How To Change Brake Pads: Provide More Stopping Power

You can always choose to change the brake pads on your own. The brakes are very important, as the vehicle you drive and its safety depends on them. A good tip is to get the time to know your brakes before attempting any change of brakes. Another tip would be to start with one side, and, only after it is finished, to continue with the other side; this way, you will use the first side as a reference. Remember that the front disc brakes are very important in providing stopping power.

First things

When you want to change the brake pads on your car, you need to buy a new pair. Search brake pads that have an anti-squeal device, or purchase some to improve the pads you already have.

Be careful what you buy. Cheap pads are prone to wearing out faster and you will notice how they leave black dust on the front wheels. Harder pads are more expensive, but, if they are too hard, they will cause that annoying squealing.

You will need a little caution when changing the brake pads. You need to block the rear tires, and set the parking brake, to avoid the car from moving. The lug nuts need to be loose and then raise the car and place it on jackstands, so you can work. After that, take out the lug nuts and the wheel.

You will be able to look at the brake calipers that hold the brake pads. With a C clamp, compress the caliper piston, and you will be able to take out the caliper assembly.

Now, with the caliper taken out, unbolt it and pull it back. During this operation, take care of the brake hose, as it might get cut. You will need some special tools for unbolting the caliper, so make sure you have all that you need.

Now you can take the brake pads out of the caliper. If they are worn out or at an angle, you should check for additional problems with your car.

The rotors can be checked, as well. When they present deep grooves, that you will have to replace them as well.

You can now install the new pads you bought on the caliper. Place the inner pad and then the outer pad. Make enough space for the new pads, by lowering the piston into the caliper housing.

Now, if all things are in place, then put the caliper back and bolt it as it was before.

Last, put the wheel back, tighten the lug nuts and let the car onto the ground again. The lug nuts will require a little special attention, so they are well tight.

After you are finished, just test the brakes to see how they work. The fluid levels are to be checked. Bleed them a little to let the air that could get caught in the brake line get out.

When changing the brake pads, avoid inhaling, as some may contain asbestos, which is known as a carcinogen.

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