How to Install Brake Pads
Ever needed to replace your brake pads but didn't have the money to take it to the shop? Installing brake pads is a great do it yourself job. You can save money and you can learn new things along the way.
Things you need:
- Brake pads
- Two blocks
- Jack
- C-clamp
- Lug nut wrench
Instructions:
- Gather the supplies needed by going to your local automotive store. Some of the stores can include Advance Auto and AutoZone. While at the store you need to buy the brake pads. Keep in mind that the less expensive the pads are the more likely they are to squeal. They also don't last as long as the more expensive kinds and they usually leave black dust on your wheels.
- Get in the car at put the parking brake on. When you are ready to start installing the brake pads you need to make sure your car is unable to move. You also want to put a block on the rear tires to ensure that the car cannot move.
- Get your lug nut wrench and loosen the lug nuts on the tire you are working with at the time.
- Get the jack and raise the car and securely place it on the jack stand.
- Remove the lug nuts and the wheel completely
- Get the C-clamp and compress the caliper. Remove the caliper assembly and it creates a space for the width of the new brake pad.
- Remove the caliper mounting bolts and pull it back from the rotor.
- Remove the old brake pad from the caliper.
- Install the new brake pads. Attach the new brake pads exactly where you took the old ones from. Place the inner pad first than the outer pad.
- Put the caliper back into place. Make sure it is bolted securely.
- Check over the work you have already done. You want to make sure everything is in place.
- Attach the wheel back on, tighten the lug nuts and lower the car back on the ground with the jack.
- Remove the blocks from the rear tires.
- Get into the car and put the parking brake back down.
- Test your brakes. Be careful at first and check your brake fluid levels before getting into traffic.