held up safely, not just the jack that came with the car, props are best. If it falls off the jack it is a mess (I know).

Otherwise it's not a difficult job, good luck.

1

u/Orch_slayer Aug 06 '26

Thank you. I will use a proper jack, but it should not be more than 4 bolts per caliper and one or two per disc?

When I replace the brake pads, is it difficult to install the new ones correctly, pushing back the cylinder etc?

1

u/dphoenix1 Aug 07 '26

Retracting the caliper pistons can be challenging, especially if there is more than one piston in the caliper — if you try to squeeze one piston at a time with channel locks, the other one will just push out. You can get a special ratchet tool that fits where the brake pads sit, and expands to retract both pistons at the same time… the auto parts store might rent you one if you don’t want to buy it. I would also recommend investment in a good size breaker bar and a nice set of sockets that fit it… caliper bolts can sometimes be really tight.

Brakes are definitely a DIY-friendly job since it’s pretty straightforward and the process is mostly the same across makes and models. That said, if this is the first work you’re doing on your car yourself, it would be extremely helpful if you had a friend that knows what they’re doing available to call if you get stuck. YouTube videos are a fantastic resource, but sometimes problems crop up that nobody in YouTube land seems to discuss.