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Brake Pad Replacement: 8 Step Process to Change Your Brake Pads

Replacing your brake pads regularly helps your vehicle stop or slow down by converting the vehicle's kinetic energy to thermal energy through friction. Brake pads are the key components of disc brakes and play a major role in a vehicle's braking system. Here are the steps to replace your brake pads

How to Replace Your Brake Pads

Tools you may need:

  • Jack stands
  • Lug wrench
  • Disposable gloves for keeping hands clean
  • C-clamp to retract the piston or brake spreader
  • Turkey baster to draw out the excess brake fluid

Here are the steps to replace your brake pads:

  • Remove the wheel

    Start the brake pad replacement procedure by removing the wheel. To remove the wheel, you need to loosen the lug nuts, jack up the car, and place a jack stand under the car's frame. Once the car is raised, continue removing the lug nuts and access the brake assembly after removing the wheel.

    Make sure to wear safety googles, protective gloves, and secure jack points for the jack and jack stands.

  • Check your brake fluid level

    Open the car hood and confirm that the brake fluid reservoir is full. If the reservoir is too full, use a turkey baster, or a similar device, to remove some fluid to avoid spillage when you compress the brake caliper piston.

  • Remove the caliper bolts

    Using a ratchet and socket set, gently remove the caliper bolts and the two slider bolts that hold the caliper in place. Remove the caliper assembly and place it on top of the rotor, firmly connecting the brake line.

  • Remove the brake pads

    After removing the caliper assembly, you should have access to the old brake pads. Note their orientations so that you can install the new pads in the same way and start removing the brake pads from both sides of your brake rotor.

    Note: make sure to check the old pads for uneven wear patterns. This could be an indication that the pads are sicked due to a worn pad or caliper hardware, lack of lubricant, or a sticking caliper piston.

  • Replace the retaining clips

    The retaining clips allow the pads to slide back and forth easily. Pull out the old clips and replace them with the new ones, making sure to place them in the appropriate direction. Also check the bolts, guides, and rubber boots for any signs of wear or damage.

  • Retract the piston

    For fitting new pads, you have to retract the caliper piston back into its housing. This can be done by fitting a woodblock and a 'C clamp over the piston. The piston moves back and displaces the brake fluid back into the master cylinder reservoir.

    While pushing the piston back, there may be chances of the brake fluid level rising. Therefore, it is recommended to open the master cylinder reservoir and check it often. In cases where the brake fluid starts to overflow, the turkey baster can be used to suck out the brake fluid.

  • Install the new brake pads

    After ensuring the proper orientation, fit the new brake pads the same way as the old ones. Apply a small amount of brake grease to the metal plates to ensure a smooth fit of the new brake pads.

  • Adjust the caliper assembly

    After installing the new pads, slide the caliper assembly back into position and align the mounting or locating pins. Position the caliper against the circular piston and tighten them with pins or bolts using the brake tool. Secure them in place using the socket wrench.

  • Refit the wheel

    Place the wheel back and tighten the position using the lug nuts. Follow up by re-inserting the jack and removing the jack stand. After properly refitting the wheel, lower your car to the ground and secure the lug nuts in place.

Signs You Should Replace Brake Pads

  • Noisy braking

    The first sign is if your brake pads produce lots of noise every time they are engaged. Brake pads may sound like screeching, squealing, grinding, or whining noises due to extremely worn brake pads. This sound is made by a small metal attachment on the brake pad backing plate to alert the driver. Make sure to replace your brake pads when you start hearing noises to prevent further damage and expensive repairs.

    Sometimes if the brakes are wet, the pads may have a similar squealing sound, but if the sound disappears after pressing the brake pedal, it was likely just because there was water on the brake pads.

  • Poor braking performance

    If it takes longer than usual for a vehicle to stop, this could be because the brake pads are worn down, your brake fluid is low, or there is some unwanted material trapped within the braking system. You should contact a brake mechanic as soon as possible to ensure that you stay safe on the road.

  • Vibration under braking

    If you experience vibration every time you hit the brakes this could be caused by warped rotors, contaminated rotors or pads, anti-lock braking system activation, or out-of-round drums. Vibrations may also arise due to sensitive braking due to incorrect or greasy brake pad linings, misadjusted master cylinder pushrod, or a faulty proportioning valve. Make sure to contact a car mechanic as soon as possible if you believe there may be a problem with your brake system.

  • Thin brake pad

    If the width of the brake pad is less than a quarter of an inch, you should contact a brake specialist to replace your brake pads. As you use your brakes, the friction material attached to the brake pad deteriorates leading to pad wear and thinning. The brake pads can be visually inspected by checking between the wheels' spokes and measuring the brake pad's size.

  • Brake light warning on dashboard

    If you see a brake light warning on your dashboard, this can indicate that your brake pads are getting worn and need to be replaced, you need to check the brake fluid in your master cylinder because there is a leak or your parking brake has a problem or is still engaged. Make sure to have a car mechanic look at the light and inspect your brakes to make sure your brake system is working.

How Often Should You Replace Brake Pads?

On average, brake pads and rotors should be replaced every 25,000 to 65,000 miles. Replacement periods can depend on various factors such as the condition, the thickness of the brake pads, the type of driving, the type of pads, the weight of the vehicle, and the size of loads carried.

You should inspect the following parts of your vehicle:

  • The brake pads should be inspected for uneven wear, abrasion, or any scoring.
  • The thickness of the brake rotors should be measured to check if there are any significant changes.
  • The brake disc condition should be checked for the presence of any cracks, scratches, and damage.
  • The level of brake fluid should be checked to ensure there is not a leak.
  • The brake lines, steering system, and wheel bearings should also be inspected.

Final Thoughts

It is crucial that your vehicle is well-maintained in proper working conditions and replaces any of its equipment whenever necessary. One major element of a car is its working brake system that helps to ensure a comfortable driving experience and handle the car well.

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