How to Change Your Car’s Brake Pads at Home - A Step-by-Step Guide

Keeping your brakes in top shape is crucial for your safety and the longevity of your car. With the right tools, some patience, and careful attention, changing your brake pads at home is doable, even if you’re not a professional mechanic. Here’s a detailed guide from FIXRA to help you safely replace your brake pads, with recommended products to make the job easier.

How to Know If Your Brake Pads Need Changing

Brake pads wear down over time. Signs it’s time to replace them include:

• Squeaking or squealing noises: Many pads have wear indicators that make a high-pitched sound when the pad material is low.

• Grinding sound: This usually means the pads are worn down completely, and metal is contacting the rotor - urgent attention needed.

• Longer stopping distances: If your car takes longer to brake, it could be worn pads.

• Visual check: Look through the wheel spokes. If the pad is less than 3mm thick, it’s time to replace it.
  
  
  

What You’ll Need

Before starting, gather the right tools and materials:

• Car jack and jack stands

• Lug wrench

• C-clamp or brake caliper tool

• Socket wrench set

• Allied Nippon Brake Pads – ADB01618 (ensure correct fit for your car)

• Holts Quick Drying Brake & Parts Cleaner

• Granville Ceramic Brake Grease 500G

• Gloves and safety glasses
  
  
  

Step-by-Step Guide to Changing Brake Pads

1. Park safely and lift the car

   • Ensure your car is on a flat surface.

   • Apply the parking brake and place wheel chocks behind the rear wheels.

   • Use a jack to lift the car and secure it with jack stands.

2. Remove the wheel

   • Loosen the lug nuts with a wrench before lifting the car, then fully remove them once the car is elevated.

3. Remove the caliper

   • Locate the brake caliper (the clamp over the rotor).

   • Remove the bolts holding it in place using a socket wrench.

   • Carefully slide the caliper off the rotor. Don’t let it hang by the brake hose - use a bungee cord or rope to suspend it.

4. Clean the brake components

   • Use Holts Quick Drying Brake & Parts Cleaner to clean the rotor, caliper, and surrounding components.

   • This removes brake dust and contaminants for a safer, smoother installation.

5. Remove the old brake pads

   • Slide out the old pads from the caliper bracket.

   • Take note of how they’re positioned - they should go in the same way for the new pads.

6. Compress the caliper piston

   • Use a C-clamp or brake caliper tool to gently push the piston back into the caliper.

   • This is necessary to fit the new, thicker pads.

7. Apply brake grease and install new pads

   • Apply a thin layer of Granville Ceramic Brake Grease 500G to the back of the new pads and caliper contact points. This reduces noise and ensures smooth operation.

   • Install the Allied Nippon Brake Pads – ADB01618 into the caliper bracket, making sure they’re properly seated and aligned with the rotor.

8. Reattach the caliper

   • Slide the caliper back over the pads and rotor.

   • Tighten the caliper bolts securely.

9. Reinstall the wheel

   • Put the wheel back on, hand-tighten the lug nuts, then lower the car and fully tighten them in a crisscross pattern.
     
     
     

How to Check Your Brakes After Replacement

• Pump the brake pedal: Do this a few times before driving to ensure the pads are properly seated and the pedal feels firm.

• Test at low speed: Drive slowly and check for unusual noises or vibrations.

• Inspect visually: Make sure the pads are evenly seated and the caliper is secure.
  
  
  

Safety Warnings

• Never work under a car supported only by a jack - always use jack stands.

• Avoid touching the rotor with greasy hands - it can affect braking performance.

• Always replace pads in pairs (both front or both rear) to maintain even braking.

• If you’re unsure about any step, it’s safer to have a professional mechanic inspect your work.
  
  
  

Final Thoughts

Replacing brake pads at home can save money and give you confidence in maintaining your car. By using Allied Nippon Brake Pads – ADB01618, cleaning components with Holts Quick Drying Brake & Parts Cleaner, and applying Granville Ceramic Brake Grease 500G, you’ll ensure your brakes remain reliable, quiet, and safe. Follow this step-by-step guide from FIXRA, and your car will stop smoothly every time.