Brake systems are complex networks, and even one mistake can affect their performance and require expensive repairs. DIY brake pad replacement projects can be immensely satisfying and fulfilling; however, only undertake them if you possess all of the knowledge and experience to ensure safety and success. Before beginning any task, ensure you have all of the tools needed. These may include jack stands* and a lug wrench. In addition, it’s essential to know how to complete it quickly and effectively.
1. Loosen the Lug Nuts
Replacing car brake pads may seem straightforward to an average DIY-er, but taking this task seriously must not be taken lightly as any errors could cause significant issues such as damage to rotors and calipers. Professional technicians possess both the training and experience to guarantee precise installations with accurate torque specifications.
Before beginning to replace parts on your vehicle, be certain it has completely cooled off. As you will be handling hot lug nuts, calipers, and rotors, it is important to exercise extreme caution and wear disposable gloves to protect your skin from dirt or chemicals that might transfer to them during installation.
2. Remove the Tires
Professional technicians can perform more in-depth inspections of your brake system. They will ensure proper installation and torque specifications to achieve optimal braking performance. Loosen the lug nuts that secure each wheel to your car by loosening them about two-thirds. Depending on how evenly worn your pads are, start with either the front or back tires first.
Once the caliper has been taken apart, use anti-seize lubricant on all metal contact edges and the back of pads to help avoid future squeaks. You could also apply disc quiet paste over new pads to further minimize noise levels and noise squeaks.
3. Remove the Brake Pads
Once your old brake pads have been removed, it’s time to install new ones. In order to do this successfully, first retract the pistons by pushing them back into their respective caliper bodies—either using an appropriate tool or by placing a wooden block or C-clamp over each piston and pressing downward with either of your hands.
New brake pads typically include retaining clips that snap securely into place, with some also featuring metal tabs on their outer corners that touch the rotor and cause a squeal when worn pads touch—this serves as a warning when they require replacement.
4. Remove the Caliper
Loosen the two bolts (sometimes referred to as pins) that secure it to the wheel and remove it. Once the caliper has been taken apart, ensure it remains upright so as to not hang down and damage the brake line. Use either a cord or a C-clamp as necessary to do this.
Before reassembling the caliper, apply graphite grease to the pad clips; this will prevent new pads from squeaking during installation. Push back pistons into their respective cylinders using water pump pliers or a pair of pliers.
5. Remove the Brake Rotors
Cars often feature sliding-caliper brake assemblies similar to this photo. Most are relatively straightforward to change; just ensure the pistons of the caliper are flush with its housing when changing pads and use slide grease on any slides before sliding the caliper over the rotor.
Use a caliper piston tool or C-clamp to compress the caliper pistons and make room for thicker brake pads, such as those from your new manufacturer. Furthermore, clean off any excessive rust on the hub, as this could cause excessive runout that causes brake pulsation while driving.
6. Install the New Brake Pads
Over time and with use, car brake pads will wear down and need to be replaced. Although replacing brake pads is generally an easy DIY project, if done improperly, it could result in more serious braking system problems for your vehicle.
Install the new brake pads correctly by including their retaining clips—these metal clips hold them in place and may come equipped with graphite-based grease to help stop squeaking and noise pollution. Some pads even include wear indicators, which emit an audible signal when nearing replacement needs.
7. Check the Brake Fluid
Brake fluid serves to transfer force from your foot on the brake pedal to each wheel’s braking mechanism, as well as protect and lubricate its parts while warding off corrosion.
Signs that it may be time to change your brake pads include squealing, screeching, or grinding noises as well as pedal pulsation or steering wheel shimmying. Wear gloves during this step because brake dust may be irritating to sensitive skin, while some automotive chemicals may even be toxic.
8. Clean the Brake System
Before proceeding with any repairs or maintenance on your brake pads and rotor, it’s a good idea to clean them using GUNK brake cleaner. GUNK will help eliminate debris while also helping reduce future squeaking noises. New brake pads should come equipped with small clips to secure them to the caliper support bracket, and use some LIQUID WRENCH Multi Purpose Grease as needed to help secure them further.
Install the caliper and its guide pins before sliding the lower brake pad in place. Pump your brake pedal to bring back into contact the piston of the caliper with its pads; as this happens, you may witness your master cylinder reservoir fill up with fluid; if this appears likely to overflow, swab some out with a turkey baster before continuing.
9. Replace the Lug Nuts
Gloves will protect your hands from brake dust and other chemicals, while a mask is necessary to avoid breathing in harmful debris from brake pads.
Lubricating lug nuts with anti-seize lubricant before loosening them can help to avoid them becoming stuck and reduce squeaking noises, but be careful not to get any on pads or brake rotors. A breaker bar would be ideal, but if that isn’t available, you could also use an extension pipe wrapped over your wrench/ratchet handle as additional leverage—one lug nut at a time!
