DIY Brake Change

Squeaky brakes are a warning to a driver that his brakes pads are wearing thin and should be replaced before they erode completely and begin doing structural damage to the car's disc. Though working with such a vital safety feature can be intimidating, replacing disc brake pads is a relatively simple process and can save you money over going to a mechanic for the replacement.

Instructions

1

Loosen the lug nuts on a wheel that needs its brake pads changed using the lug wrench.

2

Jack up the car until the wheel is off the ground.

3

Remove the lug nuts with the lug nut wrench and remove the wheel.

4

Loosen the pair of bolts on the brake caliper, the metal object positioned around the wheel's disc, using the wrench.

5

Place the caliper atop the wheel assembly, where it is out of the way and not hanging by the brake line.

6

Remove the old brake pads by pulling them out of the caliper mounting bracket.

7

Insert the new brake pads in place of the old pads in the mounting bracket.

8

Insert an old brake pad over the caliper piston, then insert the caliper tool and crank so that the tool expands. This will retract the piston, which presses on the pads, so that the caliper will fit over the new, thicker pads in the caliper mounting bracket.

9

Place the caliper back over the disc, or rotor, and secure with the bolts.

10

Replace the wheel and tighten the lug nuts before lowering the vehicle to the ground, then finish tightening the lug nuts.

11

Repeat the procedure for the opposite wheel. When done, pump the brake pedal a few times to seat the caliper firmly against the pads.