Replacing Brake Pads & Rotors

It’s an age old principle: Things wear out and break. In your vehicle’s case…whether it’s new, old, leased or still being paid off…even brakes break.  More accurately, brakes, brake pads and brake rotors wear out and break eventually.

The easiest way of getting your brakes, pads and rotors maintained or replaced is by visiting your trusted local Gilroy mechanic and have it professionally handled, with peace of mind.

However, if you’re one of the more mechanically inclined, some say that maintaining and replacing your brakes is not as overwhelming as many may think.  Jason Fenske from Engineering Explained guides you through the process in the above video…for those that feel up to the task themselves.

Here’s an outline of the steps involved:

1. Raise your vehicle up via jack or hydraulic lift…to easily maneuver and access your brake rotors and pads.  Make sure the car is level when raising it, and check the owner’s manual for the proper jacking points as they differ from vehicle to vehicle. Remove the wheels so you can easily access the brakes.
2. Remove the brake caliper.  Use a wrench to hold the caliper pin in place and a socket wrench to remove the two bolts at the back of the caliper to gain access. But make sure the caliper does not dangle or hang from the brake lines as this could cause damage. At this point, the pads can be removed as well. After removing the caliper bracket itself, the old rotors are all that will be standing in the way of some fresh stopping power.  The rotors may be snug, but they will come off with a bit of elbow grease, a screwdriver, and some light taps from a mallet.
3. Before installing the new rotor…make sure that no residue remains on the new pads with a quick spray of a reputable brand of brake cleaner.  Finally, you can install the new pads, replace the hardware, and voila! You’re done.

Several other tips and techniques are recommended by seasoned veteran auto mechanics.  Those valuable tidbits, like using a wire brush to remove accumulated rust… are gained with years of experience.

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