5 Common Brake Pad Replacement Mistakes to Avoid

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When it comes to replacing the pads on your brakes, many people are comfortable doing this on their own. However, there are many common mistakes that are made because of this that can lead to serious issues down the road. If you are considering replacing the brake pads on your vehicle yourself, then you will want to avoid these five common brake pad replacement mistakes:

  1. Not Cleaning the Hardware: Many people simply take out the old brake pads and replace them with the new ones without touching anything else. This is a huge mistake, because if you are not also cleaning the hardware, such as the slides and clips that attach to the new brake pads, then you are going to end up having to replace these new pads sooner rather than later. It's important for the new pads to stay as clean as possible because dirt is abrasive and will easily cause the pads to become worn again really quickly. 
  2. Not Lubricating the Pins: The pins that hold the brake pads in place will also need to be lubricated with special caliper grease. This is going to help the pads easily fit into place and not stick to the pins, which can cause issues with braking performance in the near future.
  3. Installing the Pads Backwards: One common mistake people make when replacing brake pads is installing them backwards. They are not made the same on either side, so it is important to take careful note of which side is placed where. There should be specific instructions on the box that the brake pads came in or in your owner's manual if you don't know.
  4. Not Measuring and Machining the Rotors: The rotors are what the brake pads rub against to help the vehicle in motion come to a stop. First off, if the rotors are worn, then new brake pads won't even be effective. You should measure the rotors to be sure that you know if they need replacement or not. You will also want to machine the rotors to ensure that they are smooth enough for the brake pads to rub against. A smooth surface will help the brake pads to stick. If the surface is not smooth, it can lead to poor braking performance. 
  5. Purchasing Cheap Pads: One mistake people often make is purchasing pads based off price alone. Cheap brake pads that don't have the best reputation often fail really quickly. It's important to ask a professional at your local car repair shop what brake pads are the best. If you are concerned about price, then you can ask which brake pads are the most affordable but will still provide the best quality. These pads may still be more expensive than the cheapest pads for sale, but at least you can count on great braking performance. 

By avoiding these common brake replacement mistakes, you can be sure that you are safe on the road and that you can avoid future replacement for a while to come. If you need further help, contact a business like Care Muffler & Brake Shop.

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4 September 2015

About Me

Keep Your Vehicle Safe

Hello. My name’s Samuel Jacobs. I retired from my job as an auto mechanic last year. During my years as a mechanic, I had the opportunity to meet people from all walks of life. Some have remained friends to this day. When I was working, there is one thing that I came across at least weekly. That is how uneducated people are when it comes to their vehicle’s tires. Properly cared for tires are crucial to the safety of your vehicle. Without them, your car isn’t going anywhere. If they give out on you while you are driving, there is the potential for serious injury. I’m going to share some tire safety information here. Things like the importance of correct inflation, how to check the tread, when to replace tires, tire rotation, and what to do in case of a blow-out. I hope you find this information to be helpful.