The Suzuki Swift is a compact car that was manufactured with a hydraulically actuated braking system, which requires routine maintenance. You can easily replace or resurface the friction surfaces of the brake components. The average backyard mechanic can replace the brakes on a Swift in about two hours.
Raise the front of the Swift with the floor jack, placing the jack onto a frame rail and pumping the lever until the wheel is in the air. Position a jack stand on the frame rail for support. Do not place the jack or jack stand on the suspension or body.
Remove the wheel by turning the lug nuts in a counterclockwise direction with the lug wrench. Pull the wheel from the hub and place it aside.
Remove the caliper by using a socket wrench to turn the rear twin mount bolts in a counterclockwise direction; then slide the caliper off the rotor. Remove the pads from the caliper pistons by levering the retainer clip with a screwdriver and pulling the pad free. Set the caliper onto the control arm for support; do not let it dangle by the brake lines.
Remove the rotor by pulling it free of the hub. Replace it with a new or resurfaced unit by pushing it over the hub.
Replace the pads in the caliper by pressing them to the pistons and securing the retainer clips. Slide the caliper over the rotor and turn the rear mount bolts clockwise until they are snug.
Replace the wheel by turning the lug nuts clockwise in an alternating pattern.
Lower the Swift from the jack stands using the floor jack.
Repeat the entire process on the opposite front wheel.
Lift the Swift at a frame rail just in front of the rear wheel, then place a jack stand onto a frame rail for support.
Remove the wheel by turning all lug nuts counterclockwise with the lug wrench, then setting the wheel aside.
Remove the drum by turning the keeper screw counterclockwise and pulling the drum from the brake assembly.
Change the shoes by levering the long springs from the shoe hooks with a brake tool, then turning the primary spring bolt counterclockwise. Slide the shoes away from the backing plate.
Replace the shoes with new units by sliding them onto the brake assembly, then turning the primary spring bolt clockwise. Lever the long springs back onto the shoe hooks with a brake tool. Check the wheel cylinder for leaks, and check the adjustment bolt at the bottom for excessive play. Replace the drum by pressing it over the shoes and securing the keeper screw in a clockwise fashion. Replace the wheel, and lower the Swift from the jack stands. Repeat the entire process on the opposite rear brake.
