When it comes to vehicle safety, few components are as crucial as your brake pads. These small but mighty parts play a pivotal role in ensuring your car can stop quickly and safely. Over time, brake pads wear down and need replacement.
Looking for high-quality brake pads? Explore GEO Brakes’ premium selection of brake pads today!
Don’t Wait, Buy Now!
Learning how to change brake pads can save you money on maintenance and keep your vehicle in tip-top shape. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through the process of changing brake pads step by step.
Tools and Materials You’ll Need
Before you start, gather the following tools and materials:
- Jack and Jack stands
- Lug wrench
- Socket and ratchet set
- C-clamp or brake caliper tool
- Brake fluid
- New brake pads
- Brake cleaner
- A turkey baster or syringe (for brake fluid removal)
- Gloves and safety glasses
Also Read about : Types of Brake Pads Choosing the right brake pads for your car!
Step 1: Safety First
Begin by ensuring your vehicle is parked on a level surface and the engine is turned off. Safety should be your top priority throughout this process. Also, put on your gloves and safety glasses to protect yourself from brake dust and any potential splatter.
Step 2: Loosen the Lug Nuts
Use the lug wrench to slightly loosen the lug nuts on the wheel of the brake pads you’re changing. Do not remove them completely at this point; just make it easier to unscrew them later.
Step 3: Lift and Secure the Vehicle
Position the jack under your car’s frame or recommended lifting points and raise the vehicle until the wheel with the worn brake pads is off the ground. Place jack stands under the car to provide additional support and security. Never rely solely on the jack to hold your vehicle up.
Step 4: Remove the Wheel
Finish unscrewing the lug nuts and remove the wheel. This will give you access to the brake assembly.
Step 5: Locate the Brake Caliper
The brake caliper is the housing that encases the brake pads. It’s usually held in place by two bolts on the backside. Locate these bolts and use your socket and ratchet to remove them. Once they’re removed, gently slide the caliper off the brake rotor.
Step 6: Remove the Old Brake Pads
With the caliper out of the way, you can now access the old brake pads. They may be secured with clips, pins, or retaining bolts. Carefully remove these components and slide the old brake pads out.
Step 7: Compress the Brake Caliper Piston
Before you can install the new brake pads, you’ll need to compress the brake caliper piston back into its housing. You can use a C-clamp or a specialized brake caliper tool for this.
Simply place the clamp or tool over the piston and gently compress it until it’s flush with the caliper housing.
Step 8: Install the New Brake Pads
Slide the new brake pads into the caliper bracket where the old ones were removed. Ensure they’re properly seated.
Step 9: Reattach the Brake Caliper
Carefully slide the brake caliper back over the new brake pads and align it with the bracket. Reattach the caliper using the bolts you removed earlier and tighten them securely.
Step 10: Put the Wheel Back On
Now that the new brake pads are in place and the caliper is secure, it’s time to put the wheel back on. Tighten the lug nuts by hand as much as you can.
Step 11: Lower the Vehicle
Use the jack to lower the vehicle until all four wheels are on the ground.
Step 12: Tighten the Lug Nuts
With the vehicle’s weight on the wheels, use your lug wrench to tighten the lug nuts in a crisscross pattern to ensure even pressure. Check your vehicle’s manual for the recommended torque specifications.
Step 13: Pump the Brake Pedal
Before hitting the road, pump the brake pedal a few times to ensure the brake pads are properly seated and have good contact with the brake rotor.
Step 14: Check the Brake Fluid
In the final step of how to change brake pads, open the hood and check the brake fluid reservoir. If it’s low, top it off with the appropriate brake fluid.
Conclusion
Changing brake pads may seem like a daunting task, but with the right tools and some patience, it’s a job that many car enthusiasts can tackle on their own. Regular brake maintenance is essential for your safety and the longevity of your vehicle.
By following this step-by-step guide, you can change your brake pads like a pro and enjoy worry-free driving with responsive brakes. However, if you’re uncomfortable performing this task yourself, don’t hesitate to seek professional assistance to ensure your brakes are in top-notch condition.
