Usually, people consider how to change the front brake pad a difficult task. However, it is not. It doesn’t require professional help and special tools.
Are you wondering about the simple method to change front brakes? A failure brake system is a safety hazard. Moreover, the brake system ensures a comfortable drive and makes car handling easy. Changing front brakes is an easy and simple process, and it takes about 4-5 hours without specialized tools.
Generally, all automobiles have disc brakes and front brakes. However, the front brakes fail more quickly than the rear ones. Wear out brake pads make consistent grinding noises, and the steering wheel is shaking. Another indication of wear-out front brake is brake pads become too thin.
In this article, I will guide you on how to change the front brake pad? Generally, front brakes pads wear out easily because 70 % of braking comes from the front. Changing front brakes and rotors is not a difficult task. However, if you face any problem, consult a mechanic.
How to change brake pads?
Sometimes when you apply the front brake car vibrates. It is an indication that rotors need replacement. Generally, car mechanic decides whether to reuse or replace the rotors. As we are changing the front brakes by our self and we don’t brake micrometer. So, it’s better to change the rotor with the brakes.
Items required for changing brake pads
Let’s look at things needed for brake pads replacement.
2. Brake rotors
3. Brake fluid
4. Brake cleaner
5. Tools and torque wrench
6. C- clamp
7. Piece of string
8. Jack and jack stand
Step 1: Remove the wheel
Press the emergency brake. In the case of the foot pedal press, it down, and if it is a hand leer, pick it up. Place wheel shock on both sides of the wheel. Place the jack under the wheel and remove the wheel cover. Park the car on a flat surface. So, it’s easy to remove the wheel. Lose the nuts and sockets of the wheel. Lift the car using a jack and adjust the vehicle to an appropriate point with the help of a jack stand.
Step 2: Take out the caliper
Remove the lug nuts and wheel. Now brake assembly is clear, and you can easily access the caliper. There are two bolts or pins that are responsible for holding a caliper. One is at the bottom and the other is on the top. Generally, it is necessary to remove the bottom bolt. It is a long bolt about 12 inches. When the bolt is removed, the caliper pivot is up. When you wiggle, the caliper will come off easily. Take a piece of string and tie the part of the assembly that is the way.
Step 3: Remove the old brakes
Usually, the thickness of brakes pads indicates the need for brakes replacement. Small metal when contact with rotor make noise and this friction cause the pads to worn out. After removing the caliper, the brake pads are visible. By wiggling the old brake pads pull them out. You will notice the clips will come out with the brake pads.
Step 4: Replace the brake clips
Generally, new brake pads come with new brake clips. The purpose of clips is to move back and forth, and they don’t have any screws and bolts. Change the brakes clips one at a time. Make sure that brake clips fully fit the brake pads. Add brake lubricant it will make the sliding process easy and convenient.
Step 5: Clean the rust from Pad slide areas
Clean the rust from the brake slides by using brake cleaner. A wire brush can rip the rust off easily. Now coat the sides with brake grease. Old brake clips can’t be used again. If the brake pads are not worn off by greasing and proper cleaning the problems like brake noise, severe braking, and vibration are sorted.
Clean the rust off the caliper brackets, bolts, and wheel hub.
Step 6: Brake pads installation
Some brake pads have shims that keep brake pads in place. These thin metal tabs fit on the brake pads. Replacing brakes includes sliding new brakes back to the place where the old brake came back from. Normally, new clips are tighter, so it can be hard to insert a new brake by lubricating it to fit nicely.
Step 7: Retract the piston
Every wheel has one piston. The purpose of the piston is to press the brake pad and stop the rotor. After changing brake pads, lower the caliper into their place. The piston needs to push back. Use a c-Clamp to retract the piston. So, the brake fluid is pushed back to the cylinder reservoir.
Step 8: Monitor the brake fluid level
After retracting the piston, the level of brake fluid will increase. Some mechanics recommend monitoring after changing both brake pads. When brake pads wear out, the brake fluid level changes and after changing front brake pad is lower down.
Step 9: Reassembly
Reassemble and tight the slider bolts. After the brake changes, straight the wheel and put on and tighten the lug nuts.
Conclusion
Generally, how to change the front brake pad is considered a difficult task. However, it is not. By following simple steps, brake pads are changed within hours. Front brake pads wear out quite often. By learning this technique, you can save money.
FAQ (Frequently Asked question)
1. How hard is it to change front brakes?
Surprisingly changing the car brake is an easy and simple process and without professional help and a simple tool. You can change the front brakes of a car.
2. Can you change just the front brake pads?
Generally, brake pads are changed in pairs either front or rear. The front brake pads wear out more often because the brake system depends upon the front brake system.
3. How much does it cost to change the front brake pad?
Generally, it depends upon the brake pad material. The average cost of changing the front brake pad is around 150 to 300 $.
4. Should you replace front and rear brake pads at the same time?
Usually, mechanics suggest changing front and rear brake pads simultaneously because brake pads are on the same axle.
5. Do you need to bleed brakes when changing pads?
Not necessarily, in normal circumstances, you don’t require to bleed the brake system. In some special cases, like a completely worn-out brake system, you need to bleed brake. The reason behind filth can hinder the brake performance.
