![]() ![]() ![]() Apply the grease to the clips of the new brake pads to keep them from squeaking, as shown in the photo above. Often, a small packet of graphite-based grease will come with the brake pads. There are usually left-handed and right-handed clips, so change one at a time, making sure they match up exactly as you go. There are no retaining screws for the clips. New pads almost always come with new clips, which allow the pads to slide back and forth easily. The photo above shows the pad's new retaining clips. In the above photo, you can see a comparison of the new, thicker brake pad (top) next to the old, worn-down brake pad (bottom). Simply slide the old brake pads out, as shown in the photo. The brake pads are now exposed and the retaining clips hold them loosely in place. Even if these are not yet touching, the pads are worn out if the friction material is one-eighth of an inch thick or less at any point. Most brake pads have metal wear indicators, which are small metal tabs that squeak when they contact the rotors. Reassemble the brakes and seek professional help.Īt this point, it is very easy to inspect the thickness of the brake pads to confirm that they need to be changed. If you think you have to disconnect a brake line, you're doing something wrong. The rubber hose, which is the hydraulic line, will flex to allow this so do not disconnect any hydraulic brake lines. With the bottom bolt removed, the brake caliper pivots up, as shown in the photograph above. It can be long but once it is fully loosened, it will slide out easily. It's generally only necessary to remove the lower bolt. The arrows in the photograph above point them out. On this car, a 2009 Ford Flex, the bolts are on the inside. Remove the slider boltįind the two slider bolts (sometimes called "pins") that hold the caliper in place. You now have access to the brake assembly and can safely reach under the car. Fully remove the lug nuts and remove the wheel. Lower the floor jack so its weight rests on the jack stand. Then jack up the car and place a jack stand under the car's frame. Also, since you're doing one side at a time, turn the steering wheel so that the wheel you're working on is angled out for better access to the brakes. The pads in fixed-caliper brakes are also easy to change but the process is slightly different, so we'll cover it in another instructional piece.ĭo one side then the other: For reasons that will be clear later, you should change the pads on one side of the car from start to finish before doing the other side. Other cars have fixed-caliper assemblies. Compare this caliper assembly to the one in your car. Know your caliper assembly: The majority of cars have a sliding-caliper brake assembly. Can of brake fluid - check your owner's manual for the proper type.Ī couple of things to note before you begin.Since you are saving money by doing the job yourself, you might want to consider splurging a bit by buying original manufacturer brake pads, which are more expensive. Plastic tie, bungee cord or piece of string.Turkey baster for drawing out brake fluid.Wrench (choose a socket, open end or adjustable wrench).C-clamp or length of wood to retract the piston.Disposable mechanic's gloves to protect your hands and keep them clean.Money saved: About $115-$250 per axle for most cars and much more for luxury or performance cars Here is a general step-by-step guide to brake pad replacement. You may need an auto care professional's help for this, but you can see what's involved in a brake rotor change by looking here. In either case the rotors may also need to be replaced or "turned" on a brake lathe, a procedure not covered here. If the rotors appear grooved or uneven, they may be scored. Note: If the front end of the car vibrates when you apply the brakes, your brake rotors may be warped. But noise alone isn't always the best indicator, so it's best to anticipate when this will happen by periodically inspecting the thickness of the pads. You need to change brake pads when they get too thin, especially if they begin to make a persistent metallic squealing or grinding noise when you press the brake pedal. ![]() Front brake pads usually wear out more quickly than rear brake pads (note that the rears could be either disc or drum brakes), so they need to be changed more often. Nearly all cars these days have front disc brake systems. But even if you're not interested in doing the job yourself, knowing what's involved makes it easier to understand what your mechanic may someday tell you. Doing it yourself also will save you a lot of money. You will be pleasantly surprised to find that you can replace the pads in your car's disc brake system quickly, easily and without specialized tools. If your brake pads are squealing or grinding, it might be time for a brake pad replacement. ![]()
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