Brake Pad Replacement 101: How Urgent Is It Really?

How to Replace Brake Pads: A Step-by-Step Guide

Brake pad replacements, like any other brake repair service, require technical know-how, so instead of DIY repairs, it’s best to get a brake replacement from an automotive repair expert.

Here’s how an auto repair mechanic would go about installing new brake pads:

1. Apply the parking brake (emergency brake), and place the jack stands under the vehicle.

2. Check the brake fluid reservoir while installing new brake pads to avoid overflows, which may happen due to piston compression. 

3. Remove the lug nuts and the wheel to locate the braking system assembly. They’ll also inspect the rotor, master cylinder, and brake line in case any brake component needs replacing.

4. Locate the two slider bolts that hold the brake caliper in place. Once the mechanic removes the bottom brake caliper bolts, it should pivot upwards. The rubber hose (hydraulic line) will flex to allow this, so they won’t have to disconnect the brake line.

5. Inspect the brake pads’ thickness and look for signs of uneven wear. They’ll replace the pads if the friction material is thinner than 1/8th of an inch.

6. Locate the retaining clips that hold the old brake pad in place and slide out the brake pads.

7. Reinstall the retaining clips and apply brake grease to keep them from squeaking.

8. Inspect the caliper and piston for damage or brake fluid seepage. If these brake components are clean and in good condition, slide in the new pad and push back the caliper piston. If not, they’ll clean them with a brake cleaner.

9. Reposition the caliper and reinstall any removed brake caliper bolts. They’ll avoid tightening the bolts, as this can lead to a severe break problem.

10. Top off the brake fluid reservoir to the maximum fill line, ensuring the cap is securely reinstalled to prevent spillage. Pump the brake pedal slowly until it feels firm, allowing brake fluid to flow. They’ll avoid pressing the pedal to the floor to prevent damage to the master cylinder. Once done, they’ll recheck the brake fluid level and top off again if necessary. 

NOTE: The mechanic might perform a brake fluid exchange if the brake fluid is dirty.

11. Repeat the same procedure on the other side (front or rear brakes, whichever needs new pads).

12. Secure the wheel and partially tighten the lug nuts. Use a jack to remove the jack stands and lower the vehicle. Tighten the lug nuts as per the manufacturer’s recommended torque.

13. Take a test drive by accelerating to 50 mph and gently slowing down to 30 mph for 2 to 3 minutes to cool the brakes. Repeat this process 4 to 5 times to bed in the new pads.

How Much Does a Brake Pad Replacement Cost?

An auto repair shop in the USA could charge $115 to $320 per axle for a brake pad replacement. If replacing all four pads, the average cost will range between $230 and $640. 

This covers:

• New pad: $35 to $150 each
• Labor cost: $80 to $170 per axle

Factors Affecting Brake Pad Replacement Costs

The average cost of replacing a brake pad can vary depending on factors like:

• Vehicle make and model: Luxury vehicles like BMW and Mercedes often need more expensive, specialized brake parts than cars like Honda, Toyota, Ford, or Nissan. 
• Brake pad material: There are three types of brake pads available in the market. Organic brake pads are the cheapest but wear out quickly. Semi-metallic pads cost more but are durable and perform better. A ceramic brake pad set is expensive but provides exceptional longevity and reliability. 
• Repair shop type: Dealerships and service centers charge higher prices than independent car repair shops. 
• Part quality: Your repair cost can increase depending on whether you opt for OEM parts (Original Equipment Manufacturer) or aftermarket auto parts, with OEMs being more expensive. 
• Additional repairs: If you require brake rotor replacement, you’ll have to spend between $290 and $400 (including new rotor and labor costs). A complete brake repair that involves replacing brake calipers, pads, and rotors can cost around $950 to $1,300.

How Critical Is a Brake Pad Replacement?

A brake repair service is urgent as worn brake pads can affect your car’s braking or stopping power. 

Driving with worn brake pads can lead to serious brake problems, such as a brake fluid leak or loss of braking ability (brake fade).

This occurs when the pads and rotors overheat, reducing braking power and making it harder to control the vehicle, especially during heavy braking or steep hill driving.

What Are the Signs of Worn Brake Pads?

Here’s how you can identify worn or faulty brake pads:

1. Dashboard warning lights: If your vehicle’s braking system has a brake pad sensor, the brake light will illuminate to indicate a brake problem. The ABS light may also come on in cars with an anti-lock braking system.

2. Noisy brake system: Worn brake pads generate excessive noise, like loud squealing, squeaking, or low metal grinding due to exposed wear indicators.

3. Unusual feeling when braking: Uneven brake pad wear can lead to a shaky steering wheel. Your brake pedal may also feel soft or spongy, though that’s more often due to brake fluid issues.

4. Ineffective emergency brake: If you have worn brake pads, the parking brake will become loose or ineffective.

5. The car pulls to one side: When pads on one side wear out faster than the other, it creates a difference in stopping power, causing the car to drift or pull in that direction. This may also cause the steering wheel to feel off-center.

6. Brake pads appear thin: For the braking system to function properly, brake pads should not be thinner than 1/4 inch. Pads measuring 1/8 inch have reached their wear limit and require immediate replacement. If you spot a visibly thin or old brake pad during an inspection, professional brake service is necessary.

NOTE: Front brake pads have a shorter lifespan than rear brake pads, which is why they’re usually thicker. This helps ensure that both front and rear brake pads wear out together.

How Often Should You Change Your Car’s Brake Pads?

Generally, disc brake pads have a lifespan of 20,000 to 70,000 miles. This can vary depending on the type of vehicle and brake pad material. For example, ceramic brake pads last up to 70,000 miles, while organic brake pads may need replacing after every 20,000 miles.

However, they can wear out faster due to the following reasons:

1. Excessive braking hastens brake system wear.

2. High-speed driving causes brake pads to create more friction than usual to slow or stop the car.

3. Semi-metallic, organic, and ceramic brake pads produce dust. Neglecting brake pad maintenance can lead to debris buildup, resulting in brake problems.

4. Poor brake system conditions, such as worn brake rotors and uneven brake pad wear, compromise braking performance and safety.

5. Carrying heavy loads strains the brakes, leading to greater wear on the brake parts.

TIP: It’s a good idea to include a brake inspection during any car care or tire repair service (like tire rotations) at your service center once or twice a year. Refer to your owner’s manual for car maintenance intervals to determine when you need a brake job.

4 FAQs about Brake Pad Replacement

Here are answers to common questions about brake pads and their replacement:

1. How Do Brake Pads Work?

Brake pads are the friction element in disc brakes (like brake shoes in drum brakes.) 

When you press the brake pedal, the hydraulic pressure generated by the master cylinder causes the brake clipper to squeeze the disc brake pads against the rotor. This applies pressure and friction on the brake rotor, slowing the wheels and stopping the vehicle.

2. What’s the Difference Between Car Brakes and Brake Pads?

Car brakes refer to the entire braking system responsible for stopping your car. It consists of brake components like rotors, calipers, and pads in disc brakes or brake shoes in drum brakes (in older vehicles). 

Brake pads, on the other hand, are a crucial part of the braking system. They are the friction material mounted on the calipers in disc brakes. They help convert your vehicle’s kinetic energy into heat and bring the car to a stop.

3. Should You Replace All Four Brake Pads Together?

Car and auto parts manufacturers generally recommend replacing front and rear brake pads simultaneously, as they tend to wear evenly. This approach offers two main benefits:

• Consistent braking performance: Maintains balanced and predictable braking, ensuring vehicle stability, especially in emergencies.
• Cost savings: A single brake service visit lowers labor costs, helps prevent damage to other brake parts, and may qualify you for discounts.

4. Can You Replace the Brake Pads Yourself?

While you can, DIY brake pad replacements aren’t recommended. 

Missing critical steps, such as caliper piston retraction, or errors like incorrect brake pad positioning, can lead to poor braking performance or complete failure. Some vehicles may even require new brake wear sensors, increasing replacement complexity.

A professional mechanic can also perform additional checks, such as inspecting the calipers and recommending rotor resurfacing, to ensure each brake component is in good condition.