How to replace brake pads

It shouldn't come as a shock to anyone that brake pads are an important feature of every car. They are also easy and cheap to replace by yourself - much cheaper than taking your car to a mechanic. It's definitely one of those maintenance tasks though that you don't want to procrastinate on, so at the first sign of stopping issues, follow the guide below.

 

  1. First step is to remove some of the brake fluid from the master cylinder so that fluid will be able to return into the master cylinder reservoir when the new brake pads are installed. Use a syphon to remove enough fluid so the reservoir level i well below the full mark.
  2. 2 Select either the front or back two wheels to begin with, and set about loosening the lug nuts that hold the wheels onto the car. Don't remove them completely, but unscrew about two thirds of the way.
  3. Get out your trusty jack, and carefully raise the car up until the wheel can be removed comfortably. Best to put some blocks behind the other wheels to ensure the car won't roll back or forth. Place a jack stand under the frame of the vehicle, and repeat the process on the other side of the car, so both sides are secured.
  4. Finish loosening and removing the lug nuts, and remove the wheels.
  5. Inspect the brake assembly for any signs of leaks, cracks, deterioration, or damage. All looking good? You may proceed.
  6. Loosen and remove the caliper bolts, then lift and rotate the caliper away from the rotor. The caliper will need to stay connected to the brake line, so hang it up with a piece of wire so that it is supported and not putting undue pressure on the flexible brake hose.
  7. Finally, time to remove the brake pads. The pads will be either snapped or clipped in with metal clips, so be sure to be careful when you pull them out.
  8. Attach the new brake pads exactly the same way you removed the old ones, being very careful not to get any lubricant inside the brake pads, which will render them useless.
  9. Check the brake fluid then slide the caliper slowly back over the rotor, and replace and tighten the bolts that hold the caliper in place.
  10. Refit the wheels, lower the car, tighten the lug nuts, and you're done!
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