How to fit Disc Pads
It is required from time to time to replace front disc pads on our cars as it wears down, although it sounds daunting, here is how to fit disc pads photo illustrated.
Made easy by this step by step photo guide.
#More on Car Brakes
Tools Needed
- Jack (Bottle or Scissors)
- 2 Axle Stands
- A long Screwdriver
- Correct size wrench for the Caliper Bolts
- Rags
- Old Paint Brush
- Old Cardboard
- Pair of thin gloves
Spare Parts Needed
- 1 x set of disc pads specific to the car
- Brake fluid for topping up
Procedure
Park the car on a level, hard surface, such as a garage floor or concrete driveway, Engage the parking brake.
Jack the front of the car and place the axle stands firmly in position for safety support.
Loosen the front wheels.
Remove the wheels, unlock the steering and turn the wheel full lock to one side, so the brake calliper is exposed and easily reached.
Open the bonnet and locate the brake master cylinder, Remove the filler cap and place a clean cloth over the filler hole, this is to absorb the brake fluid that will be expunged when the brake calliper’s piston is forced back and prevent the brake fluid from leaking all over the vehicle.
NB, brake fluid will eat away at the paintwork of the car, so be extra careful not to spill any.
Place a piece of old cardboard below your work area to catch all loose debris.
Push back the Caliper Pistons
Take a screwdriver or any appropriate lever and pry the disc pad away from the disc and toward the calliper’s piston. The calliper piston will move back gradually, continue applying pressure until the piston is all the way back. As you do this the brake fluid level will rise in the reservoir, hence the clean rag placed there.
Loosen the brake Caliper Bolts
Remove the calliper bolts.
Remove the calliper and tie it with cable ties, or a bungee cord out of the way, ensure that you do not damage the flexible brake hose attached to the calliper.
Check the calliper floating pins and ensure it moves freely.
Remove the worn Disc Pads
Brush away all loose brake dust and debris with an old paintbrush. Check the condition of the brake discs, replace if necessary.
Fit the new brake pads with the abrasive lining facing the brake discs
Re-Fit the Brake Caliper
Fit and tighten the calliper bolts by hand ensuring not to cross thread.
Tighten sufficiently with the appropriate size spanner. Hand-tight with a bite will be tight enough.
Pump Brake Pedal
Pump the brakes pedal repeatedly until the brake pedal is firm. You are now pumping the brake fluid back into the brake lines, that was pushed back when the calliper piston was forced back when removing the old brake pads.
Repeat the above procedure for the opposite side.
When completed, remove the rag covering the master cylinder filler hole, ensure the brake fluid level is at the max mark, if not top it up. Fit the filler cap securely.
Fit Wheels and Lower
Fit the wheels. lower the car to the ground and tighten the wheels appropriately with a wheel brace.
Test the brake pedal, ensuring that it is firm before you drive off.
Congratulations
You just completed fitting of new front disc brake pads.
How do we know when it is time to replace brake pads?
When you can hear a grinding sound coming from the wheels when applying brakes, or a light scraping sound while driving and/or the brake pedal is low or spongy.
Who replaced your car’s brake pads before? Comment in the section below.
Until Next Time “Safe Motoring”
