DIY Maintenance: How to Change Your Vehicle’s Brake Pads

Brake pads are an essential part of your vehicle’s braking system. They are responsible for slowing down and stopping your vehicle by creating friction with the brake rotor. Over time, brake pads wear down and need to be replaced to ensure your vehicle’s safety. In this article, we will guide you through the process of changing your vehicle’s brake pads.

Step 1: Gather the Necessary Tools and Materials

Before you begin, make sure you have all the necessary tools and materials at hand. You will need:

• Jack and jack stands
• Lug wrench
• Ratchet wrench and socket set
• New brake pads
• Brake cleaner
• Brake grease

Step 2: Prepare Your Vehicle

First, park your vehicle on a flat surface and engage the parking brake. Loosen the lug nuts on the wheel you will be working on, but do not remove them yet. Then, use a jack to lift the vehicle off the ground and place jack stands under the vehicle for support. Remove the lug nuts and take off the wheel to access the brake caliper.

Step 3: Remove the Brake Caliper

Using a ratchet wrench and socket set, remove the bolts that hold the brake caliper in place and slide the caliper off the rotor. Be careful not to damage the brake line or brake pads while doing this.

Step 4: Replace the Brake Pads

Remove the old brake pads from the caliper by pulling them out or unscrewing them. Then, insert the new brake pads into the caliper, making sure they are securely in place. Apply brake grease to the back of the brake pads to prevent noise and vibration.

Step 5: Reinstall the Brake Caliper

Slide the brake caliper back onto the rotor and secure it in place with the bolts. Tighten the bolts to the manufacturer’s specifications using a torque wrench.

Step 6: Reinstall the Wheel

Place the wheel back onto the hub and hand tighten the lug nuts. Lower the vehicle back onto the ground and use a lug wrench to tighten the lug nuts in a star pattern.

Step 7: Test Your Brakes

Before driving your vehicle, pump the brake pedal a few times to ensure the brake pads are in contact with the rotor. Then, test your brakes by slowly driving your vehicle and gradually applying the brakes.

Changing your vehicle’s brake pads is a simple and cost-effective way to ensure your vehicle’s safety. By following these steps, you can save money by doing it yourself and have peace of mind knowing your brakes are in good condition.