Does your car squeal or squeak when you hit the brakes – especially in reverse?
Is your parking brake also acting up?
These could be signs of failing rear brake pads.
Worn-out rear pads can lead to serious brake system issues, safety risks, and expensive repairs. Replacing them promptly can prevent further damage.
Let’s examine the warning signs of a bad brake pad, the replacement process, and some simple maintenance tips to keep it in top shape.
This Article Contains:
- How to Replace Rear Brake Pads: A Step-by-Step Guide
- 7 Warning Signs that You Need New Rear Brake Pads
- What Is the Cost of Replacing Rear Brake Pads?
- Do You Need to Replace Front and Rear Brake Pads Together?
- 3 FAQs about Brake Pads
How to Replace Rear Brake Pads: A Step-by-Step Guide
Replacing brake pads requires the right tools, mechanical know-how for brake inspection, and attention to detail. So, it’s best to have a professional change them.
Here’s the typical process a mechanic will follow:
- Secure and lift the car: The mechanic will place wheel chocks in front of the tires to keep the vehicle stationary. They’ll position the jack under the car and lift it slightly.
- Take off the rear wheel: Next, they’ll use a wrench to loosen the lug nuts on the rear wheel and remove it.
- Remove and secure the caliper: They’ll use a wrench to remove the bolts holding the caliper. They’ll carefully secure the brake caliper with a bungee cord to prevent stress on the brake line and brake hose.
- Unscrew the caliper bracket bolts: They’ll use a socket or ratchet to loosen the caliper bracket bolts. Once removed, they’ll lift the caliper bracket off and set it aside.
NOTE: During this step, they’ll inspect the brake rotor for wear and change it if necessary.
- Remove the old brake pad: Next, they’ll slide the old brake pad off the caliper bracket. If debris causes it to stick, they’ll use a flathead screwdriver to pry it loose.
- Lubricate the caliper slider pins: The mechanic will remove the caliper slider pins and apply brake grease. They’ll reinsert and twist the pins to distribute the lubricant evenly, ensuring smooth caliper movement.
- Reattach the brake caliper bracket: They’ll place the caliper bracket back into position and then tighten the anchor bolts securely with a torque wrench.
- Install the new brake pad: Next, they’ll snap new retainer clips into place, positioning them exactly like the old pads. They’ll apply a thin layer of brake grease to the back of the new pad and the clips to prevent noise and excessive wear. Then, they’ll slide the new brake pad into the bracket, ensuring the friction material faces the rotor.
- Reinstall the brake caliper: They’ll place the caliper back over the new pads and secure it with bolts.
- Pump the brake pedal: Next, they’ll push the pedal slightly to ensure fluid circulates properly in the brake system.
- Check the brake fluid level: The mechanic will inspect the brake fluid reservoir to check the fluid level. If the brake fluid level is low, they’ll add the recommended lubricant up to the max fill line.
NOTE: The brake fluid reservoir is usually located at the back of the engine compartment, near the firewall.
- Reinstall the wheel: They’ll align the wheel with the lug nuts and tighten them securely using a torque wrench.
- Repeat on the other side: The mechanic will repeat the pad replacement process on the other wheel of the same axle.
- Lower the vehicle: Once done, they’ll remove the jack stand and carefully lower the car.
- Test drive the car: The mechanic will take the car for a short test drive to ensure the brakes feel firm and responsive.
NOTE: Some vehicles have a combination of drum and disc brakes, with disc brakes on the front wheels and drum brakes on the rear. While a disc system uses a pad, a drum brake relies on brake shoes that press against the inside of the drum to slow your vehicle.
Like pads, drum brake shoes wear down and can cause similar issues, like squeaking sounds or a spongy pedal. If you’re unsure which one needs replacing in your car, it’s best to consult a mechanic.
Now that we have discussed the process, let’s learn how to spot rear brake pad damage.
7 Warning Signs that You Need New Rear Brake Pads
Here are some symptoms that indicate brake pad failure:
- Squealing, squeaking, or grinding sound from the rear wheels
- Pulsing sensation when pushing the brake pedal
- Reduced braking performance — it takes longer to stop or feels unstable when braking
- Less effective parking brake
- Illuminated check engine light or brake warning light
- The car pulls to one side
- Pad thickness is under 1/8 inch
Wondering how much the replacement will cost?
Keep reading!
What Is the Cost of Replacing Rear Brake Pads?
Rear brake pad replacement typically costs between $180 and $420 per axle. The final cost depends on several factors, including vehicle model, brake pad material, and quality (aftermarket or OEM pads).
If you have to replace both rear and front brake pads, it can cost between $230 and $640.
But is it necessary to replace them together?
Let’s find out next.
Do You Need to Replace Front and Rear Brake Pads Together?
While not always necessary, it’s a good practice to replace brake pads in pairs (both front or both rear) to maintain balanced braking.
Replacing only one set of pads can cause imbalances in braking performance. A new pad grips the rotor more effectively than an old one, causing uneven braking that eventually puts additional strain on the old pads.
TIP: When replacing your pads, check your tires as well. Worn or poor brakes can cause uneven tread wear. If you notice signs of wear, consider getting a tire repair service. A routine tire rotation or wheel alignment service can help maintain even wear and optimal performance.
Have more questions on brake pads?
We’ve got you covered.
3 FAQs about Brake Pads
Here are the answers to some commonly asked questions on brake pads:
1. How Long Do Rear Brake Pads Last?
In lighter vehicles, rear brake pads typically last between 40,000 and 60,000 miles. However, due to increased weight and braking demands, the lifespan is around 25,000 miles for larger vehicles.
2. How to Extend the Life of Your Rear Brake Pads
Follow these simple maintenance tips to make your rear brake pads last longer:
- When driving downhill, shift to a lower gear instead of relying solely on the brakes.
- Avoid overusing the parking brake to reduce strain on the rear pads.
- Don’t overload the car’s trunk, as it shifts more weight to the rear axle.
- Avoid braking aggressively when reversing to prevent undue friction and premature wear of rear brake pads.
- Have a mechanic check and clean the rear pads during routine maintenance, as dirt and rust buildup can cause them to wear unevenly.
- Follow the manufacturer’s brake fluid change schedule to keep the braking system in top condition. Brake fluid should be typically replaced once every 30,000 miles.
3. How to Save Money on Brake Pad Replacement
To reduce expenses on brake pad replacement, you should:
- Consider purchasing high-quality aftermarket parts that offer reliable performance at a lower price instead of costly OEM pads.
- Look for seasonal deals or special offers at auto repair shops. Some may include brake hose repair with pad replacement, helping you save money.
- Follow routine maintenance schedules to extend the life of braking system components.
- Replace both rear and front brake pads together to save on labor costs.
- Choose affordable independent auto repair shops instead of dealerships.
- Hire a mobile mechanic to replace your brake pads at your location, eliminating towing costs and further damage from driving with worn-out brakes.
Access Reliable Brake Pad Replacement with AutoNation Mobile Service
Worn-out brake pads can compromise your safety on the road and lead to expensive repairs.
Replacing them on time is essential, but not everyone has time to wait at a repair shop.
Fortunately, with AutoNation Mobile Service, you don’t have to — our skilled mobile mechanics will come straight to your driveway.
We’re available seven days a week, so you can get a brake repair at a time that fits your schedule.
And here’s a bonus: Upfront pricing and a 12-month, 12,000-mile warranty on every service, including a brake inspection and tire rotation.
Book your service today and enjoy worry-free driving.