DIY Brake Pad Replacement: Instructions, Needed Tools and Materials
Brake pads are a critical component of your vehicle’s braking system. As you press the brake pedal, the brake pads press against the rotor to slow the wheels. Over time, the friction from braking wears down the brake pad material until it gets too thin and needs to be replaced.
Most vehicles need new brake pads every 25,000 to 70,000 miles depending on driving conditions and styles. Replacing worn brake pads helps ensure you have effective braking power when you need it. Brake pad replacement is also important for preventing damage to rotors which are more expensive to replace.
While DIY brake pad replacement can save on labor costs, it’s an advanced job requiring specialized tools, mechanical skills and safety precautions. Brakes are a critical safety system, so mistakes during brake service could lead to brake failure and accidents. This article will cover the steps, but inexperienced mechanics should exercise caution.
When to Replace Brake Pads
Brake pads generally last between 30,000 and 70,000 miles, though some can last up to 100,000 miles depending on driving conditions and pad material. There are a few telltale signs that your brake pads need to be replaced:
- Squealing or screeching when braking – Brake pads have a built-in wear indicator that scrapes against the rotor when the pad material gets low, causing a high-pitched noise.
- Vibration when braking – This indicates the pad material has worn away completely in some spots, causing an uneven braking surface.
- Longer stopping distances – Worn pads lead to reduced braking power and longer distances to come to a stop.
- Visible wear or damage – Inspect the pads visually through the wheels or calipers for excessive wearing down or cracking/crumbling.
It’s dangerous to wait until the pads are completely worn away before replacing them. Not only does braking performance suffer greatly, it can damage the brake rotors and calipers. Replacing pads before they are fully worn helps prevent more expensive brake repairs down the road.
Gather Tools & Materials
Before starting the brake pad replacement, you’ll need to gather the proper tools and materials. Having the right equipment makes the job safer and easier.
Here are the common tools needed for a brake pad replacement:
- Floor jack or hydraulic lift – to raise the vehicle
- Jack stands – to support the vehicle once raised
- Wheel chocks – to prevent rolling
- Lug wrench – to remove wheel lug nuts
- Socket set and ratchet – for removing caliper bolts
- Torque wrench – to tighten lug nuts and caliper bolts to specification
- Brake caliper tool – to push caliper piston back in
- Brake pad spreader – to make it easier to remove pads
- Wire brush – to clean caliper bracket and rotor surface
- Brake cleaner – to remove grease and debris
You’ll also need the new brake pads, with any necessary hardware like shims or clips. Make sure you have the correct pads for your vehicle. Refer to your owner’s manual if unsure.
For safety, you’ll want gloves, eye protection, and a dust mask. Take your time gathering everything you need before starting the repair.
Safety Precautions
When working on brakes, it’s crucial to take proper safety precautions. Improperly lifting and supporting the vehicle can lead to serious injury or death if the car falls off the jack. According to NAPA, you should place the jack at the proper lifting points, which are typically reinforced areas on the frame. Use jack stands and tire chocks for additional support.
Brake pads contain abrasive material that turns into fine dust when the pads wear down. According to Firestone, inhaling brake dust can irritate your respiratory system. Wear protective gloves, eye protection, and a mask or respirator when working on brakes.
Remove Wheels
Removing the wheels is an important first step to gain access to the brake components. Here are step-by-step instructions:
- Block the wheels that will remain on the ground. Place wheel chocks in front and behind the tires to prevent rolling.
- Loosen each lug nut 1/2 to 1 full turn using the lug wrench or tire iron. Turning counter-clockwise will loosen.
- Raise the vehicle using a floor jack. Position the jack under the car’s frame near the wheel you are removing. Raise the car just high enough so the tire clears the ground.
- Finish unscrewing the lug nuts by hand and remove them. Keep them in a secure place.
- Pull the wheel off the rotor and set it aside.
If lug nuts are stuck, avoid rounding them off by applying penetrating oil or lubricant. Let them soak for 10-15 minutes. Then attach the lug wrench securely and put extra force such as standing on the end or hitting with a hammer.
For reference, see: https://www.autozone.com/diy/brakes/how-to-replace-brake-pads-and-rotors
Remove Caliper & Old Pads
To remove the caliper and old brake pads:
- Use a screwdriver to detach the caliper from the caliper bracket by removing the two bolts that hold it in place. Be careful not to damage the brake fluid line connected to the caliper.
- Carefully remove the caliper and hang it from the suspension using a bungee cord or zip tie. Do not let it hang by the brake hose as this can damage the hose. The caliper should be supported to avoid straining the brake line 1.
- Take out the brake pads from the caliper bracket by sliding them up and out. Discard the old pads.
With the caliper removed, the brake rotor will now be fully accessible for cleaning in the next steps.
Clean Rotors & Caliper
Cleaning the rotors and caliper assembly is an important step when replacing brake pads. Over time, brake dust and debris can build up on the rotor surface and caliper piston, reducing braking performance.
According to How to Clean Brake Rotors- Dust, Rust and Corrosion | PowerStop, rotors should be cleaned thoroughly with a brake cleaner spray or wipe to remove all contaminants. Avoid using petroleum-based cleaners. The caliper piston can be cleaned by spraying brake cleaner into the caliper opening while pumping the brakes to extend the piston. Wipe clean with a lint-free rag.
If the rotors show signs of excessive wear, grooving or thickness variation, they may need to be resurfaced or replaced for optimal braking performance. Rotors with deep grooves or thickness under the manufacturer specifications should be replaced.
Install New Pads & Caliper
Once the caliper and old brake pads have been removed, it’s time to install the new brake pads. Here are the steps:
1. Check that the new brake pads match the old ones. Refer to your vehicle’s manual if unsure about compatibility.[Source 1]
2. Before installing the new pads, apply a thin layer of high temperature brake lubricant on the back of each one. This helps prevent brake squeal.[Source 2]
3. Insert the new inner brake pad first with the friction material facing the rotor.[Source 1]
4. Next, insert the new outer brake pad in the same orientation.
5. Slide the caliper back over the new pads to hold them in place.
6. Re-insert the caliper mounting bolts and tighten them with a socket wrench.
7. Give the brake pedal a few pumps to seat the new pads against the rotor.
Double check that the new brake pads are seated correctly in the caliper before moving to the next step of reinstalling the wheels.
[Source 1] https://www.autozone.com/diy/brakes/how-to-replace-brake-pads-and-rotors
[Source 2] https://www.autozone.com/diy/brakes/how-to-replace-brake-pads-and-rotors
Reinstall Wheels
After installing the new brake pads and caliper, you can reinstall the wheels. It’s crucial that the wheel lug nuts or bolts are torqued to the vehicle manufacturer’s specifications. Under- or over-tightening the lug nuts can lead to damage or dangerous wheel detachment while driving (How Do I Properly Torque My Wheel Lug Nuts or Bolts?). Use a torque wrench to tighten the lug nuts to your vehicle’s recommended torque, which is typically between 70-100 ft-lbs for most passenger vehicles (Anyone know the tightening torque specs for the bolts used). Once the lug nuts are properly torqued, you can lower the vehicle safely. Re-check the torque after 50-100 miles of driving as the lug nuts may settle (How Do I Properly Torque My Wheel Lug Nuts or Bolts?).
Conclusion
After installing the new brake pads and rotors, it is very important to follow the proper bedding in procedure to maximize performance and braking power. This involves making a series of stops from moderate speeds down to 5-10 mph to transfer an even layer of friction material onto the new brake pads and rotors per the recommendations here:
Here is a great guide on bedding in brakes. Follow the steps exactly and repeat the bedding in procedure 2-3 times to ensure proper conditioning of the new components. Going forward, monitor brake performance closely and watch for any signs of problems like squeaking, grinding, vibrating, pulling, or uneven braking. If any issues arise, have the brakes inspected right away.
Proper maintenance is crucial for brake system health and safety. Follow the recommended inspection intervals in your owner’s manual, and have a professional technician check the thickness of the brake pads during routine brake service. Brake fluid should also be flushed according to the intervals specified by the manufacturer to keep the hydraulic system in good working order.