How to Change Brake Pads: A Step-by-Step Guide
- garrettbright
- Feb 2
- 2 min read
Maintaining your vehicle’s braking system is crucial for safety and performance. At Diamond State Mobile Mechanic, we serve drivers in Springdale, Siloam Springs, Bentonville, Rogers, Fayetteville, and Gentry, providing expert brake repair and replacement services. If you want to change your brake pads yourself, follow this step-by-step guide.
What You’ll Need:
Jack and jack stands
Lug wrench
Socket wrench set
C-clamp or brake caliper tool
New brake pads
Brake grease
Safety gloves and goggles
Step 1: Park Safely and Loosen Lug Nuts
Park on a level surface, engage the parking brake, and place wheel chocks behind the rear wheels. Use a lug wrench to slightly loosen the lug nuts on the wheel you’ll be working on.
Step 2: Lift the Car and Remove the Wheel
Use a jack to lift the vehicle and place jack stands underneath for safety. Fully remove the lug nuts and take off the wheel to access the brake assembly.
Step 3: Remove the Brake Caliper
Locate the brake caliper and remove the bolts securing it. Carefully slide the caliper off the rotor and rest it on a suspension component—do not let it hang by the brake line.
Step 4: Remove Old Brake Pads
Slide out the old brake pads from the caliper bracket. Take note of how they were positioned to ensure correct installation of the new pads.
Step 5: Install New Brake Pads
Apply brake grease to the back of the new pads to prevent squeaking. Insert them into the caliper bracket in the same position as the old pads.
Step 6: Compress the Brake Caliper
Use a C-clamp or brake caliper tool to slowly compress the caliper piston until it is flush with the caliper housing. This allows room for the new, thicker brake pads.
Step 7: Reinstall the Brake Caliper
Carefully slide the caliper back over the brake pads and secure it with the mounting bolts. Make sure everything is tightened properly.
Step 8: Reattach the Wheel and Lower the Car
Put the wheel back on, hand-tighten the lug nuts, then lower the car using the jack. Fully tighten the lug nuts in a star pattern to ensure even pressure.
Final Step: Test Your Brakes
Before driving, pump the brake pedal a few times to seat the pads and ensure proper braking function. Take a short test drive at low speeds to confirm everything is working correctly.
Need Brake Service? Call Diamond State Mobile Mechanic!
If you’re in Springdale, Siloam Springs, Bentonville, Rogers, Fayetteville, or Gentry and need professional brake replacement or repair, contact Diamond State Mobile Mechanic for expert mobile service at your location.
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