I'm going to change front brake pads on my Dakota this weekend at home. Any particular tools needed? Like what holds the calipers to the base, bolt and or something else? Do I need just a common socket or does it take something like a torq head socket? Of course any other traps to look out for? Thanks

 

All standard stuff. Don't remember the sizes exactly, but they were something like 1/2" for the caliper to caliper bracket, and around 3/4" for the caliper bracket. Don't quote me on the sizes though. Someone else can maybe confirm those. No out of the ordinary traps. I remember having to hammer pretty hard on either my front rotors or rear drums to get them off once, but that's all. Be careful with the anti-rattle clips. Preferably get new ones.

 

They are metric!

 

Nothing special. Basic hand tools.

 

Thanks to all. Taking home metric sockets. And c-clamp to push cly. back in.

 

Don't know if this applies on the 2008, but on my 2005, I had to locate a "thinner" wrench to slip onto the caliper slide pin when loosening the bolt...I couldn't get my standard Craftsman wrench into the gap to fit over the hex.

 

Thanks to all. Jog accomplished.
Your right Robk1971, should of had new clips. My local store didn't have clips by themselves. Would of had to get next set of pads that was $30.00 more, choose not to do that. I did have to drive the pads off. I believe the clips will work fine.
Another question, being I had to drive pads off because of the clips being frozen in glide rail, how does the manufacturer expect the pads to slide back when you release brake pedal?
Thanks again to all.

 

Clean and lubricate the slides and all moving points.

 

The old clips will get you by fine if they didn't get too mangled. I always thoroughly wire brush the slots that the pads sit in and also put some anti-seize in there. I know others prefer synthetic caliper lube.

 

Thanks for the advice on lubricating the slide grooves. I know in the trucking industry we don't lube anything in the brake hardware area because of collecting dust and dirt. Thanks again