How to Inspect and Remove the Brake Pads on Your Car

Brakes are a key safety feature on any automobile. It is necessary to periodically inspect and remove the brake pads from your car to make sure the brakes are wearing properly. Follow these general guidelines to inspect your brake pads.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Jack stands
• Lug wrench
• Clean rag

1. Jack your car up on the jack stands. Remove the hubcaps from the wheel. Remove the tire from the car by using the lug wrench to loosen and remove the lug nuts.

2. Locate the return springs on either end of the brakes. Squeeze the return springs together to release the brake pads. Set the springs aside in a safe place because you need them to put the brakes back together.

3. Remove the inside brake pad. Brush any dust from the pad.

4. Visually inspect the portion of the brake pad that comes in contact with the wheel. The brake pad should be the same thickness throughout with no scratches or marks.

5. Make sure the brake pad connections that hold the brake pad together are intact and not loose. The shim, or backside, of the brake pad should not show any signs of wear either.

6. Repeat Steps 3 through 5 on the outside brake pad. Again all pieces should show even wear and not have any loose parts. There should be no signs of separation in the metallic pieces.

7. Put the brake pads back in place. Securely reattach the return springs. Put the wheel back on the car and lower it to the ground. Check the brakes before entering traffic to make sure the brakes are working properly.