How to change the front brake pads on Citroën C3

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  • OVERALL DIFFICULTY INDEX: 3/10
  • IF YOU HAVE NO TOOLS, YOU SPEND $100 TO GET THEM FOR THIS JOB
  • IF YOU HAVE NO EXPERIENCE YOU SPEND 2 HOURS TO CARRY OUT THIS JOB
  • RISKS ASSOCIATED WITH CAR LIFTING, SEE BELOW
BEFORE YOU START
  • Make sure to observe the safety measures associated wth car lifting. Visit our specific page.
  • It is preferable to wash the wheels with plenty of water prior to this intervention as this will reduce the amount of loose brake dust.
DISCLAIMER:
Our pictorials are of informative nature and do illustrate works carried out by ourselves at our own premises for our own use and satisfaction.
Readers who envisage to carry out similar works inspired by the below method shall do this at their own risks and liability.
NOTE: Brake calipers of a Citroën C3 are shown here but replacement of brake pads is identical or similar on almost all Stellantis European models, in particular on Peugeot 206, 206+, 207, 208, 307, Partner, Expert, then Citroën Saxo, C3, C4, Berlingo, Opel Crossland, Jeep Avenger...etc.
Click on the below link for checking on brake pads thickness and deciding if to be replaced:

Removing the central wheel cover on the Citroën C3

You will find among the tools available in the spare wheel, a sort of hook made with wire to remove the central hubcap, which hides the wheel bolts.

Citroën C3 brake pads removal

Chock the rear wheel opposite the side you want to start on.
Raise the car slightly while keeping the wheel in contact with the ground and unscrew the wheel bolts just enough so that they can turn freely afterward.
Then raise the vehicle until you can insert a jack stand under the meeting point of the lower control arm and the chassis.
Remove the wheel and keep the jack in position.
See our specific page for more details on how to lift a vehicle safely.
Using a 12 or 13 socket (depending on vehicle) loosen and remove the lower retaining bolt of the disc caliper.
Do not remove the top bolt.
Rotate the caliper around its top bolt to access the brake pads.
Now remove the pads then push the piston back using a C-clamp.

Fitting new brake pads on the Citroën C3

  • If your new pad kit also includes the pad retaining springs and caliper bolts, replace all of these parts.
  • The pads are simply installed by pushing them into their retaining springs.
  • Rotate the caliper downwards, making sure to center it on the pads, so you can push it down easily.
  • Use the new bolts provided and which are already coated with an thread lock product, otherwise put a drop of this compound on the old bolt and tighten it to a torque of 1.5mKg.​
PAY ATTENTION! BEFORE DRIVING ....
-Start the engine and keep the parking brake 
-Press the brake pedal a few times until it gets stiff again

See also our other tutorials on car brakes: