I. Introduction
Brake pads are an essential part of a car’s safety system. They are responsible for bringing the vehicle to a stop, and worn out brake pads can lead to decreased stopping power and potential accidents. The good news is that changing brake pads is a relatively straightforward process that can be done at home with the right tools, knowledge, and patience.
This article will provide a comprehensive guide on how to change brake pads, as well as practical DIY tips, best practice tips, safety tips, and common brake pad problems. We will also compare the cost of changing brake pads at a dealership versus doing it yourself at home.
II. Step-by-Step Guide
Step 1: Gather the necessary tools and parts. You will need a jack, jack stands, lug wrench, socket wrench, torque wrench, brake pads, brake rotor, and brake fluid.
Step 2: Loosen the lug nuts on the wheel you want to work on.
Step 3: Lift the vehicle with a jack and secure it with jack stands. Do not rely solely on a jack to support the weight of the vehicle.
Step 4: Remove the lug nuts and take off the tire.
Step 5: Remove the caliper by loosening the bolts or pins that hold it in place. Do not let the caliper hang from the brake hose.
Step 6: Remove the brake pads from the caliper or bracket.
Step 7: Remove the rotor if it needs to be replaced.
Step 8: Install the new rotor if needed.
Step 9: Install the new brake pads into the caliper or bracket.
Step 10: Reattach the caliper and tighten the bolts or pins to the manufacturer’s specifications using a torque wrench.
Step 11: Put the tire back on and tighten the lug nuts to the manufacturer’s specification in a star pattern.
Step 12: Lower the vehicle and torque the lug nuts once again.
III. Video Tutorial
For a more visual guide, watch this video tutorial below:
IV. DIY Tips
Changing brake pads can save you time and money. Below are some practical DIY tips to help you along the way:
- Use a torque wrench to ensure that the bolts and nuts are tightened to the manufacturer’s specifications.
- Avoid cross-threading by carefully threading the bolts and nuts by hand before using a wrench to tighten them.
- Lubricate the caliper bolts to prevent them from seizing up and make it easier to remove and install the caliper.
V. Best Practice Tips
It’s crucial to install brake pads correctly to ensure proper braking performance. Below are some best practice tips to follow:
- Check for leaks before taking the vehicle out for a drive.
- Clean the brake rotor and hub with brake cleaner to remove any oil, dirt, or rust.
- Bed in new brake pads by gradually increasing speed and then slowly coming to a stop from 35 to 5 mph several times to evenly distribute friction material on the rotor for optimal performance.
VI. Safety Tips
Safety should always be a top priority when working on a vehicle. Below are some safety tips to keep in mind:
- Wear gloves to protect your hands from grease, oil, and debris.
- Use a jack stand to support the weight of the vehicle along with a jack.
- Never work on a vehicle that’s only supported by a jack.
VII. Common Brake Pad Problems
Brake pads can wear out over time and cause various issues. Below are some common brake pad problems and tips for diagnosing and fixing them:
- Squeaking or squealing: Brake pads will make noise when there is not enough friction material remaining. Replace the brake pads immediately.
- Pulsing or shaking: Warped rotors can cause a pulsing or shaking sensation when braking. Replace the rotors or have them machined if they are still usable.
- Soft or spongy pedal: Air in the brake lines or worn out brake pads can cause a soft or spongy pedal. Bleed the brakes or replace the brake pads accordingly.
VIII. Cost Comparison
Changing brake pads at a dealership can be costly, but doing it yourself can save you a substantial amount of money. Below is a cost comparison for changing brake pads:
| Dealership Cost | DIY Cost | |
|---|---|---|
| Brake pads and rotor (per axle) | $300-$600 | $100-$200 |
| Labor cost (per axle) | $100-$300 | $0 |
| Total cost (per axle) | $400-$900 | $100-$200 |
Since brake pads need to be changed every 30,000-70,000 miles, learning how to change brake pads can save you a lot of money over the life of your vehicle.
IX. Conclusion
In conclusion, changing brake pads is a relatively simple process if you have the right tools and knowledge. By following our step-by-step guide and using our practical DIY tips, best practice tips, safety tips, and common brake pad problem tips, you can confidently change brake pads yourself and save money. With the cost comparison provided, you can see that doing it yourself is significantly cheaper than having it done at a dealership. Being able to change brake pads yourself is not only cost-effective but also empowering since it gives you more control over your vehicle’s maintenance.
