By following these easy steps on how to change brake pads, anyone who is mechanically inclined should be able to change the brake pads on their car. It is important to get familiar with your vehicles braking system, so review the information in the owners manual before proceeding. The vehicle braking system is one of the most important safety components in your car and it is absolutely necessary that they are working properly. Review the following information before proceeding so that you are familiar with the steps involved.
1. Purchase the correct brake components at your auto retailer store. They will be able to assist you to ensure that you have the correct brake pads for your vehicle. Look at your new brake pads and compare them with what’s on your car, and review any information that is supplied by the manufacturer.
2. Do not work on the brakes if you have just driven your vehicle – allow the brakes time to cool down before working on them. It will be easier to remove the wheel if you loosen the wheel nuts while the car is still on the ground – once you have done this, you can jack up the car and engage the emergency brakes. Always put blocks behind the wheels remaining on the ground and use jack stands to support the car. Never work on the brakes or any on any part of the car with the car supported only by the jack – Always ensure the vehicle is properly supported before commencing work. Remove the wheel nuts and the wheel and then you will now clearly see the brake components including the brake pads and caliper.
3. You will need to release the caliper, so to do this, you will need to remove the bolts holding it in place. these bolts may be difficult to remove, so applying some penetrating oil may be helpful when trying to get them loose. Release any pressure or tension that is on the caliper before attempting to remove the caliper and be careful not to kink the brake lines or cause any damage to the brake components.
4. After removing the caliper, you will be taking off the brake pads – note how it comes apart so it will be easier to install the new brake pad. Now install the new brake pads in the same way as the old ones were positioned. You can check the brakes on the opposite side of the car for reference to confirm how it should all go together
5. When you have the brake pads installed, you will now replace the caliper. You will need to have a caliper clamp in order to squeeze the piston back onto the caliper, and it may be helpful to take off the cap on the master cylinder during this process – don’t forget to replace it when you are done!
6. The caliper now needs to be put back onto the disc. Do this very carefully to make sure there is no damage to any of the components
7. When this is completed, you can reinstall the wheel, but only put the bolts on hand tight at this point. Take the car off of the jack stands and lower it to the ground. Now you can finish tightening all of the bolts on the wheel
8. You now need to test the brakes to ensure that the brakes were properly installed. Start your car and then pump the brake pedal several times to make sure that they seat properly and have proper movement. You can put the car in gear, holding the brake pedal down and check that the car does not move
9. Now, take the car out to road test it and test the brakes. Start by going very slowly and applying the brakes, hen with increasing speed continue to apply the brakes to make sure they are working. Also test the brakes while cornering and as well, don’t forge to test them while backing up. There may be some squeaks with new brakes until they are broken in, but it you hear grinding noises, you might have put the brake pads on backwards, so you will have to check this out right away.
By following the steps above, you should know how to change brakes pads on your car and have the satisfaction and cost savings of doing this work yourself - Congratulations!
