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How to Change Brake Pads

Lowe's Editorial Team

By Lowe's Editorial Team
Published December 1, 2024

Maintaining your vehicle is crucial for safety, so it's important to know how often to replace brake pads. Noises such as squeaking or grinding noises when braking and a vibrating brake pedal are signs you need new brake pads. This is a general guide that will teach you how to change brake pads.

Tools and Materials

Tools

Materials

Preparation

Before you learn how to replace brake pads, you must make the necessary preparations.

Positioning

  • The first step in changing your brake pads is to ensure the car is parked on a flat-level surface to prevent it from rolling while you're working.
  • Pull the parking brake firmly to stop the car from moving. To keep it steady while you work, place blocks or wheel chocks behind the tires. This will help ensure your car is safe as you change the brake pads.
  • If you're working on a front wheel, put blocks or chocks behind the back wheel on the other side to stop the car from rolling.

Outer Parts

  • If you have a wheel cover, remove it. It can easily come out using your hand.
  • Before we lift the car, we need to loosen the lug nuts on the wheel. We only need to loosen them, not remove them. Use a lug wrench to loosen them. This will ensure that your wheel stays in place when you lift it up later and does not spin.

Caution

Wear safety glasses, gloves and mask to protect yourself from brake dust or debris, which can come out while changing the brakes or while removing the parts.

How to Change Brake Pads: Step-By-Step Instructions

Here is how you can change your brake pads step-by-step.

Lift it Up

  • Place a jack stand or car jack under the vehicle to lift it off the ground.
  • After you've lifted the vehicle, grab a lug wrench to remove the nuts fully, then take off the tire.

Tip

Place a jack stand or the tire under the vehicle to provide additional support while removing the wheel so it has something to support if it falls.

Brake Caliper

  • After you take off the tire, you will see a metal part that holds the brake pads, that is a brake caliper.
  • Look for the two bolts that keep the caliper in place; one is at the top and the other is at the bottom, usually behind the brake assembly.
  • Use a socket wrench or a brake caliper tool to remove these bolts.
  • Remove the caliper from the brake rotor.
  • After removing the caliper, secure it with a cord or wire to prevent the brake line from stretching.

Caution

Do not damage the brake line attached to the caliper, as it contains fluid. Avoid getting brake fluid on your skin or eyes, as it can irritate. If brake fluid does come into contact with your skin, rinse it thoroughly with water.

Tip

If the bolts are too tight, apply some lubricant and let it settle for half an hour; then, the bolt will loosen up.

Removing and Installing Brake Pads

Brake pads will now be easily visible after the caliper is out.

  • Remove brake pads from the caliper bracket by gently wiggling them or with a little force if they’re stuck.
  • Clean the area with a terry cloth before putting the new pads inside.
  • Apply a little brake grease to the backing plates of the new brake pads. Just at the ends, not on the whole brake plate.
  • Slide the new brake pads into the caliper bracket and make sure they are properly seated.

Reassemble

  • Cover the brake caliper back over the new brake pads.
  • Align the caliper with the mounting holes, reinsert the bolts you removed earlier and tighten the bolts securely using your socket wrench.
  • Position the wheel, tighten the lug nuts and take down the car.

Maintenance

  • Smooth driving is the best way to maintain your brake pads. Try to anticipate stops and slow down gradually rather than slamming on the brakes.
  • Knowing how often to replace brake pads is important for maintaining your vehicle's safety and performance. You should replace brake pads every 30,000 to 70,000 miles, depending on your driving habits and vehicle type.
  • Low brake fluid can reduce the efficiency of your brakes, so make sure to top it off regularly.
  • If you encounter any difficulties or feel unsure about any step, feel free to seek assistance from a qualified mechanic.

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