What should be paid attention to when replacing brake pads?
3 Answers
The following are the precautions when replacing brake pads: 1. When installing new brake pads, distinguish the inner and outer sides. The friction surface of the brake pads should face the brake disc to ensure proper fit between the disc and pads. Install the accessories properly and tighten the caliper body. Before tightening the caliper body, use a tool (or a special tool) to push the piston back to its original position to facilitate proper installation of the caliper. 2. If you need to replace the brake pads on a drum brake, it is recommended to go to a professional repair shop and have it done by professionals to avoid errors. 3. After installing the brake, the tire should be reset to its original position. 4. When installing the tire screws, tighten them diagonally, which helps protect the tire and brake hub. At the same time, check whether the wear on the tread and edges is normal. It is best to periodically swap the left and right wheels, as this will help extend the service life of the tires. Finally, the brake fluid should also be checked.
As an experienced hand who often helps neighbors with car repairs, when changing brake pads, I pay the most attention to safety details: always park on a flat and solid surface, firmly engage the handbrake to lock the wheels, and use triangular wheel chocks to prevent accidental rolling. Tools must be prepared, such as a jack, wrench set, and support stands for protection. When jacking up the car, first confirm the lifting points at the designated positions on the chassis, carefully raise it, and immediately add supports to prevent collapse. After removing the wheel, carefully inspect the wear on the brake disc; if the surface has deep pits, it needs replacement, otherwise, the new pads will wear out quickly. Cleaning dust inside the caliper is a crucial step—use a wire brush to gently remove old residues to ensure even contact with the new pads. When installing new pads, align them with the mounting slots, and avoid over-tightening the bolts to prevent damaging components. After replacement, reinstall the wheel, first press the brake pedal a few times while stationary to feel the pressure recovery, then test the braking response distance at low speed to ensure it's normal. The entire process requires patience; carelessness could lead to brake failure and accidents.
I encountered quite a few pitfalls during my last DIY brake pad replacement, and now I pay attention to several practical points: Park in a garage or on a flat driveway, engage the handbrake, and place bricks in front of and behind the tires to prevent rolling. The jack must be positioned exactly at the chassis support points as per the manual, or it could damage the frame. After removing the wheel, don’t forget to check if the brake disc is even—installing new pads on a severely worn disc is just a waste of effort. Cleaning is essential when installing new pads; I always wipe the caliper dust with a cloth, otherwise, the new pads will wear unevenly and fail prematurely. When installing new pads, tighten them gently—don’t overtighten the screws; just make sure they feel snug. During the final testing phase, start slowly and test the brakes a few times to listen for any screeching or unusual noises. I recommend beginners prepare video tutorials for reference—unlike me during my first attempt, when I forgot to reinstall the screws after removing the wheel and nearly caused an accident. Overall, the steps are simple but detail-heavy; with practice, it becomes second nature.
