Brake pads are crucial for your vehicle’s stopping power, and like any component subject to wear and tear, they need replacing. Hearing squealing or grinding noises when you brake? That’s often your car telling you it’s time for new brake pads. While it might seem daunting, changing your brake pads at home is a manageable DIY task that can save you a significant amount of money compared to garage labor costs. Even if you prefer professional servicing, understanding the process outlined here will empower you with knowledge and help you communicate effectively with your mechanic. This guide focuses on disc brakes, the standard front brake system in most modern cars, and we’ll walk you through each step of How To Change Car Brakes effectively and safely.
Front brake pads typically wear out faster than rear ones due to the front brakes handling a larger proportion of the vehicle’s braking force. While rear brakes may be disc or drum, this guide primarily addresses front disc brake pad replacement. Recognizing the signs of worn brake pads is important – persistent squealing, grinding, or a noticeable decrease in braking responsiveness all indicate potential issues. Regularly inspecting your brake pad thickness is a proactive approach, allowing you to plan for replacement before these warning signs become critical.
Important Note: Vibrations in the steering wheel or brake pedal when braking can suggest warped brake rotors. Visually inspect your rotors for grooves or uneven wear. If rotors are damaged, they might require replacement or resurfacing by a professional mechanic, a more complex procedure not covered in this guide. If you suspect rotor issues, it’s best to consult a qualified mechanic for diagnosis and repair.
This guide is based on a brake pad replacement performed on a 2009 Ford Flex. While specific models may have slight variations in setup, the fundamental principles of how to change car brakes remain consistent across most vehicles. Let’s dive into the step-by-step process.
Essential Tools and Materials for a Brake Pad Change
Before you begin learning how to change car brakes, gather all the necessary tools and materials. Having everything at hand will make the process smoother and safer.
Tools You’ll Need:
- Mechanic’s gloves: Disposable gloves are essential to protect your hands from brake dust and keep them clean.
- Jack and jack stands: A sturdy jack to lift your car and jack stands for secure support are non-negotiable for safety.
- Lug wrench: To loosen and tighten wheel lug nuts.
- C-clamp or brake caliper piston tool: Used to retract the brake caliper piston, creating space for new, thicker brake pads. A specialized brake caliper piston tool is recommended for ease and to prevent damage.
- Wrench set (socket, open-end, or adjustable wrench): Ensure you have the correct size wrench for your vehicle’s caliper slider bolts. Socket wrenches often provide better leverage.
- Turkey baster or syringe: For removing excess brake fluid from the master cylinder reservoir.
- Wire brush or brake parts cleaner: To clean brake caliper components and remove rust or debris.
- Plastic tie, bungee cord, or wire: To hang the caliper out of the way without stressing the brake hose.
Materials Required:
- New brake pads: Invest in quality brake pads designed for your vehicle. Consider Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) pads for optimal performance and longevity, though reputable aftermarket brands are also viable.
- New brake pad hardware kit (if not included with pads): This kit often includes new retaining clips, shims, and slider bolt bushings, ensuring proper pad movement and noise reduction.
- Brake fluid (check your owner’s manual for the correct DOT specification): You may need to add a small amount of brake fluid if you remove excess from the reservoir. It’s always a good practice to have extra brake fluid on hand.
- Brake grease or anti-seize lubricant: Specifically formulated for brake components to prevent squealing and ensure smooth movement of parts.
- Shop towels or rags: For cleaning and wiping excess grease or brake fluid.
Important Considerations Before You Start
Image: Diagram of a sliding caliper brake assembly.
Understand Your Brake Caliper Type: Most modern cars utilize a sliding-caliper brake assembly, as pictured above. Familiarize yourself with your vehicle’s brake caliper design. While this guide focuses on sliding calipers, fixed-caliper systems exist and require a slightly different approach. If you are unsure about your caliper type, consult your vehicle’s repair manual.
Work One Side at a Time: Focus on completing one front brake assembly from start to finish before moving to the other side. This approach allows you to use the completed side as a visual reference if needed during reassembly.
Steering Wheel Positioning: Before lifting your vehicle, turn your steering wheel so that the wheel you are working on is angled outwards. This improves accessibility to the brake components.
Safety First: Brake repairs are safety-critical. If you are uncomfortable or unsure at any point, consult a certified mechanic. Never compromise on safety when working on your vehicle’s brakes.
Now that you’re prepared, let’s move on to the step-by-step instructions on how to change car brakes.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Change Car Brakes
Follow these detailed steps to safely and effectively replace your car’s brake pads.
Step 1: Safely Loosen Lug Nuts and Remove the Wheel
Image: Mechanic loosening lug nuts and removing a car wheel to access the brake assembly.
- Loosen Lug Nuts: Use your lug wrench to loosen the lug nuts on the wheel you’ll be working on. Do not remove them completely at this stage; just break them free.
- Position Jack and Jack Stands: Consult your vehicle’s owner’s manual for the correct jack point locations. Position your jack securely under the designated jack point.
- Raise the Vehicle: Carefully jack up the car until the wheel is off the ground. Ensure the vehicle is stable before proceeding.
- Secure with Jack Stands: Place jack stands under the car’s frame near the jack points for crucial safety. Lower the jack until the vehicle’s weight rests firmly on the jack stands. Never work under a vehicle supported only by a jack.
- Remove Lug Nuts and Wheel: Now, fully remove the lug nuts and carefully take off the wheel. Set the wheel aside, out of your workspace. You now have clear access to the brake assembly.
Step 2: Locate and Remove the Caliper Slider Bolts
Image: Close-up showing the location of caliper slider bolts on a brake assembly.
- Identify Slider Bolts: Locate the caliper slider bolts, also known as slider pins, on the brake caliper. Typically, there are two bolts that secure the caliper to the caliper bracket. On many vehicles, these are located on the inboard side of the caliper, as shown in the image.
- Remove Lower Slider Bolt: In most cases, you only need to remove the lower slider bolt to pivot the caliper and access the brake pads. Use the correctly sized wrench to loosen and completely remove the lower slider bolt. Keep the bolt in a safe place for reinstallation. You may need to use penetrating oil if the bolts are corroded or tight.
Step 3: Carefully Pivot the Brake Caliper Upwards
Image: Brake caliper pivoted upwards to expose the brake pads and rotor.
- Pivot Caliper: With the lower slider bolt removed, gently pivot the brake caliper upwards, away from the brake rotor. The caliper should hinge on the upper slider bolt.
- Inspect Brake Hose: Be mindful of the rubber brake hose connected to the caliper. Do not stretch or kink the hose. If there is not enough slack, carefully loosen the upper slider bolt a few turns to provide more pivot room, but do not remove it completely. Never disconnect the brake hose unless you are experienced with brake system bleeding and hydraulic work.
- Support Caliper: Use a plastic tie, bungee cord, or wire to suspend the caliper from the vehicle’s suspension or frame. This will prevent strain on the brake hose and keep the caliper out of your way while you replace the pads.
Step 4: Slide Out the Old Brake Pads
Image: Mechanic sliding out worn brake pads from the brake caliper.
Image: Side-by-side comparison of a worn brake pad and a new, thicker brake pad.
- Expose Brake Pads: With the caliper pivoted up, the brake pads are now exposed within the caliper bracket.
- Slide Out Old Pads: The brake pads are typically held in place by retaining clips. Simply slide the old brake pads out of the caliper bracket. Note their orientation for installing the new pads correctly.
- Compare Old and New: Examine the old brake pads. Note their wear level and compare their thickness to the new brake pads. If the friction material is worn down to 1/8 inch or less, or if you see the wear indicator touching the rotor, replacement is necessary.
Step 5: Replace the Retaining Clips and Apply Brake Grease
Image: Installing new retaining clips onto the brake caliper bracket.
Image: Applying brake grease to the contact points of the new brake pads and retaining clips.
- Remove Old Clips: If your new brake pads come with new retaining clips (highly recommended), remove the old clips from the caliper bracket. They usually snap or pry off.
- Install New Clips: Install the new retaining clips in the caliper bracket. Ensure they are seated correctly and securely. Often, clips are side-specific (left and right), so install them one at a time, matching their orientation to the old ones.
- Apply Brake Grease: Apply a small amount of brake grease to the contact points of the new retaining clips where the brake pads will slide. Also, apply grease to the ears or edges of the new brake pads where they contact the caliper bracket or pistons. This lubrication prevents squealing and ensures smooth pad movement.
Step 6: Slide in the New Brake Pads
Image: Mechanic sliding new brake pads into the caliper bracket.
- Insert New Pads: Slide the new brake pads into the caliper bracket, ensuring they are seated correctly within the retaining clips and oriented the same way as the old pads were removed. The pads should slide in relatively easily, although new clips might provide a slightly tighter fit.
- Check Pad Seating: Make sure the ears or tabs of the brake pads are properly positioned in the slots of the retaining clips and are making contact with the brake grease.
Step 7: Retract the Brake Caliper Pistons
Image: Arrows pointing to the brake caliper pistons that need to be retracted.
Image: Using a C-clamp to slowly retract the brake caliper piston to accommodate new brake pads.
- Locate Pistons: Identify the brake caliper piston(s). These are the components that push the brake pads against the rotor. Some calipers have one piston, others have two or more.
- Retract Pistons Slowly: You need to retract the piston(s) to create enough space to accommodate the new, thicker brake pads over the rotor. Use a C-clamp or a specialized brake caliper piston tool for this.
- C-clamp Method: If using a C-clamp, place the clamp’s stationary side against the outside of the caliper and the screw side against the piston. You may need to use a used brake pad or a flat piece of metal between the piston and the clamp to distribute pressure evenly and protect the piston surface.
- Retract Piston(s) Evenly: Slowly and steadily tighten the C-clamp to push the piston(s) back into the caliper. If your caliper has multiple pistons, retract them simultaneously if possible. If retracting one at a time, be careful not to push one piston out while retracting another. A specialized brake caliper tool is highly recommended for multi-piston calipers.
- Brake Fluid Displacement: As you retract the piston(s), brake fluid is forced back into the master cylinder reservoir. This is normal.
Step 8: Monitor the Brake Fluid Level
Image: Checking the brake fluid level in the master cylinder reservoir.
- Open Master Cylinder Reservoir: Before retracting the pistons, open the brake fluid master cylinder reservoir cap in the engine bay. This relieves pressure in the system and makes piston retraction easier.
- Monitor Fluid Level: Keep a close eye on the brake fluid level in the reservoir as you retract the pistons. The fluid level will rise.
- Remove Excess Fluid (if necessary): If the fluid level gets too close to the reservoir’s maximum line or is about to overflow, use a turkey baster or syringe to carefully remove some brake fluid. Dispose of the old brake fluid properly. Overfilling can cause brake fluid leaks or damage to the system.
- Do Not Let Level Drop Too Low: Ensure the brake fluid level does not drop below the “MIN” mark in the reservoir. If it does, you may introduce air into the brake lines.
Step 9: Reposition the Caliper Over New Brake Pads
Image: Repositioning the brake caliper back over the new brake pads and rotor.
- Lower Caliper: Carefully lower the pivoted brake caliper back down over the new brake pads and brake rotor.
- Check for Proper Fit: The caliper should slide easily over the new pads. If you encounter resistance, double-check that the pistons are fully retracted and that the brake pads are correctly seated. Do not force the caliper.
Step 10: Reinstall the Slider Bolt and Secure Caliper
Image: Reinstalling and tightening the caliper slider bolt.
- Reinstall Lower Slider Bolt: Reinstall the lower caliper slider bolt that you removed earlier.
- Tighten Slider Bolt: Tighten the slider bolt to the manufacturer’s specified torque. If you don’t have torque specifications, tighten it firmly but do not overtighten, as this could damage the threads or slider pin. A general guideline is to tighten it snugly and then give it about a quarter turn more.
- Ensure Caliper is Secure: Double-check that the caliper is securely mounted and does not move excessively.
Step 11: Repeat on the Other Side
Repeat steps 1 through 10 for the brake assembly on the other front wheel. Remember to monitor the brake fluid reservoir level, as it will rise further when you retract the pistons on the second side. Remove excess fluid if necessary to prevent overflow.
Step 12: Reinstall Wheels, Lower Vehicle, and Test Brakes Safely
- Reinstall Wheel: Carefully remount the wheel and hand-tighten the lug nuts in a star pattern.
- Lower Vehicle Slightly: Lower the jack until the wheel just touches the ground, but the full weight of the car is not yet on the wheel.
- Torque Lug Nuts: Using a torque wrench, tighten the lug nuts to the torque specification recommended in your vehicle’s owner’s manual. Tightening in a star pattern ensures even pressure. If you don’t have a torque wrench, tighten them firmly and evenly with a lug wrench.
- Fully Lower Vehicle: Fully lower the vehicle to the ground and remove the jack and jack stands.
- Final Lug Nut Check: Give the lug nuts a final check for tightness after lowering the vehicle completely.
- Pump Brake Pedal: Before starting the engine, firmly pump the brake pedal several times to allow the pistons to re-seat against the new brake pads. The pedal may initially feel softer or go further down than usual.
- Test Drive Carefully: Test drive your vehicle in a safe, low-traffic area. Start with gentle braking to ensure the brakes are functioning correctly. Be aware that your brake pedal engagement point might be higher initially as the new pads bed in. Gradually increase braking force to test their effectiveness. Listen for any unusual noises.
Frequently Asked Questions about Changing Car Brakes
How often should I change my brake pads?
The lifespan of brake pads varies depending on driving habits, vehicle type, and brake pad material. Refer to your owner’s manual for specific recommendations. Generally, brake pads may need replacement every 25,000 to 70,000 miles. Listen for warning signs like squealing noises or check pad thickness during tire rotations or oil changes.
What is the average cost to replace brake pads?
Professional brake pad replacement costs vary depending on location, vehicle type, and parts used. Expect to pay roughly $150 to $400 per axle at a repair shop. DIY replacement significantly reduces costs to just the price of parts, typically ranging from $50 to $150 per axle for quality brake pads and hardware.
Can I just replace brake pads and not rotors?
In many cases, yes. Rotors typically last for two or more brake pad replacements. However, rotors should be inspected whenever you change brake pads. If rotors are worn thin, grooved, warped, or have reached their minimum thickness specification, they must be replaced. Ignoring damaged rotors can compromise braking performance and damage new brake pads.
Is it safe to drive with worn brake pads?
Driving with worn brake pads is unsafe and should be avoided. Worn pads reduce braking efficiency, increase stopping distances, and can damage brake rotors, leading to more costly repairs. Squealing or grinding noises are warning signs that should not be ignored.
By following this guide, you can confidently tackle how to change car brakes yourself, save money, and gain a valuable understanding of your vehicle’s braking system. Remember to prioritize safety and consult a professional mechanic if you encounter any difficulties or are unsure about any step in the process.
