How to Change Worn Brake Pads and Save Over $300

With a few tools and a little know how, you can replace worn brake pads on your vehicle for as little as $25 and save over $300 on a brake job.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Hydraulic Jack
• Jack stands
• Ratchet kit or wrenches
• 6 inch C-Clamp
• Bolt loosening solvent
• New brake pads
• Brake pad anti-squeak grease
• Binding wire or string

1. 
   Block one wheel with pieces of wood or bricks to prevent rolling.

   Make sure the vehicle is on level ground and the emergency brake is fully engaged. Stuff large pieces of wood or bricks in the front and back of one of the tires to prevent rolling.

2. 
   The brake fluid reservoir is usually close to the firewall and made of lightly colored plastic

   Locate the hydraulic brake reservoir and unscrew the cap. The reservoir is usually close to the firewall and light colored so you can visually see the brake fluid level. Place a large rag or piece of plastic on the ground directly under the reservoir to catch excess brake fluid.

3. 
   Use a good hydraulic jack and jack stands that will support the weight of your vehicle

   Loosen the lug nuts on the first wheel and then raise the vehicle with the jack enough so the tire is off the ground. Use the jack stand as a secondary support in case the jack fails. Remove the lug nuts and the wheel.

4. 
   The caliper anchor bolts are usually behind the caliper

   Locate the two anchor bolts on the caliper and remove with the proper sized socket or wrench. The bolts are usually behind the caliper and very tight. Use the bolt loosening solvent if needed to loosen the bolts.

5. 
   Wiggle the caliper and then pull it off the rotor

   Wiggle the caliper to loosen it a bit and then pull it away from the rotor, but don't pull it too far because it is still attached to the car by the brake line.

6. 
   Brake pad and anti squeak plate

   Use binding wire or string to hang the caliper and locate the brake pads and pop them out. Make sure you also remove the metal anti-squeak plate on the pad side not facing the rotor.

7. Use the C-clamp to push in the caliper thrusters until they are flush with the wall of the caliper. Brake fluid will overflow out of the reservoir at this time, but this is Ok.

8. 
   You can clearly see the difference in thickness of a worn pad and a new one.

   Cover both sides of the anti squeak plate with the anti squeak brake grease and also cover the arms of the caliper that touch the brake pads. If you don't do this the plate will vibrate when you apply the brakes and you will hear that familiar brake squeaking sound.

9. Place the caliper back onto the rotor, replace and tighten the anchor bolts. Repeat the process for the other front wheel. If the caliper will not go back into place make sure you pushed the caliper thrusters all the way down.

10. 
    Make sure the brake fluid reservoir is filled to the indicator line.

    Check the brake fluid level and then replace the reservoir cap.

Tips & Warnings

• Most cars have disc brakes on the front wheels only, so you only have to change the pads on two wheels.
• If the car has disc brakes on all four wheels, it is usually the front pads that wear first and need replacing. The rear wheel pads last a lot longer.
• Make sure the rotors are smooth and do not have ridges. If they do, they may need to be replaced or ground down. If you replace the pads with damaged rotors the brakes will not be as efficient and the pads will wear down faster.

Resources

• Replacing Brake Pads - Automedia.com
• Brake Bleeding - Automedia.com
• Replacing Rotors - Automedia.com

[happystar]

on 10/18/2009 Great tips. I will try that. Thanks.