Brake Pad Replacement: Procedures, Average Costs for Front/Back & More
Brake pads are friction pads that provide the gripping power needed to stop a vehicle’s wheels from spinning. They are a normal wear item that gradually wear down from friction each time the brakes are applied. Eventually, worn brake pads lose braking effectiveness and need to be replaced to maintain proper braking performance.
There are a few signs that indicate when brake pads need replacement: brake pedal pulsation, squeaking/squealing noises when braking, longer stopping distances, vibration when braking, and visible wear with thin brake pads. Typically, brake pads need replacement every 25,000-50,000 miles depending on driving conditions and habits. Replacing worn brake pads ensures brakes work safely and efficiently.
When to Replace Brake Pads
Knowing when to replace your brake pads is important for maintaining safe braking and preventing damage to other brake components. There are some clear warning signs that indicate your brake pads are wearing down and need replacement:
Visible Wear-and-Tear: Checking your brake pads visually during a tire rotation or other service can reveal thinning pad material. Most experts recommend replacement when pads are worn down to 3/16-inch or less.
High-Pitched Screeching: As the pad wears down, the friction material will start to rub against the rotor causing a high-pitched screeching sound when braking. This indicates the pads have minimal material left. (Performance Honda Store)
Screeching Despite New Pads: If you’ve recently replaced the pads but still hear screeching, the rotors may be worn down and need resurfacing or replacement.
Slow Stopping Response: Braking that feels mushy or takes longer to stop can indicate worn pads and rotors.
Brake Pad Types
There are three main types of brake pads:
Organic Brake Pads
Organic brake pads are made from non-metallic, organic materials such as glass, rubber, Kevlar, and carbon. They produce less dust and are quieter than metallic pads, making them good for normal driving conditions. However, organic pads wear faster and have less heat resistance than metallic pads [1].
Ceramic Brake Pads
Ceramic brake pads contain ceramic fibers, fillers, bonding agents and small amounts of copper fibers. They are quiet, produce less brake dust, and are more expensive than organic pads. Ceramic pads can withstand high heat but wear faster than semi-metallic pads [2].
Semi-Metallic Brake Pads
Semi-metallic pads contain 30-65% metal such as copper, iron, steel, and graphite. They are durable, have good heat transfer, but produce more noise and dust than ceramic or organic pads. Semi-metallics provide the best braking performance but can be abrasive on rotors over time.
Brake Pad Replacement Procedure
Replacing brake pads is a straightforward process that can typically be completed in 1-2 hours with basic mechanical skills and tools. Here are the general steps involved in replacing brake pads:
1. Park on level ground and engage the emergency brake. Raise the front or rear of the vehicle using jack stands or a lift. Remove the wheels to access the brake caliper and pads.
2. Locate the caliper bolts. There are typically two bolts on the backside. Remove the caliper bolts and slide off the caliper to expose the brake pads.
3. Remove the old brake pads by sliding them out of the caliper bracket. Pay attention to how the pads are oriented with the inner and outer placement. Also remove any hardware clips or anti-rattle springs.
4. Install the new brake pads in the same orientation as the old ones. Make sure they slide smoothly in the caliper bracket. Re-install any hardware clips or springs.
5. Slide the caliper back over the new pads and reinstall the caliper bolts. Torque them to spec using a torque wrench. Repeat steps for the other wheels.
6. Pump the brake pedal a few times to restore proper operation before driving. Check brake fluid level and top off if needed. Properly bed-in the new brake pads by following the break-in procedure.
Refer to a vehicle-specific repair manual for detailed instructions. Safety is paramount when doing brake work. [1]
Replacing Front Brake Pads
Replacing the front brake pads involves the following steps:
1. Park your car on a flat surface and engage the parking brake. Block the rear wheels with blocks or chocks.
2. Loosen the front wheel lug nuts slightly before jacking up the front of the car. Raise the front of the car and support it securely on jack stands.
3. Remove the front wheels. This will expose the brake caliper and brake pads.
4. Locate the caliper bolts that hold the caliper to the brake assembly. Remove these bolts and detach the caliper from the assembly. Hang the caliper out of the way using a bungee cord or wire.[1]
5. Remove the brake pads from the caliper bracket by sliding them out. Also remove the retaining clips if present.
6. Use a caliper piston compressor tool to push the piston back into the caliper to provide clearance for the new thicker brake pads.
7. Install the new brake pads and retaining clips (if required). Make sure the pads are seated properly in the caliper bracket.
8. Re-install the caliper and tighten the caliper bolts to the recommended torque specifications.
9. Re-install the front wheels and lower the vehicle. Tighten the lug nuts in a star pattern.
10. Pump the brake pedal a few times to restore brake pressure before driving the car.
Replacing Rear Brake Pads
Replacing rear brake pads involves removing the rear wheels, detaching the caliper, and installing new brake pads. Here are the steps for replacing rear brake pads:
1. Park on a level surface and engage the parking brake. Loosen the rear lug nuts but don’t remove them yet.
2. Jack up the rear of the vehicle and support it with jack stands. Remove the rear wheels.
3. Locate the caliper and use a C-clamp to push the caliper piston in to provide clearance for the new pads.
4. Remove the caliper bolts and detach the caliper from the caliper bracket. Hang the caliper out of the way using a bungee cord or wire.
5. Remove the brake pads from the caliper bracket. If the rotors need replacing, remove them as well.
6. Install the new brake pads in the caliper bracket and use brake grease on the contact points between the pads and caliper.
7. Reinstall the caliper and tighten the caliper bolts to the specified torque.
8. Repeat steps on the other rear wheel. Refit the rear wheels and lower the vehicle.
Refer to this guide for more details on replacing rear brake pads.
Brake Pad Replacement Costs
The cost to replace brake pads can vary quite a bit depending on the make and model of the vehicle, whether just the front or rear brake pads need replacing or both, and whether you do it yourself or have a professional mechanic do it. However, on average, brake pad replacements tend to cost the following:
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Front brake pad replacement: $100-$300 per axle
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Rear brake pad replacement: $100-$300 per axle
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Complete brake pad replacement (front and rear): $200-$600
According to AAA, replacing just the front or rear brake pads would cost $100-$300 each, while replacing both axles’ brake pads would run $200-$600 total (1). Jiffy Lube also estimates a similar range, with a complete brake repair including pads, rotors, and calipers averaging $200-$800 depending on factors like vehicle and parts (2).
In general, you can expect to pay more for luxury, performance, or heavy-duty vehicles that require more expensive, high-end brake components. More affordable economy cars will be on the lower end of the scale. Going to a professional mechanic vs. doing it yourself will also increase the overall brake pad replacement costs.
DIY vs Professional Replacement
There are pros and cons to both doing a brake pad replacement yourself or taking your car to a professional mechanic. Here are some of the main considerations:
DIY Pros:
- Cheaper cost – buying tools and parts yourself is often significantly less expensive than paying shop labor rates
- Learn new skills – doing your own brake work allows you to gain mechanical experience and knowledge
- Convenience – work on your own schedule rather than relying on a shop appointment
DIY Cons:
- Safety – improper brake service can impact the safety of your vehicle
- No specialty tools – some brake jobs require expensive or specialized tools only shops will have
- More time consuming – DIY brake jobs often take longer with trial and error
- Difficulty – brakes are complex with little room for error
Hiring a Mechanic Pros:
- Expertise – mechanics are trained professionals that do brakes every day
- Right tools – shops have all the specialized equipment needed, like brake lathes
- Efficiency – mechanics can complete the job much faster than a DIY attempt
- Warranty – repairs done by a shop usually come with a warranty
Hiring a Mechanic Cons:
- Cost – shop labor rates, parts markup, and fees add significant cost
- Convenience – need to schedule appointment and be without vehicle for several hours or days
- No learning – paying someone denies the opportunity to learn yourself
Overall, for most drivers without mechanical experience, taking your car to a professional mechanic for brake pad replacement is recommended. However, with proper preparation and care, DIY brake jobs are achievable for some car owners willing to invest the time and effort.
Aftercare & Maintenance
After replacing your brake pads, there are a few things you should do to ensure they work properly and last as long as possible:
Bed in the new brake pads: Bedding in or breaking in new brake pads helps transfer an even layer of material onto the rotor surface for maximum braking power. Follow the brake pad manufacturer’s recommendations, but a common technique is to complete 10-20 hard stops from 60 mph down to 5-10 mph, allowing time for the brakes to cool between each stop. This procedure seats the pads and helps avoid uneven or premature wear (Source).
Check brake fluid levels: When you replace brake pads, it’s a good idea to also check your brake fluid levels in the master cylinder reservoir. Top up if low, and flush/replace brake fluid if it’s old. Fresh, clean brake fluid is important for proper braking system operation.
Inspect related components: Take the opportunity during brake service to inspect the brake rotors, calipers, brake lines and hoses. Replace any worn or damaged parts to ensure safe braking performance.
Test brakes after replacement: After installing new brake pads, test them at low speeds to ensure proper brake operation before driving normally. The brakes should feel firm and consistent.
Following proper aftercare and maintenance procedures will keep your new brake pads working safely and optimally.
FAQs
Here are some common questions about brake pad replacement:
How often should brake pads be replaced?
Brake pads typically need to be replaced every 25,000-70,000 miles. However, driving habits and conditions can affect pad life. Inspect pads regularly and replace when worn down to 3-4mm.
What are the signs that brake pads need replacement?
Signs of worn brake pads include squealing/grinding noises when braking, vibration in the steering wheel or brake pedal when braking, longer stopping distances, and brake warning light illumination. If you notice any of these, have your brake pads inspected.
How much does brake pad replacement cost?
On average, brake pad replacement costs $150-$250 per axle for labor and parts. Front brake pads tend to cost more than rear. Prices can vary based on vehicle, pad type, and whether rotors need resurfacing.
Should I replace brake pads myself or go to a mechanic?
Brake pad replacement is a relatively straightforward job for someone with auto repair experience. However, for safety it’s often best to have a professional mechanic do the work unless you’re very confident in your skills.
Do the brake rotors need to be replaced when replacing pads?
Not necessarily. Rotors can often be resurfaced and reused unless they are warped, cracked, or worn down too far. Your mechanic can advise you if rotors need full replacement when inspecting worn brake pads.