How to Replace Car Brake Pads and Rotors? (Beginners Guide)

Over time the brake pads need to be replaced because of the heavy use they eventually wear down. It is important to change your car brakes from time to time to avoid any road accidents. 

Some of the signs of brake issues are constantly hearing noise from the front disc brake when you slowly stop the car and need more push to stop the car. If you have noticed any of these symptoms and looking for your car brake repair in Warwick then you can come to us. We are famous for doing all types of car serving in Warwick.

If you are far from any garages and live in remote areas then you can do it for yourself. You need some basic car knowledge, you can replace the pads in your car yourself. Below we have shared a step-by-step guide to replace your car brakes and rotor.

13 Steps to Replace Your Car Brakes and Rotors 

1. Park Your Car in a Dry & Flat Place

Park your car on a flat surface and install wheel chocks so that it doesn’t move. Wear your safety goggles and protective gloves to prevent any cuts. Use a jack stand to lift your car but make sure you secure the jack points. 

2. Check The Brake Fluid Reservoir

Open the hood of the car and check if there is sufficient brake fluid in the reservoir. If the fluid is full then you may need to remove it. Maintaining sufficient fluid helps to avoid spillage because of overflow when pushing the brake calliper piston.

3. Lift the Car and Remove the Wheel

Loosen the lug nuts with the help of the breaker bar and socket while the car wheel is on the ground. Now lift the car using a hydraulic jack from a secure point. Place the jack stand under the correct points and safely lift the car. Remove the lug nuts and the car wheel.

4. Remove Bolts and Callipers

Turning your car wheel left or right will provide easy access to reach the calliper bolts. Remove the calliper and suspend it with a bungee cord. There are different ways to remove callipers in different cars.

5. Replace the Old Pads and Rotor

Check for any uneven wear patterns in the old pads. Uneven wear shows the pads are sticking because of different reasons such as lack of lubricant, worm pad, moisture or debris accumulation inside the braking system. You can take reference from the brake pad box when looking for uneven wear.

Once you check the brake pads, remove the rotor. In some cars, you will need to remove the calliper mounting bracket first to remove the rotor. The brake calliper bolts to the brake calliper mounting bracket which bolts to the spindle assembly.

You need to remove the brake calliper to remove the brake rotor. Then remove the brake calliper bracket. This will give you the access to the rotor.

Check for uneven wear or rust while removing the rotor. You may need a rust penetrant to remove the rust and a mallet to finish removing it from the hub assembly.

6. Clean the Rotor Mounting Surface

Clean the hub surface with a wire brush to remove rust and debris. This will ensure the new rotor sits correctly on the hub and prevent the risk of pedal pulsation. Even rust as thin as a piece of paper can translate to pedal pulsation.

7. Clean and Install the New Rotor

Clean the new rotor with a brake cleaner and install it.

8. Replace and Install New Brake Hardware

Change the old brake hardware with the new one. Old brake hardware creates vibrations when they get worn and you hear in the form of brake noise at low stopping speeds. You should replace these clips with each brake job. Ensure to use brake lubricant at the slider contact points before installing the brake hardware.

9. Replace the Old Brake Pads with New Ones

Ensure that the wear-sensor position orientation to install the brake pads is correct. Different brake pads have different wear-sensor placement. Some brake pads have wear sensors and some don't have them.  

10. Check the Piston and Brake Calliper

Inspect the piston and brake calliper and look for any brake fluid leaks through ting holes or gaps. If the piston and calliper are all clean, use the front or rear disc brake pad spreader to set to seat the calliper piston safely.

11. Install the Brake Calliper

Remove the calliper from the bungee cord and put it back on, but do not over-tighten the calliper bolts. This can lead to much bigger issues. So tighten the bolts with a socket, then use a torque wrench to tighten the bolts. 

12. Install the Wheel and Lower the Car

Install the wheel and then tighten the lug nuts while your car is raised. Lower your car using the jack until the wheel is just touching and then tighten the lug nuts with a torque wrench. You can check your car’s manual to find the proper torque to tighten the lug nuts. Repeat this process on the remaining wheels of your car.

13. Take an Easy Drive to Check All Brake Components Working Properly

Go for a short ride to quickly check if the new brakes are working properly. On an empty road, accelerate to around 80 km/h and then push the brake but not too hard, and the car speed brings down to 50 km/h.

Conclusion

With some basic knowledge of your car and some guidance, you can change your car brake pads and rotor by yourself. However, if you are a busy person and don’t have the right equipment then you can reach your local garage to change the brake components. If you need Brake repair in Warwick then you can give us a chance. We have the best car serving in Warwick at an affordable price.