Can I Replace the Brake Pads of a Sedan Myself?
2 Answers
You can replace the car brake pads yourself. Here is the relevant information: 1. Replacing brake pads requires tools such as a jack, suitable socket wrenches, open-end wrenches, screwdrivers, sandpaper, and grease. Some tools are usually provided with the vehicle, such as the jack and the cross socket for removing tires. 2. Loosen the fastening bolts of all wheels by half a turn; there is no need to completely unscrew them. Before lifting the vehicle, it is easier to loosen the wheel bolts by using the friction between the tires and the ground. There is usually a palm-sized raised rubber pad at the lifting position of the vehicle, which can be easily felt by hand. Just lift the vehicle until the wheel that needs brake pad replacement is slightly off the ground.
To be honest, I've changed my sedan's brake pads several times myself and think it's totally doable, but safety details must be noted. First, prepare the tools: jack, jack stands, wrench, and new brake pads. Park the car on level ground, engage the handbrake, and after lifting the car with the jack, always remember to add jack stands for support—don't rely solely on the jack to prevent slipping. Then remove the wheel, locate the old brake pads (usually inside the caliper), unscrew the mounting bolts, take out the old pads, wipe off the dust, and install the new ones. After replacement, don't forget to gently press the brake pedal a few times to properly bed in the new pads. The whole process takes about an hour, and you can follow step-by-step video tutorials online. You'll save three to four hundred yuan in labor costs and learn a new skill, but I remind beginners not to force it—if tools are incomplete or posture is unstable, ask a friend for help. Safety always comes first; don't risk an accident to save money.
