While other automotive parts may need to be updated, brake pads are among the most cost-effective. Brake pads can last anywhere from 18, 000 to 31, 000 miles on average, although this varies greatly depending on the quality of the pads and your driving behavior.
It’s time to get your brake pads replaced if you’ve taken the time to inspect them or if you’ve noticed and heard clear signs of excessive wear and tear.
When it comes to the time it takes to replace brake pads, there are several variables to consider. Changing brake pads usually takes between 30 minutes and an hour on average.
While it’s possible to replace the brake pads yourself, it’s preferable to leave this task to a professional. Your automobile won’t stop correctly if even one of your brake pads is worn out.
Depending on the type of brake pads you have, the mechanic’s ability, or your own abilities if you’re doing it yourself, the time it takes to change the brake pads might vary widely.
For instance.
Replaceing brake pads might take longer on some car models than on others, especially on race cars or significantly customized vehicles, because the brake pads are constructed of stronger materials and can be of varying sizes. A qualified mechanic can complete the job in 30 to 1 hour if you have standard wheels.
The process of changing the brake pads
Changing brake pads is a straightforward procedure. This repair does not necessitate any prior knowledge of brake pad replacement procedures.
The following are the steps:
The valve in the caliper is removed from its seat once the brake pads have been removed. After that, remove the old pad and install the new one. To use both brakes, repeat the procedure on the other side of your car.
There are two kinds of brake pads.
Disc and drum styles are included. Simply swap out both sides of your disc-style model and reinstall your wheels so that they are flush with one another.
If you’re using a drum-style system, be sure to reinstall the wheels after finishing the first side before moving on to the second. As a last step, check sure your wheels are parallel to one another.
How long does it take to do a full brake replacement job?
Each brake takes roughly 15 minutes to complete. All of this requires raising the tires, dismantling your car, and putting it back together again. After you’ve done this, you’ll need to replace your brake pads.
Step-by-step instructions for performing this repair yourself:
In the case of disc brakes, you simply have to pull out both sides and slide them around to make sure they’re flush with each other before putting everything back together and detaching your wheels from the axle.
You may reassemble your car with drum brakes by simply removing one side of the vehicle after the wheels have been reinstalled.
To make sure that your brakes function properly, adjust them after reinstalling your wheels and before shutting off the engine.
What tools are needed to change the brake pads?
A screwdriver or a wrench. The lug nuts on your wheels and the brakes on your car must be removed using these. The height of your vehicle may need to be adjusted before removing the wheels and brakes, so make sure to have a jack on hand. In order to get the axles of your automobile back to being flush with each other after adjusting the brake pads on disc brake types, you’ll need a variety of wrench sizes.
Checks you should perform after installing the new brake pads
Here are a few things to look for after you’ve finished replacing your brake pads.
- Make sure that the brake pads are fitted in the right position. If they’re not, you’ll need to remove them and refit them again.
- Adjust the caliper piston so that it doesn’t interfere with the new brake pads.
- Observe any leaks in your system for fluids such as brake fluid or anticorrosive fluid and fix them as soon as possible.
- Check if there is any dirt or dust left on your brakes to make sure they work properly.
- Test your brakes to make sure they are working correctly before driving off with your car.
- If your brakes squeak, check the wheel bolts if they’re tight enough.
- If you hear grinding sounds when braking, your brake discs might need replacing.
- Drive on a smooth road for about 10 meters to push the brake pedal and test if there is anything wrong with the brake pads.
- Make sure that you’ve not forgotten to fix anything else on these brakes and put all items back in place in case you’ve removed them earlier.
- Before driving off, adjust your handbrake if it’s not working properly.
