Changing Brake Pads Tutorial
Taking care of basic maintenance on your car can really save money. Recently, my brake pads starting squealing so I took my car to Midas for an estimate. That was my first mistake. Midas will charge $25.00 for the inspection unless you have the work done. Other places won’t charge for the inspection at all. Midas wanted to change the brake pads, rotors, brake shoes and drums for a whopping $930 give or take some change.
I took my car to a family member and we did the job in an hour for the low, low cost of $133 (materials only). Plus we found that Midas wanted to do more work than was actually necessary. We changed the pads, rotors, and a little brake fluid piston. The shoes and drums were still within specification. These are the steps we followed to change the brake pads.
Changing Brake Pads (98 Saturn SL1 example)
I have a 98 Saturn SL1 and changing the brake pads was straight forward. Other models may be slightly different but the basic principals stay the same. Don’t try this unless you’re up for the challenge. It’s very important that your car stops when you apply the brakes.
Tools and Materials Needed
You’ll need a few tools but nothing out of the ordinary. Most of these items are available on online. Here’s what you need (linked to either Amazon.com or Autobarn.com below):
- Car jack – Lots of cars come with a basic jack.
- Jack stands – Place these under your car once it’s high enough.
- Tire iron – To remove the lug nuts. This can also be the appropriate sized socket. Some vehicles require a key to remove the wheels.
- Caliper piston compressor – This tool will push the brake piston back before you replace it over the new pads. You can also use a C – clamp and the old brake pad.
- New brake pads – Check AutoBarn.com or pick them up at a local automotive shop. They can help you find the appropriate pads.
- Brake Grease – For greasing caliper bolts. You can also apply grease to the pads.
Changing Brake Pads
Step 1: The brake pads are located on the front two wheels. Park your car and set the parking brake. This will keep it from moving while you’re working. Position your jack on a flat part of the axle. Pump up your car enough to place the jack stands.
Step 2: Take off any hub cap / wheel cover. Remove the wheel by taking out all the lug nuts. Keep these someplace safe. You don’t want to loose any of them.
Step 3: Next, remove the brake caliper. There will be two bolts on the far side holding it in place. If your using pneumatic tools take care the caliper doesn’t fly up. Loosen both bolts and then remove them. This should expose the brake pads.
Step 4: My brake pads didn’t have any bolts holding them in place. Note any specific orientation and make sure the new pads go in the same way. Some people will grease the back of the new pads (not in between the pad and rotor) to prevent squeaking.
Step 5: Now it’s time to push the caliper piston back so it will fit over the new pads. Use the old pad to protect the piston and the caliper piston rewind or a large c-clamp to push the piston back. Make sure not to pinch the boot (rubber covering around piston).
Step 6: Fit the caliper back over the brake pads. Thoroughly grease the two bolts and replace them.
Step 7: Replace the wheel and tighten the lug nuts. Be sure to tighten them equally to prevent uneven ware (which can ultimately damage your car). Don’t forget the wheel cover.
Step 8: Repeat for the other front wheel.
Step 9: Get in the car and pump the brakes! This step will tighten the brake piston. Don’t forget. Otherwise, your brakes won’t do anything the first couple times you try them.
It’s better to Buy Auto Parts Online
Before shopping locally, we highly recommend checking out a place like AutoBarn.com for your auto parts. Most items are in stock, ship at low cost or for free, and autobarn doesn’t require sales tax in most places. Check them out…
__
What do you think? Ever change your brake pads? Any tips to pass along?
Comments & Conversation on this Article...
2 Responses to Changing Brake Pads Tutorial
Wait! Got a question on your own project?
Ask your question in our Home Improvement Help Forums.
Otherwise, leave a note here!
August 14th, 2008 9:35 am
This is very timely… my brakes are starting to squeal, and my sister has been after me to change them myself.
I’ve never done anything on a car except change the battery and give a basic tuneup/change sparkplugs before, though…
Question for you or for anyone else… if I have all wheel drive, do I do ALL four wheels instead of just the front two?
August 14th, 2008 9:51 am
Ditto on the timeliness. I’m taking mine to Meineke, since they don’t charge for the inspection. I have a VW New Beetle, and just to make it difficult, they put disc brakes on all 4 wheels, and supposedly the rotors wear out simultaneously with the pads. Grr.
I hope this isn’t true and that it is just one of the many ways that VW tries to get ya! There are so very many ways, it’s hard to keep track!
Jennifer, most cars have drum brakes on the rear wheels, but that may be different for 4 wheel drive; mine is a 2 WD, but it’s an anomaly…