Our certified technicians come to you with a wrench and a smile. Do what you’d normally do at home (or the office) - catch up on yard work or a favorite TV show, make dinner - while your vehicle is being serviced.
Provide your car’s year, make, model and engine type or provide your plate and we’ll look it up for you.
Depending on your repair, you will receive an instant quote or one directly from one of our advisors during business hours.
Schedule a time that works best for you and we’ll come to your home or office to complete the repair. Or drop it off at one of our local shops.
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.
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:
The average cost of replacing a brake pad can vary depending on factors like:
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.
Here’s how you can identify worn or faulty brake pads:
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.
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:
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.
Here are answers to common questions about brake pads and their replacement:
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.
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.
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:
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.
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