How to Replace Brake Pads (DIY): Step by Step Guide

Brake pads replacement is one of the services that you must do on your vehicle. Over time, the pads will wear and you will need to replace them as soon as possible. After buying the brake pads, you will be torn between replacing them yourself or having a mechanic to do so.If you decide to yourself, here is a step by step process of how to replace the brake pads.I have just bought the brake pads from the most reputable brake pads manufacturer.


Brake pads production line from Frontech china by swallow on 2019.04.11.

What next?

Of course, it is doing a brake pad replacement.

But here is the problem.

Should I do the brake pad replacement on my own or should I get an expert to do so?

Brake pads replacement is not a complex process.

You don’t have to be an expert to do so.

With just some basic skills, you will be able to handle the process smoothly.

In this article, we will give you a complete guide of how to replace the brake pads for your vehicle.

Why Replace Brake Pads?

Brake pads are some of the car parts that are affected by the process of wear and tear.

This is mainly because they operate on the principle of friction.

Once the pads wear off, their effectiveness goes down by a great margin.

In fact, they can fail to be functional.

This simply means that the brake pads will not function as usual.

Slowing down or stopping the car will become a hectic task.

Obviously, you don’t want to imagine the consequences of such a misfortune.

Imagine you are cruising downhill and your brakes fail due to worn-out brake pads.

You will be at high risk of being involved in a nasty accident.

Why put yourself at such a high risk over something that you can prevent?

Simply buy quality brake pads from a reliable brake pads manufacturer.

Should I Replace Brake Pads on My Own?

Do you like handling car issue on your own?

Or, do you have some basic car mechanics skills?

If so, then you should try DIY brake pads replacement.

If you hate working on your car, then it is advisable to get a professional mechanic to handle the job.

While doing so, just remember that brake pads replacement cost will be on you.

Tools for Replacing Brake Pads

Are you well-armed to replace the brake pads?

Just like any other car repair service, you need proper tools in order to do brake pad replacement.

Some of these tools include but not limited to:
-Lug wrench
-Hammer
-Bungee cord
-C-clamp
-Allen wrenches

Preparations for Brake Pads Replacement

Do you have all of the above tools ready?

You can now go ahead with the preparation process.

First, ensure that your working area is safe.

Get rid of anything that can compromise your safety.

You can then jack the car up.

Make it rest on the jack stands as this will give you space to work on the brakes.

Ensure that you break the lugs before you jack the car up.

You should also bring all the preparation tools within your reach.

You should also get the brake pad replacement manual for your car.

While the process may appear simple and straightforward, cars are different.

Your car’s braking system can be slightly different from other cars.

It is important to use the manual for your specific vehicle model as a reference point.

Once you are done with the preparation, you can go ahead with the brake pad replacement process.

Here is a step-by-step procedure of changing brake pads without bleeding:

1. Remove the wheel of the car

It will be impossible to replace the brake pads if the wheels are still on.

Have you ever changed the flat tires?

Removing the wheels of your car won’t be a difficult task.

To make the process easy, remove the wheel bottom-up.

2. Remove the Caliper

The next big step that you should undertake is to unbolt the caliper.

Doing this will allow the brake pads to slid out through from the top.

However, the brake pads in some cars can come out without one having to remove the caliper.

But, I can’t locate the caliper. Where is it?

The caliper is right at the top of lug bolts that are on the top of the brake disc and it assumes a 12 o’clock position.

How do I remove the caliper?

Unbolt the two bolts that are located on both sides of the caliper.

You can then pull it upwards. Try to pull it upwards or sideways in order to loosen it.

Put the caliper in a safe place as you will need to put it back. You can use a bungee cord to hang the caliper safely.

3. Remove the brake pads

You can now get rid of the old brake pads that have been in your car.

But, before doing so, observe how everything is arranged.

This will help to avoid any confusion during the replacement of the new brake pads.

Once the caliper is out, removing the brake pads won’t be an issue

However, you may need to use a hammer if its proving to be stubborn.

4.Replace the brake pads

Brake pads source Pixabay

Let’s assume you have successfully removed the old brake pads.

The next step is to replace them with the new ones.

Before putting the new pads, apply some brake grease at the backs of the brake pads.

Be careful not to apply any grease on the front of the brake pads.

Inside the caliper, you will see a piston.

Push it back so that it adjusts its size to match with the new brake pads.

A C-clamp can come in handy to help you adjust the piston.

You can now put the new brake pads on the position of the old pads.

5.Install the brake caliper

You can now slide the brake caliper over the new brake pads.

Tighten it using the bolts that you had removed.

Once you are done, press the pedal and take note of the new changes.

Do you feel an extra brake pressure?

This is a sign that the brake pad replacement is successful.

Conclusion

There you have it!

That is how to replace the brake pads.

As you can see, the process is not complicated.

In fact, you can replace both the brake pads and rotors at the same time.

However, if you are not sure, call a professional mechanic to do the job.

Just look for the brake pad replacement near me and you will find lots of mechanics who can do the job.