Are you ready to take the plunge and replace your brake pads on your vehicle? In comparison to other components and systems on your car, your brake pads will wear out the most often after oil changes and tires. Save hundreds of dollars over the life of the vehicle by doing it yourself.
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Braking system: brake pads and other components
The first component of your braking system that has to be updated is the brake pads. They’re designed to wear out over time and last roughly 40,000 miles on average. The front pads will wear down first, followed by the rear pads. When the brake pad surface wears down, it aids in the dissipation of heat from the calipers, rotors, pistons, and brake fluid.
The brake pads are kept in place by the caliper and a few simple clips within your brake calipers. They don’t move while the automobile is moving. The calipers shut when you push the brake pedal, bringing the brake pad into contact with the spinning rotor and slowing the automobile down to a halt.
What to choose when purchasing brake pads: original and performance parts
Non-asbestos organic (NAO) brake pads are standard on most passenger vehicles, trucks, and SUVs on the road. They’re the cheapest and perform a fantastic job of delivering constant stopping power, reducing braking noise, and increasing the brake system’s lifespan. Fibers, rubber, glass, glue, and other chemicals are used to make them.
The most costly pads on the market are ceramic pads. They emit less dust, are very quiet and have improved stopping power. On the other hand, they do not dissipate heat as well as NAO pads, resulting in the quicker rotor, brake fluid, and line deterioration.
Metallic brake pads are the preferred option for high-performance automobiles and trucks that operate in harsh environments. They function well in all extremes of heat and cold. They are a bit louder and cost a little more than NAO. You may choose from a variety of alloys, so do your homework to get the one that’s right for you.
Installing advice when you want to change your pads yourself
Except for a piston retraction tool, you generally have everything you need to replace your brake pads if you have a basic set of tools. The kit costs less than $50 and is compatible with most automobiles. The following are some of the other tools required for the job:
• Jack stands • Socket wrench and sockets to match your caliper • Lug wrench • Bungee Cord • Turkey Baster
As a safety precaution, place the automobile on jack stands and use your jack to support the frame.
Turn the steering wheel so you have access to the brake assembly as you work after the wheel is off.
If you don’t have a brake retraction tool, you may retract the piston and lock it open using a socket wrench and a c-clamp.
Once the caliper is released, suspend it on the control arm using the bungee rope. This protects the caliper and brake lines from harm.
In most cases, your new brake pads will come with a new set of clips. Take the time to replace the clips to avoid them breaking while you’re rolling. A damaged clip might get stuck in the brake pad, making the brakes ineffective.
Changing the brake pads on one wheel takes roughly 30 minutes. To ensure even braking, replace the pads on both sides of the front or rear brakes at the same time.
Braking System University is a microsite that offers tips, reviews, and technical information on brake system components such as brake lines, brake line repair kits, and abs sensor replacement.
Brake System University links you to high-quality, authentic brake system replacement components, such as replacement brake lines, replacement ABS brake sensors, and replacement brake line replacement kit tips, that have been thoroughly tested and approved by specialists.
