Brake pads & Rotors Replacement
Brake pads and rotors are essential components of a vehicle's braking system, and they require regular maintenance and eventual replacement to ensure safe and effective braking performance. Here's an explanation of how and why they need to be replaced, along with the symptoms to watch for:
Why Brake Pads and Rotors Need Replacing:
Brake Pads Wear Out:
Brake pads are designed to press against the brake rotors to create the friction needed to stop your car. Over time, the friction material on the brake pads wears down due to constant contact with the rotor surface.
As the material wears, the effectiveness of the brake pads decreases, meaning they can't provide the same stopping power as when they were new.
Brake Rotors Wear Down:
The rotors are metal discs that the brake pads grip to slow or stop the vehicle. As the pads wear down, they can cause grooves or uneven wear on the rotors.
If the rotors are warped, cracked, or excessively worn, it can affect braking performance and cause vibrations or noises.
Safety Concerns:
Worn-out brake pads or damaged rotors can compromise the vehicle's ability to stop effectively, increasing the risk of accidents.
Worn brake pads can lead to metal-on-metal contact with the rotor, damaging it further and potentially leading to costly repairs.
Symptoms Indicating Brake System Needs To Be Serviced:
Squeaking or Squealing Noises:
Brake pads have wear indicators, which are metal strips that make a high-pitched squeaking noise when the pads are too thin. This noise warns you it's time to replace them.
Grinding Noise:
If you hear a grinding noise, it typically means the brake pads are worn down completely, and the metal part of the pad is now rubbing against the rotor. This can damage the rotor and require a more expensive repair.
Reduced Braking Performance:
If the car takes longer to stop, or the brake pedal feels softer or less responsive than usual, it could be a sign that the brake pads are worn out and need replacing.
Vibration or Pulsation:
If you feel vibrations or a pulsing sensation when pressing the brake pedal, it may indicate that the brake pads are unevenly worn or that the rotors are warped, and it's time for a replacement.
Visual Inspection:
If you can see the brake pads through the wheel, check the thickness. If the pad material is less than 1/4 inch thick, it's time to replace them.
Brake Pads And Rotors Replacement Steps:
1 - Lift Car from jack points and secure with jack stands.
2 - Remove wheel lugs and set wheel aside
3- Remove caliper bolts and hang so it won’t stretch or damage brake lines
4- Remove caliper bracket bolts and remove bracket
5- Remove T-Torx screw from rotor and remove the Rotor.
6- Remove old hardware from caliper bracket and clean with wire brush
7- Install new hardware and grease those areas with brake caliper grease (Also grease guide pin bolts)
8- Using a caliper press tool compress the pistons on the caliper.
9- Clean wheel hub surface rust with wire brush
10- Install new Rotor (clean Rotors with brake parts cleaner) tighten with T-torx screw
11- Install the caliper bracket and new brake pads
12- Install caliper and tighten bolts
13- Reinstall wheel and lower vehicle
Video Tutorial for Brake Pads And Rotors Replacement
Brake Pads and Rotors Replacement
