How to Replace Your Car's Brake Pads

[@86TYSON]

Ive done this a few times, I think a good tip would be to remove the brake fluid cap and put a rag over the top of it. So when you push back the piston, you don't cause any damage to the servo. That way you relieve built up pressure. GREAT VIDEOS by the way :)

[@B24Fox]

Slide pins should ONLY be lubricated with silicone grease, so as not to damage the rubber that surrounds them. You might want to note that.

[@thedreadedgman]

this! use Silicone Paste or (Silicon Grease), it works with the rubber parts, otherwise normal grease might eat away at the rubber parts

[@majorragersp2314]

Noted

[@brucecharlie8613]

Copper slip. Unless you plan on keeping the car for the next 50 years

[@dom816]

Anybody else see the dog above the breaks?!?!? Pause at 4:21 look I'

[@xDORANBOLTx]

Lol

[@AABMT]

lol

[@honestycounts9352]

That is the rubber BOOT on the steering rack. The 'ears' of that so called 'dog' is the spring clip that holds the rubber boot on. It is not a 'dog', but from the end of that rubber boot, it looks sort of like a stuffed dog toy.

[@sergiodriftdrift]

Yeah it does look like it ha ha.

[@GrizOnTheTrail]

Damn...good eyes Dom!!!! That's a riot...LOLOL!

[@1966chuy]

BEN...I JUST WANT TO TAKE A MINUTE TO SAY THANK YOU VERY MUCH FOR THIS VIDEO!!! IT SHOWED ME HOW SIMPLE IT WAS TO REPLACE MY CAR'S BRAKE PADS THAT I FINALLY DID FOR THE FIRST TIME IN MY WHOLE LIFE. BEFORE FOR ME IT WAS REALLY IMPOSSIBLE,,I ALWAYS HAD TO PAY OR LOOK FOR HELP WITH MY FRIENDS..I REALLY APPRECIATE THIS VIDEO AND THE WORK YOU DO AND THE TIME YOU TAKE TO DO IT...THANK YOU VERY MUCH!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@KennethMixson]

Here are a couple things to note. Make sure the master cylinder is not full when you press the piston back into the caliper or it will overflow. I find it better to place the old brake pad onto the piston before pressing it back into the caliper so you will have less chance of cracking the piston if you crank too hard on the c-clamp. Lastly, not all cars are set up to just press the piston back into the caliper. You need a special tool for some vehicles.

[@talion9289]

What do I do if the cylinder overflowed?

[@DavidJones-ch8qq]

Automotive Engineering student​, finding this series really helpful with things I missed out on in class. Great work & thank you so much!!

[@lucasbaxter2357]

how did your studies go?

[@SuperURBIN]

Love seeing everyone coming here cause daddy didn't teach us lol

[@mooietelebogen2352]

+SuperURBIN My dad taught me. But I like checking multiple sources since different people do things slightly differently.

[@AzraelPercussionNEO]

+Mooie Telebogen Agreee. ChrisFix method is also different

[@Shineymcshine79]

+SuperURBIN My Dad taught me too, but frankly, I don't trust that idiot.

[@JustinSmith24]

+Shineymcshine79 lmao

[@sergiodriftdrift]

no one teached me anything about cars im trying to learn so i can do myself

[@MarkSmith-ey2pg]

Watched this, did the work myself on my 350z and saved over $1600 which is what Nissan wanted to charge me!! Thanks!

[@judyjonesbowman8660]

I believe the video was very well presented and accurate. The brake fluid issue is if you change the front and /or back brakes at different times you should change the fluid at that time and making it unnecessary to change the fluid again unless it is a few years between the front and back change, in that case change the fluid again. It is best though to change all the pads at the same time if it is possible. If you have never did your brakes before I recommend this one.

[@gordonbrown2204]

Did any one else spot the hidden dog in the video @4:19 also Awesome video. Great bit of explaining and demonstration. Also, I know lots of people think the safety side is silly but think it's great you are showing the best practice by having the gloves and glasses on.

[@DDhlildre]

im high and lost lol

[@rollingdethxab781]

Haha! Me too ;)

[@dewaynedavis8686]

big money 😭😭😭😂

[@dewaynedavis8686]

big money He make it look easy af om the video im struggling pulling this old ass caliber off

[@johnrobinson8027]

bruh! Like in the woods at night! Im too high for this shit

[@guitarttimman]

The only thing you need to remember is that the leg bone connects to the hip bone bro! LOL

[@chillychex1649]

My dad went to the store in Mexico. Thanks for the tutorial

[@justjacqueline2004]

Its amazing how physically fit you have to be just to do these jobs.I will definitely be taking the car to the garage for new brakes.

[@tylerrichards94]

The only important thing that the video missed was watching brake fluid so that it does not overflow when compressing the piston with the c-clamp. If your reservoir is low enough this might not matter, but it's best to make sure this does not overflow, and also don't forget to top off the brake fluid after you're all done if you had to remove any to start with.

[@edrandomed]

Nice, great reminders, and i liked that is was within a shorter video length of 6:24 Thanks!

[@mnight207]

Ben, I agree! I HATE doing drums. I wanted to add to how you compressed the plunger back into the caliper.....I use an old brake pad so the plunger stays flush. Im sure you already know this. Great vids

[@TheSecondR]

Thanks dude, as a guy who only knows how to replace tires and spark plugs, this was pretty easy to follow for someone like me who is nearly illiterate in the vocabulary of auto mechanics.

[@1400IntruderVS]

I usually add a little lube to the pad plate where it makes contact with the bracket that supports the ends. Some models are equipped with polished shims to reduce clearance and ease movement with out wearing the supporting bracket. The shims can usually be cleaned and re-used. I do not grease the bracket just the part of the pad plate that makes contact. Allowing the plate movement to spread the lubricant reduces the chance of the lubricant being pushed on to the rotor surface.

[@KRA2008]

Don't forget you have to take the cap off of your brake fluid reservoir or the caliper WILL NOT retract!

[@csk217]

KRA3030 do you have to take that cap off every time you change your brakes?

[@kenkyuen]

carol s it’s recommended it depends on how much you need to compress. It’s it’s a lot the yes remove the cap. If it’s a little it’s not really required

[@socaloutdoors7355]

This is a HUGE step he forgot to mention

[@mirraco323]

Jesus Christ this video proves most mechanics are fucking crooks. Wish there were more like this guy. My local one is asking me $600 to have this simple job done.

[@mirraco323]

***** Thats my point though. The materials costed me 50 bucks and I did this myself. That would mean my local shop wanted to charge $550 in labor for something that took me maybe 30 minutes?. Thats fucking bullshit.

[@mitchc.7046]

Well, you may have needed more than just the pads changed.

[@godsreclamation2539]

i just read and learn to do stuff like this by myself. it helps alot to save money.

[@mirraco323]

Gods Reclamation For sure

[@johngayle2772]

Just got back from Pep boys they want $580 to replace pads! He says five eighty i say five hundred eighty! wat pads for a 4 at advance auto $50 and a mexican in the parking lot $50 30 minutes later done for $100 some mechanice shops charge too much

[@georgekamau3558]

Really appreciate your patient and good teaching.... Kudos

[@GMoneyGonz]

Thank you!!!! I just saved myself a TON of money!!!!!! Turns out the brakes weren't worn down at all. But I would've never known if I hadn't checked!

[@GUS116699]

Thanks for a great rundown on the procedure Ben. I'm going to have a crack at it and hopefully save some money

[@idontcare1121]

perfect video, I’m a 10th grade auto tech student and i’m wanting to learn more about cars!

[@cgarrey]

good video .. this is for rabbit, most cars have it similar .. but its different in all.

[@BiggCole114]

I was going to change my own brake pads to save myself some $$ ....after seeing this and hearing some terms Im going to pass 😂😂 Ok time to make a call to my mechanic I heard squeaking and squealing 2 days ago and Im over it 👌🏾

[@Garythepartsman]

When doing brake service (to renew or just stop brake noise), you must thoroughly clean then use an OE Approved install procedure. OE’s now recommend using brake soap & water to clean friction surfaces, scrubbing (not spraying) demagnetizes to release metal, oil & dirt. To reassemble, always apply OEM synthetic lubricants & rotor conditioning treatment. Learn more tips and this OE Approved Procedure, it extends life, eliminates noise & actually reduces stopping distance 5% plus... stopbrakenoise

[@BrianHazardVideos]

"And remember... always wear your safety glasses." Now go back and watch the video again. Oops :-)

[@mexb]

nice, simple, good explanation, under budget, and good shots. Thanks

[@pamhunt5788]

I would have liked seeing him remove the spring clip before the brake pads were removed or mentioning it, but all in all a great video ❤

[@Chip59]

I heard that it's always a good idea to remove the cap from the fluid reservoir before compressing the piston.

[@kenkyuen]

Lol this is from 8 years ago. But ya it helps but it also depends on how much it was compressed. If it’s only a little it not a big. If you need to compress a lot then yes remove the cap

[@ColtonBarrett]

@@kenkyuen What about opening the bleeder valve on the caliper when compressing pistons? I just did brakes on my bike and compressed the pistons without doing that, now my master cylinder won't pump fluid/brake lever fully depresses no matter how much I pump/can't even bleed the brakes so it doesn't appear to just be air in the lines (mc seems to be shot from all the crud when compressing pistons). I think I need a new master cylinder now 😑

[@kenkyuen]

Colton Barrett I don’t know bikes as much. But normally you open the cap to the master cylinder when you compress the piston. I guess you could open the bleeder valve to compress the piston but normally I pump the brakes to bleed them. Not sure exactly what’s wrong with your bike :(

[@ColtonBarrett]

@@kenkyuen okay well I appreciate the reply, I'm gonna go to a shop and ask them about it. As far as cars I've also heard those with ABS can be damaged by not doing the same thing though.

[@kenkyuen]

Colton Barrett ya you definitely don’t want to apply too much pressure in the brake system.

[@JRH2830]

Well done my friend very helpful information for whoever wants to change their car brake pads on their own...

[@woody71692]

Spoiler alert: it’s harder than then they make it look on KZbin.

[@troyb6036]

Seem so too me as well

[@KTGMetalheadSwiftie]

Barely...maybe to do both brake pads AND rotors, otherwise brake pads are pretty easy honestly

[@evilmistressofdarkness]

Actually it's pretty easy unless the bolts are tighter than a visit's fart

[@Shumayal]

I spent a couple of hours today just trying to unscrew the bolt with a lever... it's harder than it looks and especially since most people don't have the tools that he has

[@SourWolf085]

It always is

[@Baerchenization]

OMG ! :) This got to be the only brake-how-to on KZbin that actually bothers with the proper torque spec for once :) Thumbs up for that!

[@JanMichaelFranklin]

Good show. Many of us already know how to do this, but for the new enthusiast or DIY people out there, this is great!

[@darrell8432]

Think you have to pump the the breaks after the job to bring the pressure back up. I know little about cars. Just my input. On another note, I'm changing out my pads, how do I know my rotors also need replacing?

[@MrLiamusMaximus]

It is a good idea to pump the breaks afterwards. Your car will have a specific safe width for your rotors. If they have worn down too much, they will need replacing. You can normally tell if they're worn because they'll have a lip around the edge where the pads don't rub on it. Your best bet is to google the legal wear for your rotors and then measure them.

[@kennychipeshi709]

Awesome

[@Lukeo2412]

Great video but I personally think it's important to let viewers know what type of grease to use for the pins.

[@QQTrick1QQ]

If you remove the master cylinder cover it will relieve the pressure in the system making compressing the caliper pistons easier.

[@MrNoriega]

awesome vid. thank you so much. i am a diy guy on my car (no cash) so i will do my own breaks. but of course i don't want to risk my fam. so i appreciate the step by step show how.

[@mine49713]

With gas prices going up and up and people switching to hybrid and electric cars I would love to see a video with maintenance tips. The other day I needed a jump for my car and I popped open my girlfriend's hybrid's hood only to see no battery to get a jump from. Can you make a video of simple things like how to safely clean under the hood of hybrid cars? Or a video on how to change the regenerative breaks? Thank you in advance.

[@darthc3p081]

Little did he know, “Hi I’m Ben” would become legendary

[@lmuhlstadt]

You may want to use the old pad to push the caliper in and DEFINITELY open the bleeder screw when retracting the piston unless you want to buy an ABS unit or master cylinder. Jeez...

[@keithmbergeron]

the grease acts as a cushion between the back of the pad surface and the caliper piston and prevents vibration transfer that can lead to a squeal.

[@chamorroboy7572]

Hey man thanks. You saved me over $70! Only had to spend $30 for the pads.

[@MrLittlelawyer]

Thanks for this, it made a huge difference when driving!

[@Deliasoff]

A side note, remove the cap on the reservoir before compressing the caliper piston. When doing all four calipers, its a guarantee the fluid will pop the cap off.

[@Crosario38]

The brake fluid should not go back to the master cylinder it have to be bleed out when the piston is pushed in.

[@supersesqui]

Carlos Rosario Wrong !

[@mr.lp5k129]

my latino friend down the street does both front wheels for 25$ aint that something

[@DanielRodriguez-eh1qd]

Yup we usually do it very inexpensive or will accept a six pack.

[@fergodham]

thanks for the video! I'm gonna do this for the first time in my life on MY rabbit haha. I'll have my computer and this video with me every step of the way.... wish me luck!

[@khanhluong8486]

Lol good?

[@kgroschopp]

This is great. Other than the sensor squealing, what is the rule of thumb for replacing pads (20,000 miles? 25,000?). Also - Can you do this with a regular tire jack, or do you need a lift to do it? Not much room with a jack, but would love to try to do this to save a few bucks

[@chewbaccac-3po129]

good explanation instead playing music on back ground ....

[@Annihilus187]

Great video. I have a question regarding a Mazda 3 2010. I recently had my breaks done, yet when we are driving slowly and we apply the breaks there is an embarrassing squeak that occurs. What could possibly be causing this if I just had them done. I know breaks need time to settle but it's been a month. We went back to the mechanic and he adjusted them but same result. Any advice?

[@idestroyedtheworld]

If the rotors weren't replaced cleaned or resurfaced properly it can cause a squeak. Some times they'll forget to reinstall the retaining clips which help cut down on squeaking . It's also a possibility you got played. I've seen shops charge people for a job they never did or half assed.

[@RycckayaMafiya]

Awesome help my friend. I will return for some more advice. Thank you very much.

[@WilliamDye-willdye]

This video is 11 years old now, but it still holds up pretty well. I wonder if the presenter's descendants will watch it someday to see what their great grandpa was like.

[@LamboGallardo560]

An idea for a later episode, how to replace your rear drum brakes with discs. This is something I want to do one day and a video showing how would be very useful.

[@notoriouswahn4493]

Great video, should've mentioned to atleast take the cape off the master cylinder. When pushing in the caliper on the break, it is easy for break fluid to come out of the master cylinder

[@oOOpIIIqOOo]

i relly like your old school torque wrench.

[@specter1096867II]

Also another tip is to put anti seize on where the pads slide so it slides smoothly and also easy for removal when its time for new one

[@kriss634]

Remember to press the brake pedal a few times when you're finished, so that the pads will sit correctly. A colleague of mine forgot that, and he ended up denting a customers cars.

[@axlwrench93]

before attempting to push the piston back in its bore, open the bleed screw first. rust & sediment result as moisture accumulates in the brake fluid. some unknowing technicians will bottom out the piston in caliper bores without opening the bleed screw. this forces the sediment from low parts of the system back to the ABS and master cylinder. _according to this automechanic book i am reading right now.

[@dennisquinlins9063]

Sweet job it never goes that easy for me oh ya the beer might have something to do with it haha Quinn Dogg

[@jordanormsbee3398]

Was the grease you used all the same even for the pins and are the clips going to be the same on every car?

[@edmarry]

It might but, some/most cars have rubber around the bolt (pins) meaning you should use silicone grease while others might only have metal and in that case you could use the same kind. They actually sell specific lubricants for brake calipers and brake jobs! You could always ask at the store for them.

[@jordanormsbee3398]

Edmary Rodríguez thank you

[@DigitalYojimbo]

Using grease to lubricate the slide pins can degrade the rubber slide pin boots. Use silicone based lubricant.

[@Arieeeee]

This is one of those things that I usually outsource - I buy nice ceramic brake pads (with rotor if it needs it) and just take it to a mom & pop shop and ask them to put it in. Usually it's less than $50 for both brakes and maybe $30 for the rotors. I COULD do it myself but pulling out the tires is such a hassle when you don't have a lift and just a stock jack.

[@johnmcadden3404]

Cabin Boy is back!

[@bumble144]

freaking awesome def something to do, on the weekend

[@92scooby]

good video, just a small bit of advice when compressing the piston, you should always try and use a piece of timber to protect the piston from the c clamp !

[@petersimpson633]

or you can use one of the old pads. The flat side of course

[@HorrorAngel666]

Often when things get really stuck we have to use a torch to heat up the surrounding part. Higher temperature MAPP gas will make things expand faster so you can get unstuck faster.

[@fatwalletboy2]

easy to slacken the caliper off and prize it over in situ to push the piston in if you dont have c clamp. clean hub face of any dirt rust etc but personally until seeing this video i have never heard of greasing the hub face when fitting new discs.....

[@ekey7675]

You gotta squeeze the brakes multiple times until it gets hard. then check your brake fluid to see if you need to add more.as soon as your down putting the brakes u will notice that soft feeling when you squeeze the brakes.thats why it's important to bleed the brakes

[@mason1244]

After you change the pads you need to bleed the brakes the make sure you have proper contact. Bleeding is a 2 person job. The procedure is to find the bleed nipple. Once you see it grab a wrench and open the valve. ( Here is were you will need a friend ) your friend will press on the brake pedal and once he is down you close the valve. Then and only then your friend can release the pedal. And repeat a few times. Be sure to tell your friend "up" or "down". 1) open valve " DOWN" 2) depress brake pedal, and hold 3) close valve "Up" 4) release brake pedal Repeat

[@mason1244]

The point of this is to make sure you dont have any air enter the system. If you are bleeding all brakes start as far away from master cylinder as you can Master cylinder on driver side 1) passenger rear 2) driver rear 3) passenger front 4) driver front

[@javierserrano6102]

Thank you, short and simple

[@khoavuong603]

Thank you for video helpfully

[@StephenZura]

Great video, how would you recommend the home DIY change their breaks without access to a lift like you have in the video, would you suggest a simple jack or a set of 4 ramps?

[@glenreyesmunguia1145]

you have any tips for a 4Runner 1998 on how to change the brakes?

[@amaniandrus260]

this is what i needed to day my trucks abs and brake lights came on and i know i need to replace the rotors pads and what not but this was made so ez

[@absbse]

He forgot to mention the most important step. After replacing the brake pads you have to PUMP THE BRAKE PEDAL 3-5 times or until the pedal is firm !!!. Otherwise if everyone just followed the steps in video and did not pump the brake pedal their vehicle would not stop and cause a serious accident!

[@mrgarica9633]

That's what I was thinking

[@koltonfaulkner4081]

Good video. Thank you

[@cubaray89]

Thanks for sharing this. Great video! Looking forward to getting to work on my 2004 Avalon.

[@winkawak]

if one of the dual piston is slightly leas compressed than the other one maybe by like 5mm will it make even contact once i pump my brakes during normal use?

[@PACKyourSHITfolks420]

I've found that it's best to compress the piston while the old pads and rotor are still on it, before you unbolt it. Or maybe it's just what I'm used to.

[@ItsRandomStan]

i have a 2010 hyundai genesis coupe 2.0t.....the issue im having is that when i start the car up when warn, it almost stall then goes back to its normal and the feels like it lost some power......and i have no check engine light. what do u think the problem could be?

[@connerdalgarno4413]

Could be your coil pact mate

[@whoisharo4689]

Had no idea you can put the c-clamp in that piston hole. I used to always put the old pad over the hole and clamp it down on the old pad that way.

[@ThomasNappo]

Well done

[@Garythepartsman]

He is talking about using a brake lathe machine to cut rotor, it removes metal using carbide bits. It corrects the run out (what most people call warpage), it brings back tolerance of less than .001" deflection. The higher the runout the more pedal pulsation you feel when braking. This is not a job for DIY, you must take to shop. That is why it's easier for do it yourself guys to buy new rotors. Take a look at this site for more tips and ideas on brake service... stop brake noise com

[@erikvillanueva54]

Thanks alot bro.. I just change the ones on my 300 really nice vid;)

[@Dhi-fe5eu]

Great video

[@supersesqui]

It never ceases to amaze me how badly these vids are made. Was top left on the brake fluid reservoir ? What was the grease ? If it was a petro chem based grease it will rot the rubber boots on the sliders. NEVER use clamp like that on bottom of piston.....leave the old pad in and clamp on that. Even some "silocone"greases are petro chem in them.

[@BrandonMckayGaryRalph]

I have a question, does it matter the type of car it is because my friend told me that it depends on what type of car it is? Also how much can i get brake pads and where can i usually get them at?

[@InsomClemmens]

+brandon ralph your friend would be correct. Different vehicles have different brake calipers. In general, it can all be relatively the same set-up, however there are different size pads, anti-rattle clips, etc that can make procedures different than what you saw here. As for brake pad costs, I'm not entirely sure, but they shouldn't cost you more than $30. I have a 94 Ford Ranger and the pads for it were about $25.

[@AlgerroMartinFReyes]

I like Popular Mechanics: Saturday Mechanic... Here's my favorite CAR and DRIVER online shows: "CAR and DRIVER Tested", "Battle of the Beaters", "Driver Rehab", "Popular Mechanics: How'd They Do That", and "Road & Track Presents"... My former favorite CAR and DRIVER show: "Abroad"... I have 6 CAR and DRIVER online shows. Thanks to all of YOU.

[@Tonto-ih5ou]

Thank you

[@ChrissonatorOFL]

These boogers were hard to change... trying to get the caliper piston to go back in... we finally got them in far enough. I simply don't have the patience to change brakes. I hope braking systems get far easier in the future.

[@davidbarnes2879]

***** they won't

[@InsomClemmens]

+Chris Cunningham If it's a chore to get the piston back in, you might need to get yourself a new caliper. IF that caliper seizes up, you can cause a wreck

[@everythingphil9376]

Did you uncap the brake fluid reservoir before trying to push the caliper back in?

[@ChrissonatorOFL]

Villamor78 I wasn't actually doing it, I was watching.

[@garylemon7671]

+Chris Cunningham they have they don't use drums on the rear on newer cars

[@VarietyReview4You]

yes, that is very true

[@anytowni6141]

Did you have to open the master cylinder reservoir to release pressure when using the C Clamp to push the fluid back up?

[@oscarbaez2098]

good break job! well done thank you

[@DwarfNebula1006]

Where do i have to look to get the right size for the pads , how tide they need to be ? For a specific model of Volkswagen. Thanks

[@doreencameron1comcas]

LOL I feel you on that. I don't think there's a tech on earth that likes doin drum brakes.

[@yunfangjiang5551]

I had front break pads changed 2 days ago at an auto center. it seems not working smoothly. When I hit the breaks down to the end to completely stop the car, I heard a sound and feels the car shaking (once) at the time of stopping, especially when the car is stucked in the traffic, which requires frequently hitting and releasing the breaks. Please advise what could be the problem. Thank you so much.

[@1fifty2]

So when you compressed the caliper, i noticed that you did not bleed the brake fluid. Is that not necassary on all cars? Or is older cars different?

[@dmont4485]

Chico Swazi how would you be able to tell while putting them back on?

[@Platypi007]

As long as you didn't have to remove the brake line for any reason you shouldn't need to bleed. The fluid will rise in the master cylinder as you push the piston in, so you will probably want to open it up to make things easier. Also keep an eye on the fluid level as you can overflow it if you aren't careful. Suck some out with a turkey baster if you have to. Do inspect your brake lines while you're doing this, looking for cracking and leaks. If you need to replace them it's not a terrible job, but you'll need to bleed the system after. Also check the rubber boot around the piston. If you have to replace that you'll need to bleed, also.

[@jimpinckard7891]

Chico Swazi You're right but remember to do that before you crank the engine. Otherwise the pump will pump air in the lines and then the brakes will have to be bled.

[@anytowni6141]

I hear that you don'thave to remove the master cylinder cap when changing pads it lets air in ?

[@markanderson2904]

@@anytowni6141 In, but not out. So, when you push the piston, the fluid in the reservoir will rise, compressing the air in the reservoir. If you have to push the piston in a great amount, the air in the reservoir will be compressed a lot and will resist the pushing of the piston. Since the reservoir doesn't let air out, you must loosen the cap on the reservoir so the air can escape.

[@TheManjulaPrabath]

Very good and clear thanx dude

[@DonaldG-qq4ol]

Thanks!