Can I replace my own brake pads?

If you're comfortable with doing your own car maintenance, you can take on replacing your own brake pads as a DIY project. As with all auto repairs or upgrades, consult your owner's manual for specific instructions or special information before you begin.

Is it worth changing your own brake pads?

It's best to avoid changing your brake pads just because they're a common cause of brake problems. It's better to have an automotive professional examine your brake system before making assumptions or troubleshooting your brake pads at home.

Is changing your own brakes safe?

Risks. There are more serious risks when working on your own brakes. You can be injured while working with heavy or complex parts, can injure your hands trying to reach hard-to-locate parts, and can even put yourself in danger once you start driving again.

Is changing your own brakes easy?

Brake maintenance, though, isn't always as simple as just removing and replacing pads and rotors, and it is more involved than, say, a standard oil change. Installing new brake pads can quickly become a more complicated project than you anticipated.

How much does it cost to replace brakes yourself?

For a DIY brake replacement, this adds up to an estimated range of $140 to $240 per axle. Thinking about paying a professional to replace your brakes? You'll want to keep in mind a couple of additional costs.

How To Change Replace Brake Pads Easy Simple

Can I just replace brake pads and not rotors?

Yes, but it depends on the condition of your brake rotors. If they aren't damaged or thinned beyond the discard thickness, you can definitely change just the worn brake pads.

Should you replace all 4 brake pads at once?

But, when changing brake pads, should you do all four at once? Well, first, you absolutely should replace both front or both rear brake pads at the same time. Unless something's really wrong, one should be wearing out at about the same rate as the other.

How long does replacing brake pads take?

If you have experience with basic repair brake pad replacement can be done in 4 hours. Changing front brake pads is simpler than replacing rear disc brakes, and if you have experience doing basic repairs the job will take about 4 hours.

What tools do I need to change my brake pads?

How much does it cost to replace all 4 brake pads?

That said, for brake pad replacement only, you can expect to pay between $35 and $150 for parts for all four wheels. Labor typically runs between $80 and $120 per axle, making for a grand total of between $115 and $270 per axle.

Do brake pad brands matter?

The Brand Name Matters Less Than the Type

The company makes excellent brake pads. So does EBC, Wagner, Bendix, and Bosch. While some are certainly better than others, what's really more important is the type of brake pad, not the name. There are several different types of brake pads out there.

Are front brakes cheaper than rear brakes?

In a perfect world, sure they are. Unfortunately, our world is festooned with imperfections, and higher prices for rear brakes just happens to be one of them. If you have rear disc brakes, this repair (with just the standard pad/rotor replacement) will run $25-$75 higher than the front brake repair, on average.

Are premium brake pads worth it?

Premium brake pads use higher quality materials which typically have lower wear, and therefore a longer service life. Some pads are designed specifically for longer service life and will also wear more evenly than lower quality pads. It is important to pair new pads with new rotors to capitalize on this benefit.

Can I replace just the front brake pads?

You can replace your brake pads in pairs (the front or the rear) at the same time or separately. If your front brake pads are in need of repair or replacement, your mechanic can fix this issue independently. It's also important to note that your front and rear brake pads wear at very different rates.

Why do front brakes wear faster?

Your front brake pads will also wear down faster than your rear pads. The front of your vehicle handles a lot more weight transfer as you brake, causing more wear. Over time heat and friction also contribute to brake pad wear. Which axle your brakes are on will also influence how much wear and tear your pads sustain.

How do I know if I need new rotors?

How do I know when my rotors are bad?

What happens if you don't replace brake pads?

First, the brake pads are attached to what are essentially metal clamps -- which will begin grinding against the rotor. This can cause the rotor to warp or break. Second, the lack of brake pads means the heat from the friction won't disperse correctly, which could cause the whole braking system to overheat and fail.

Do brake pads come in pairs?

If your vehicle needs brake pads or shoes, the parts kits are sold in pairs, enough to do the left and right wheel brake units, either front or rear. While brake rotors and drums are sold individually, it's seldom wise to replace only one.

How do I check my brake pads?

On many vehicles, you can see the brake pad through the holes in the wheel. To check the life of the brake pad, you need to determine its thickness. You might need a flashlight to get a good look at the brake pad. If the pads look thin, less than 1/4", it might be time to get them replaced.

Which brakes do the most work?

The front brakes do most of the work as the vehicle's weight pushes forward while stopping. Therefore, many vehicles are equipped with disc brakes on the front axle and drum brakes on the rear.

Are ceramic or metallic brake pads better?

Ceramic brake pads typically last longer than semi-metallic brake pads, and through their lifespan, provide better noise control and less wear-and-tear to rotors, without sacrificing braking performance.

What brand of brake pads are best?

Do brake pads and rotors need to be the same brand?

If you're replacing OE equipment with something comparable, there's no reason you can't switch from one brand to another. And there's no reason you can't buy pads from one company and rotors from another.