Brake Pads Replacement

When the brakes of your vehicle are not performing their task properly, it is time for you to consider replacing your brake pads. If they are worn out, you will feel a noticeable difference in the effectiveness of your vehicle. They wear out pretty soon, since they are used extensively, and as such, it becomes absolutely necessary to regularly replace them for the safety of everyone, who drives the vehicle. This is an easy task that you can carry out yourself.

• Ensure that your car is jacked up, before you begin this procedure.
• A handy tip for all beginners is to remove the lug nuts off the wheel, before you jack up the vehicle.

• Loosen all the bolts and then jack it up; it will save you a lot of trouble later.
• Go ahead and remove the wheels after that.
• You must always have the manual of your vehicle in front of you, when you are carrying out this procedure; and each step must be given due attention.

• Do not carry out the process in an incorrect manner.
• This can prove far more dangerous and risky, so it must be done extremely carefully and cautiously.
• It is probably best to visit a mechanic the first time, and get some firsthand instructions.
• Once you have learned how to do it, you can do it yourself the next time, and avoid other problems.

• Open-end wrench or an adjustable wrench
• C-clamp
• Lug wrench
• Bungee cord
• Hammer
• Allen wrenches

• First, locate the caliper. Ideally, in most cars, this should be just above the lug bolts and the disc.
• The caliper needs to be removed, before you go further.

• Most models of cars have 2 bolts that hold the caliper in place.
• Once you have removed these, you can unplug the caliper by pulling it upwards.
• Find a spot somewhere there to place the caliper, and if you are unable to do so, hang it from someplace with the bungee cord.

• Do not hang it by the brake line, otherwise it will get damaged.
• Now, carefully observe how the pads are held in place. Note the presence and position of any bolts or clips, because the new ones will have to be placed in the same manner.
• Slowly, slide the old stuff out, and slide in the new ones.

• Any clips that you removed must be put back in the same position to hold the new pieces in place.
• In some old vehicles, you may have to wiggle them around carefully, before you remove them.

• Now, before you replace the caliper, you need to adjust the piston on it. This piston pushes down against the pads, and as of now, it will be adjusted to the settings of your old, worn-out ones.
• Trying to fit it over the new ones in this condition will only damage the new parts further.

• Use the C-clamp, and push the piston as further in as possible. This is an integral part of the procedure and must not be ignored under any circumstances.

• Now, replace the caliper assembly, and tighten all the screws that you had removed initially. Check the brakes a few times by pushing the pedal, before you reattach the wheel.
• Once the piston has adjusted after a few pushes, you will feel the difference.
• Now, reattach the wheel, and lug it up once again. Your replacement procedure has been successfully carried out.

Remember that this procedure will be the same for changing the rear parts. Cost of replacing can be anything between $30 - $100 depending on the quality and model of the car. The labor charges will vary from repair shop to repair shop, but you can avoid paying that by following these instructions. Not only do you save money, but you also get a great feeling of achievement and satisfaction. The safety factor has now been restored, so you can take it easy.