Beginners Car Care - Brake Pad Change
Author: Josh Date Posted:9 March 2023
Welcome to the third installment of our Beginners Car Care guides, where we break down simple auto maintenance jobs so you’re able to DIY install with our products and save yourself hundreds of dollars from a trip to your mechanic. Not everyone grew up with a grease monkey family member, there are no stupid questions here. Today we’ll be covering another one of the slightly more difficult DIY services you can do on your vehicle, changing your Brake Pads.
Changing the brake pads in your vehicle is an essential part of regular maintenance as pads are made of friction material which gradually wear over time. Brake pads with low amounts of friction material length will greatly increase your stopping distance which can easily cause an accident.
In this guide, we will provide step-by-step instructions to help you change your brake pads, even if you have no prior experience.
1. What are the signs of worn brake pads?
More modern vehicles will feature built in brake wear sensors that will notify you when friction material is getting low, however if your car doesn’t have these sensors then look out for:
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Screeching, squealing or crunching sound when hitting the brakes
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Less than half a centimeter a friction material left on pad upon visual inspection (refer to indicator lines)
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Increased stopping distances
2. How often should I replace my brake pads?
How long is a piece of string? Brake pad service intervals can all depend upon:
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Frequency of driving
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Intensity of driving
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Types of pads used
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Towing & load carrying
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Climate conditions
3. Can I change just my brake pads and reuse the rotors?
Brake pads generally have to be changed more frequently than pads and rotors also can be machined to be almost new again. Shoddy rotors can ruin new pads and vice versa as well so it pays to be careful and check the condition of the old rotors before deciding to reuse.
4. How do I find the correct brake pads?
By utilising the My Garage feature located at the top of the home page, you can easily discover the appropriate brake pads and components for your car. Simply input your registration and state or browse by make, model, and year, and our website will suggest the ideal products that are compatible with your vehicle.
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A set of Front and/or Rear Brake Pads: We recommend brands such as Bendix, TRW, DBA or Brembo.
Step 1: Prepare your vehicle
Before you begin, make sure your car is parked on a flat surface, apply the parking brake, and turn off the engine. Then, remove the wheel cover if necessary and loosen the lug nuts using a lug wrench. You don't want to remove them entirely yet, just loosen them enough that you can remove them once the car is lifted.
Use a jack to lift the vehicle, and place jack stands under the car’s frame to support it. It's important to use jack stands to keep your car stable while you work. Once the car is secure, remove the lug nuts and the wheel. Place the wheel aside in a safe location.
Step 2: Remove the old brake pads
Locate the brake caliper, which is usually located at the top of the rotor. Depending on your car, the caliper may be held in place by bolts or pins. Use a wrench or socket to remove the bolts holding the caliper in place. If the caliper is held in place by pins, use pliers to remove the pins.
Once you have removed the bolts or pins, gently pull the caliper away from the rotor. Take care not to damage the brake line. You should now see the old brake pads resting inside the caliper.
Step 3: Inspect the brake system
Before installing the new brake pads, inspect the brake system for any signs of wear or damage. Check the brake rotors, calipers, and brake lines for cracks, leaks, or other damage. If you notice any issues, it is best to replace the damaged parts before proceeding.
Step 4: Install the new brake pads
Remove the old brake pads from the caliper and replace them with the new ones. Ensure that the pads are properly aligned with the rotor and fit snugly inside the caliper. Some brake pads may have a wear indicator, which is a small piece of metal that will make contact with the rotor when the pad has worn down to its minimum thickness. Make sure that the wear indicator is facing the rotor.
Then, use a C-clamp to compress the caliper piston, which will make room for the new, thicker brake pads. Place one end of the C-clamp against the back of the caliper and the other end against the metal backing of the old brake pad. Turn the C-clamp handle clockwise to compress the piston. Be sure to compress the piston slowly and evenly to avoid damaging the caliper.
Step 5: Reinstall the caliper and wheel
Once the new brake pads are in place, carefully slide the caliper back over the rotor and reattach the bolts or pins. Tighten the bolts to the recommended torque specifications, which can be found in your vehicle’s owner manual. If the caliper is held in place by pins, insert the pins and secure them with the retaining clips.
Finally, reinstall the wheel and lug nuts, and lower the car to the ground. Use the lug wrench to tighten the lug nuts in a star pattern to ensure even tightening. Tighten them to the recommended torque specifications.
Step 6: Test the brakes
Before driving your car, pump the brake pedal a few times to ensure that the brake pads are properly seated. Then, test your brakes at low speed in a safe and quiet location to ensure that they are working correctly. If you notice any issues, such as squeaking, grinding, or reduced stopping power, seek professional help immediately.
Congratulations you’ve changed your first set of brake pads! Stay tuned for more step by step beginner friendly guides and visit our website to grab parts yourself, you’ll be a certified backyard mechanic in no time.
If you have any further questions, feel free to contact our friendly experts for advice on 02 8711 9711
