How To Repair Loose Rubber Car Trim

How to Repair Your Machine Brakes

Last Updated March 25, 2022

Brakes are the about essential safety feature of whatever vehicle, then only gear up them yourself if you have the correct tools and plenty conviction to practice the job well. Yous can learn how to change the brake pads and rotors yourself in no time at all. As with most of the really important parts of the car, the design of the brakes hasn't changed much in years, which is adept because one time you learn how to supplant the brakes you lot can employ that noesis to all cars old and new.

How Brakes Work

The brakes operate using a simple hydraulic organisation that transfers the pressure y'all apply to the pedal onto the brake pads and rotors. When you push button down on the restriction pedal, a lever pushes a piston into the master cylinder that's filled with hydraulic fluid. This fluid is then squirted forth pipes which feed another cylinder positioned adjacent to the brakes to complete an hydraulic system that multiplies the force you put into the pedal.

Knowing When to Replace the Brakes

With some cars y'all'll know the instant the brakes need changing because you'll demand to apply them before than normal to stop for the corner but with other cars that'south not so obvious, particularly if you're used to driving a truck with different loads in the back and on dissimilar route surfaces which hateful you lot adapt your driving way to lucifer the condition of the road and the weight of the vehicle. When the restriction pads habiliment down, you'll start to hear a squeaking noise whenever y'all try and slow the vehicle. Thankfully some newer cars have brake pad sensors that alert the driver when the pads need replacing.

Preparation

Co-ordinate to home services websites, the average cost of irresolute pads and rotors on a typical car is $324. That varies from country to state only y'all can await to save part of those costs if y'all do the work yourself. To begin the job y'all'll need to buy new brake pads and rotors. When you become abode, put the car in restriction and and so begin the chore by loosening the lug nuts. Now raise the jack then rest the car on jack stands.

Replacing the Brakes

Now remove the bolts from the caliper and slide it out. At present remove the bolts on the rear of the hub that keeps the caliper carrier in place. You might need to whack the rotor with a hammer to get it off. Practice whatever it takes because you don't need the onetime rotor anyhow. Now employ a wire brush to remove rust from the hub before installing the new rotor. And then yous supersede the caliper carrier bolts and you'll be fix to compress the caliper piston. Do this until the piston is flush with the housing of the caliper. To complete the task, install pads in the carrier and use some grease on the outside of the pad for smooth operating.

To Finish

Put the wheel back on and tighten the lug basics to consummate the job. Although you've got new pads and rotors on the vehicle, y'all'll hear some squeaking to begin with. That'southward normal when y'all've changed the brakes. To become rid of that, drive on a highway at around 60 MPH and and so gradually decrease speed to 40 using the brakes. Do the same from 50 to 30 MPH a few times and then just drive around and apply the brakes as normal. You'll soon detect the noise go away.