What are the precautions for replacing brake pads?

[ODante]

Precautions for replacing brake pads: After installing new brake pads, the surface of the brake pads is smooth, while the contact surface on the brake disc is uneven. At this time, a situation known as "ineffective braking" may occur. Therefore, it is necessary to break in new brake pads after replacement. Here are the relevant instructions: 1. Find a place with good road conditions and few vehicles to start the break-in process. Accelerate to 60 km/h, gently apply the brakes, and use moderate braking force to reduce the speed to about 10 km/h; 2. Release the brakes and drive a few kilometers to allow the brake pads and discs to cool slightly before repeating the above steps at least 10 times; 3. After the break-in, the brake pads still require several hundred kilometers of driving to achieve optimal performance with the brake discs. During this period, drive carefully to prevent accidents.

[ReidFitz]

I always pay close attention to the safety details when changing brake pads, as it directly relates to driving safety. First, you must park on level ground, engage the parking brake firmly, and use wheel chocks to secure the opposite wheel to prevent rolling. The jack must be positioned correctly, and once the car is lifted, immediately place jack stands for support—otherwise, an accidental drop can be very dangerous. Wear gloves to protect your hands and avoid contact with brake dust—that dust is harmful to the respiratory system. Before installing new pads, clean the brake rotor to ensure there’s no oil or rust; when installing, slowly press the caliper piston back, avoiding excessive force to prevent damaging components. After replacement, I gently press the brake pedal a few times while stationary to allow the rotor and pads to bed in; then, conduct a low-speed test to check for unusual noises or a soft brake feel. Never change pads on a slope or work alone—it’s best to have someone assist and double-check. Following these steps thoroughly can significantly reduce the risk of accidents.

[SanXavier]

As a DIY enthusiast, tool preparation is my top concern. I always have a jack, jack stands, wrench set, C-clamp, and compressed air cleaner ready beforehand. When lifting the car, the jack must align with the designated chassis support points to avoid body damage; never skip verifying vehicle stability before placing the jack stands. When installing new pads, use the C-clamp to slowly retract the piston—forcing it risks caliper damage. Cleaning components is crucial: blow away old dust with air or brush off residual grease, otherwise new pads may accumulate debris and cause noise. Check brake disc wear—replace them if deeply scored or thin to avoid repeated work later. After finishing, tighten all bolts and test brakes in an open area by gently applying them repeatedly at low speed until normal performance is confirmed.

[ElizaLynn]

When changing brake pads for the first time, I made many common beginner mistakes. Parking the car on a slight slope without using jack stands nearly caused an accident. After engaging the parking brake, always use wheel chocks on the opposite wheels - safety comes first. After removing the old pads, thoroughly clean the caliper area, otherwise the new pads will squeak constantly. Retract the piston slowly - don't rush it, as forcing it back might cause leaks. Ensure the new pads match your vehicle's specifications exactly; don't cheap out and buy the wrong model. After installation, check the brake fluid level since it drops when the piston retracts - sometimes you need to top it up. When testing brakes, avoid slamming them; start with light taps during low-speed coasting to properly bed in the new pads against the rotors. If you hear sharp squealing or notice reduced responsiveness, stop immediately to check for improper installation. While this job seems simple, the details make all the difference.