Give Your Brakes A Break! Mac Autos Simple Guide To Changing Brake Pads

Stop! Before you replace your own brake pads, you need to determine which type of brakes you have.

Disc brakes consist of a caliper with an easy to change brake pad set and a brake rotor that looks like a steel disc. With most vehicles, you can see the front brake pads and rotor by simply looking through the wheel. If you drive a newer vehicle, chances are you have front disc brakes.

Some vehicles have rear disc brakes as well, but many have drum brakes in the rear. You may be able to see the brake drums through the wheel. If not, you can always crawl under the vehicle for a better look, or simply remove the wheel.

When to Change Your Brake Pads

Disc brake pads have a wear indicator that lets you know your brakes are getting worn. The wear indicator is a small metal shim thats attached to the pad. As your front brake pads become worn, the indicator will touch the brake rotor, creating a high pitched squeal. When you hear that squeal, its time for a new brake pad set. Also, if the pad is less than 1/4 inch thick, its time for a brake job.

How to Change Your Front Brake Pads

Before you buy new brake pads, you should also inspect your rotors. If you can see or feel grooves on the brake rotors, theyre scored, and should be replaced. You can buy new rotors at the same time you buy your new brake pads.

Be sure to block the rear wheels before you jack up your vehicle. Always use jack stands. Never rely on the jack to hold your vehicle off the ground while you work. Once you have the vehicle in the air and the wheels off, just follow these steps:

1.Remove clips or bolts that are holding the caliper in place
2.Remove caliper
3.Be sure the caliper is supported. Never let it hang from the brake line
4.Remove rotor if it needs to be replaced
5.Remove brake pads from caliper
6.Collapse rotor piston (you may need a c-clamp or pliers to do this)
7.Grease the backs of the new brake pads and clip them into the rotor
8.Put your new brake rotor in position and reassemble everything just as you took it apart

Congratulations! Now do the other side, and youre done!

About the Author:
Peter Lynch is an experience auto expert and regularly provides genuine and useful information on various auto parts including brake pads or brake pad set. This article aims at imparting the required information on the maintenance of brake pads.

Article Originally Published On: http://www.articlesnatch.com

Tags: brake pad set

, brake pads

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