The Trainer #58: Performing A Great Brake Job

Odds are your customers have no clue what we mean when we talk about doing a “pad slap”. Heck, odds are pretty good some of our younger techs don’t know what we mean by that either, and that could be a good thing!
A “pad slap” is a reference to the removal and replacement of a vehicle’s disc brake pads, without performing any additional procedures. The rotor, hardware and bearing assemblies are left untouched. In most cases, you only have to remove one caliper bolt (once the wheel is off) to do the job. This is by no means a professional way to perform a brake service, however, and hopefully no one reading this will be guilty of performing this antiquated task!
At the very least, such a short cut will result in brake noise and reduced brake pad life. At the worst, pedal pulsation and decreased braking ability will be the final outcome. To do a thorough job, every component of the system needs to be inspected and restored to OEM specifications.
In this addition of the Trainer, I’ll share tips and techniques that will help you eliminate noise and pulsation complaints. I’ll also show you how to inspect and service system components so you and your customers can be assured of a brake job that will perform as it’s supposed. In the end, you’ll spend a little more time doing the work than a “pad slap” would require but the end result will be a professional service you can be proud to sign your name to.
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[@mikechainz2245]

great video pete!!! only one more thing you forgot to mention ...rust jacking most mechanics don't seem to sand and grind down the seats on the brake bracket (under the hardware) before putting the new hardware on it always do that plus I lubricate the bracket and the hardware or shims and the slide pins.. you probably are in a better climate than me in Chicago. ..thank you for keeping us sharp!!!

[@SouthMainAuto]

Good training and good tips Pete.

[@ISS4935]

Great video

[@smb1014]

Getting a “good tips” from Eric O. at South Main Auto Repair is an honor.

[@JohnSpaulding]

A mention on how to break in new pads on rotors would have been a nice addition to this piece. I also check the inside of the rim to see if it is built up with crud.

[@MotorAgeMagazine]

Great points John! Thanks for the comments.

[@tecnaman9097]

Some very helpful tips. Really enjoy your joint productions with "G".

[@wmichaels362]

Good video and useful tips. I like to use new hardware also, plus I clean an lightly lube under the hardware. In the snow-belt states, it's common to find rust-jacking under the hardware that leads to stuck/frozen calipers.

[@39knights]

Unfortunately I'm in one of the Canadian rust-belts (near salt-water AND we use salt on the roads 8/12 months of the year). If we tried to release the bleeder everytime we pressed the piston we would most likely snap them off. I understand and agree with what you say but it would likely turn a $40 pad replace job into a $200+ brake job more times than not.

[@LUISREY1995]

Thanks alot !!!

[@kyhomegarage3430]

great info thank you