Upgrading JDM brake pads is one of the safest and most impactful modifications you can make. Better pads mean shorter stopping distances, improved fade resistance, and more consistent pedal feel. This guide covers installing Endless ME20 / CC-Rg, Project Mu B-Spec / HC+, and Brembo Japan brake pads on JDM cars. The procedure applies to virtually all JDM platforms including Nissan Skyline, Honda Civic Type R, Subaru WRX STI, Mitsubishi Evo, and Toyota Supra.

Tools Required

• Floor jack and axle stands
• Socket set: 10mm, 12mm, 14mm, 17mm, 19mm
• Brake caliper piston tool (or large C-clamp)
• Wire brush (for cleaning caliper bracket slides)
• Brake cleaner spray
• Copper grease / brake lubricant
• Brake fluid (DOT 4 for most JDM applications)
• Turkey baster or brake fluid remover
• Rags and disposable gloves

Safety Warning Before You Start

Brake dust contains harmful particles. Wear a dust mask when cleaning brake components. Brake fluid is corrosive to paint — protect painted surfaces. Never use brake cleaner near an open flame. After installing new brake pads, you must bed them in before aggressive driving — skipping the bedding process causes glazed pads and dramatically reduced braking performance.

Step 1: Raise Vehicle and Remove Wheel

Jack up the car and support on axle stands at the manufacturer's jacking points. Remove the wheel. You will now see the brake caliper, rotor (disc), and caliper bracket. Before starting, remove some brake fluid from the reservoir using a turkey baster — when you compress the caliper piston, fluid pushes back into the reservoir. If the reservoir is full, it will overflow.

Step 2: Remove the Caliper Bolts (Sliding Pin Bolts)

Most JDM cars use a floating caliper design with two sliding pin bolts (usually 12mm or 14mm). Loosen and remove both bolts. The caliper will slide off the brake rotor. Do not let the caliper hang from the brake hose — support it with a wire hook from the spring or use a cable tie to hang it from the coilover spring. The brake hose is under pressure and will be damaged if stressed.

Step 3: Remove Old Brake Pads

The brake pads clip into the caliper or caliper bracket. Use a flathead screwdriver to lever out the old pads. Note which pad is inner (faces the hub) and which is outer (faces you). Some pads have a wear indicator arrow — this should always point in the direction of disc rotation (downward at the front of the disc). Take a photograph of the old pads before removing to confirm correct orientation.

Step 4: Clean the Caliper Bracket

Use a wire brush to clean the caliper bracket slides (the metal rails the pads slide in). Remove all old brake dust, rust, and dried lubricant. Clean the bracket with brake cleaner spray. Apply a thin layer of copper grease to the pad contact points on the bracket — do NOT get grease on the pad friction material or the rotor surface.

Step 5: Compress the Caliper Piston

Before fitting new pads, you must push the caliper piston back into the caliper body to create space for the thicker new pads. Use a brake caliper piston tool or a large C-clamp with an old pad placed against the piston face (never push directly on the piston — it will damage the seal). Press slowly until the piston is fully retracted. Watch the brake fluid reservoir — top up or remove fluid as needed to prevent overflow.

Step 6: Install Endless, Project Mu, or Brembo Pads

Endless ME20 / CC-Rg: Clip the inner pad into the caliper piston, ensuring the backing plate seats flat against the piston face. Clip the outer pad into the caliper bracket. Endless pads include shims — always install these between the pad backing plate and caliper/piston. Shims reduce brake noise. Apply a thin film of Endless recommended anti-squeal compound to the back of the pad backing plate only.

Project Mu B-Spec / HC+: Project Mu pads fit identically. Confirm the arrow on the pad backing plate points in the direction of disc rotation (forward rotation of the disc when driving forward). The HC+ competition pads require a warm-up period — do not use for emergency stops until fully heat-cycled.

Brembo Japan Pads: Brembo pads for factory Brembo-equipped cars (GR Yaris, GR86, WRX STI) use the Brembo-specific backing plate profile. Do not interchange with non-Brembo calipers.

Step 7: Reinstall Caliper and Bed In New Pads

Slide the caliper back over the new pads and rotor. Thread the sliding pin bolts by hand first, then torque to specification: typically 25–35 Nm for most JDM calipers. Pump the brake pedal until firm before moving the vehicle — the piston needs to travel out to contact the new pads. Check brake fluid level and top up to MAX. Refit wheel, torque to 100 Nm.

Bedding in procedure: From 60 km/h, apply moderate brake pressure (do not stop fully) to bring speed to 20 km/h. Drive at 60 km/h again and repeat 5 times. Increase to 80 km/h to 20 km/h x 5 times. Allow brakes to cool completely (10 minutes) before aggressive use. Proper bedding transfers an even layer of pad material onto the rotor for consistent performance.

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