What are the steps to replace brake pads?
3 Answers
Replacing brake pads involves the following steps: 1. Release the handbrake and loosen the hub bolts of the wheel where the brake pads need to be replaced. Use a jack to lift the car and remove the tire; 2. Remove the tire to expose the brake caliper and brake disc. Apply lubricant to the bolts or nuts that need to be loosened or removed; 3. Secure the brake caliper with a rope and remove the old brake pads; 4. Open the hood and unscrew the cap of the brake fluid reservoir; 5. Install the new brake pads in the correct position. The working principle of brake pads is to convert the kinetic energy of the moving vehicle into heat energy through friction between the brake pads and brake drum, as well as between the tires and the ground, thereby stopping the vehicle.
Last time I replaced the brake pads myself, and the whole process was quite meticulous. First, find a level ground and engage the parking brake, then use a jack to lift the car—remember to place jack stands under the chassis for added safety. After removing the wheel, you'll see the brake caliper. Use a socket wrench to remove the mounting bolts and carefully take off the caliper without pulling on the brake hose. The old brake pads are usually stuck in the bracket slots and can be pried out with a small pry bar. At this point, check if the brake rotor has any grooves; if so, it's best to resurface it. Before installing the new pads, apply some anti-squeal paste to the metal backing plates to prevent noise, then simply slide them into the slots. The most critical step is resetting the piston—you'll need a special tool to slowly push it back, otherwise, the new pads won't fit. Finally, when reinstalling the caliper, tighten the bolts to the specified torque, and don't forget to pump the brakes a few times after putting the wheel back on to reset the caliper. The tools required are simple, but it's easy to miss steps if you're inexperienced. For your first time, it's advisable to have an experienced person supervise to ensure everything goes smoothly.
As a car modification enthusiast, changing brake pads is considered a basic task. Prepare your toolbox: a jack, torque wrench, and piston retraction tool are essential. Safety always comes first—place wheel chocks both in front and behind the wheels before lifting the vehicle. After removing the tire, don't rush into the job; start by spraying brake cleaner around the caliper to remove dust and grease. When removing the old pads, pay attention to the position of the spring clips, and be careful not to damage the wear sensor on some models. Before installing new pads, thoroughly inspect the brake disc for wear—replace it if grooves exceed 1mm. Retracting the piston requires the most patience; never force it with a screwdriver, as damaging the caliper would be costly. After installing the new pads, repeatedly press the brake pedal until it firms up. Finally, conduct a low-speed test—find an empty area and perform several hard stops from 30km/h to properly bed in the brake pads. The entire process takes about two hours, but never rush. Last time, I didn't tighten a bolt properly, which led to strange noises after driving a short distance.
