Can I Replace Car Brake Pads Myself?
2 Answers
Car brake pads can be replaced by yourself. The replacement steps are as follows: 1. Lift the car and remove the tire for brake pad replacement; 2. Unscrew the brake caliper bolts, open the brake caliper, and remove the old brake pads; 3. Push the brake piston back in, then install the new brake pads; 4. Reinstall the brake caliper, tighten the caliper bolts to the specified torque (avoid over-tightening), and then reattach the tire. After replacing the brake pads, press the brake pedal several times to eliminate the gap between the pads and the brake disc, allowing the brake piston to reset. Then, check if the brake fluid pump is functioning properly. Once confirmed, the brake pad replacement is complete. Generally, new brake pads require a break-in period of approximately 200 kilometers. Only after this break-in period can the brakes perform more effectively and efficiently.
Changing brake pads by yourself is indeed feasible, but it depends on the conditions. Last time I did it at home, I found that professional tools were necessary, such as a stable and reliable jack, and a wrench strong enough to loosen the wheel bolts. Brake pads are divided into front and rear wheels, and the operation of pushing the piston back is crucial, requiring special tools for resetting. If the handbrake is connected to the rear brake system, the operation becomes even more complicated. After installing new brake pads, it's essential to break them in by braking gently a few times at low speeds to ensure proper contact. I think the most critical point is that lack of experience can easily lead to overlooking details, such as failing to clean the caliper guide pins, which can cause brake drag. Although it saves a few hundred dollars in labor costs, the safety risks are high. Unless you have a basic understanding of car maintenance, it's best to have a car-savvy friend supervise your first attempt.
