Can you do your own brake pad replacement?

It might seem obvious, but the importance of keeping your brakes in top condition can’t be overstated. When you put your foot to the pedal, you want your brakes to respond quickly and effectively to keep you and other road users safe. While it’s easy to book in with your mechanic for a brake service, with a little know-how and some tools, you can check and replace worn out brake pads yourself. It is important to note, unless you have auto know how, it is best to leave this job to professionals.

How long do brake pads last?

Brake pads will last anywhere from 5,000km up to 50,000km. The biggest determining factor is how much heat they take – which is usually the result of how hard your brakes are working. Driving through hilly terrain, towing heavy loads or braking frequently (for example, in stop-start suburban traffic) will typically mean needing new brake pads sooner than if you drive wide, easy country roads. Quality will also have an impact, with high-end brake pads lasting longer than cheap, generic ones. Regular checks are the best way to ensure your brake pads are in good condition at all times.

How to check brake pads

Modern brake pads are designed with a wear indicator that lets you know when your brakes are running low. Most brake pads use a metal tab that sits against the disc when the pads are worn down, causing a high-pitched metallic noise when the brakes are applied. Some modern cars use an electronic indicator that will light up an icon on your dash. Some cars will even estimate how much mileage you have left before you need to replace the pads. However, it’s a good idea to take a manual measurement at regular intervals, just in case these indicator systems fail to pick up issues.

While minimum brake pad thickness requirements will vary across states and territories, a good rule of thumb is to swap them out when they get down to around 3-4mm. Beyond this point they become less able to withstand high heat and can begin to deteriorate more rapidly. Another problem to watch out for is uneven brake pad wear: this can signal issues such as misaligned pads, failed or sticky calipers, or warped discs. In this case, your best option may be to bring it into a shop for a closer inspection.

How to change brake pads

Before you get started, make sure you have the equipment you need for changing brake pads:

• Replacement brake pads
• Car jack and stands
• Brake bleeder – a tool for siphoning brake fluid
• Empty plastic container
• Spanners and pliers

Step 1: Use your siphon to remove some brake fluid from the master cylinder. Collect this fluid into the empty container.

Step 2: Lift your car up using the jack and place jack stands. Remove the wheels to access the brake system.

Step 3: Check the whole brake assembly for signs of wear or damage. If any other parts are damaged, they will also need to be replaced.

Step 4: Remove the brake pads. There are different types of brake calipers that hold the pad in different ways. Some have retaining clips and pins and just slide out, while other require bolts to be undone to separate the sliding part of the caliper to allow the pads to be removed. If you are unsure of how to remove the pads, it is best to let a mechanic to perform the job.

Step 5: Once the pads are removed you need to push the pistons back into the caliper. Some are simple and can be done with pliers, while others might require more specific tools and techniques.

Step 6: Install the new brake pads in reverse order to the removal steps.

Step 7: Pump the brake pedal a couple of times to push the calipers back against the pad. Then check the brake fluid level and top up if required.

How much to replace brake pads?

Getting your hands dirty with car maintenance isn’t everyone’s cup of tea, and there are some jobs – such as replacing calipers or diagnosing more complex issues – that are best left to a professional. The experienced mechanics at mycar will have your car stopping short in no time.

Wondering how much brake pads replacement costs? We combine top-quality products and expert workmanship with low prices starting at just $199 for front and rear brake service. Every car is different and there are a range of products available to suit your driving purposes, so we’ll talk you through new brake pad costs for your car before the work goes ahead.

Call mycar today to book in for a brake system service.