The Beginner’s Guide to Car Brakes

Brakes are one of the typical wear parts of automobiles. Replacing them in time is necessary to ensure the safety of cars on the road. It is possible to exchange them with a minimum of knowledge and skills (especially old models) without going to the workshop. Saves you a lot of money! Here are some helpful tips on how to DIY, step-by-step.

Advice #05: The Beginner's Guide to Car Brakes. Replacing the brake discs in time is essential for fast and accurate braking in all road conditions.
Advice #05: The Beginner's Guide to Car Brakes. Replacing the brake discs in time is essential for fast and accurate braking in all road conditions.

Essential details on replacing Brake Discs and Pads

Changing the brake discs & the functioning braking system is essential to be Replacing the brake discs and operating the brake system is essential for fast and accurate braking in all road conditions. Therefore, disc and brake pad replacement must be done with proper technical skills. Replacing brakes just to save money is dangerous, as the risk of an accident increases if the brake system is not working properly. Also, insurance companies may refuse to take over. So, don't DIY substitutions unless you're sure you can.

Step 1: Raise the car and remove the wheels.

All components of the brake system are always replaced in pairs. We recommend the use of the elevator for all repair procedures. It is possible to lift the car with a conventional jack, but this makes the task difficult.

First, you need to remove the wheel in the same way that you normally would to replace the wheel. The spare part is located behind the steering wheel. When you remove the wheel, you will see that the caliper is bolted on and has a dust cap.

Remove the dust cap with a box wrench and loosen the bolt that secures the caliper. To remove it, you need to turn the clamp counterclockwise with the appropriate tool. Removing the caliper can cause problems with newer electronic models, as the electric parking brake must be parked during this procedure.

Step 2: After removing the calipers, remove the pads

You can now proceed to remove the tampon. The first step concerns the pad clamps that are in direct contact with the brake discs. Loosen the clamp with a suitable screwdriver to access the brake disc. Disc brakes are part of the wheel hub and are often difficult to use. To remove the brake disc, you must first perform other steps (unscrew the additional screws).

By installing new brake discs and pads, there is no need to replace other brake system components. However, when replacing, it is recommended to thoroughly clean all parts of the brake system to ensure optimal braking performance. In addition to the wheel hub, use a small wire brush to thoroughly clean the brake pad calipers. You can also buy a special cleaner to clean discs, pads and other components of the brake system.

Step 3: Install the new brake discs and pads

Installation of the brake disc and brake pad discs followed by the installation of the pad is the same procedure as described above, but in reverse order. Insert the new brake disc into the wheel hub first, then secure the pad to the brake mount. It is recommended to lubricate the back of the cushion first. Lubricants can be purchased in specialised shops or workshops. The fluid helps improve mobility in this part of the car and helps prevent friction with the braking elements.

By carefully preparing the brake pads, you can insert them into the brake disc holder without any problem.

Note: The pads are used to secure the brake discs. For safe and optimal brake system operation, consult your owner's manual and lock everything with the correct torque. Using a torque other than that specified may adversely affect brake performance and vehicle safety.

After mounting the support, proceed to assemble the pads. Attention is needed to the difference at the end of two sides: The new pad must be inserted from the outside of the caliper with the holder. The brackets are used to insert the brake pads into the caliper piston.

After insertion, the break shoe holder and liner can slide over the brake disc. Next, lubricate the bracket bolts that hold the brake calipers together and tighten them with a wrench. Check again if the tightening torque is correct. Finally, reposition the protection cap and the clamp on the break caliper.

In addition to disassembly, these parts can be fixed with a simple screwdriver of the appropriate size.

Step 4: Ventilate the brake system

While working on the brake system, air enters the brake system. Before reassembling the wheels and driving the vehicle, air must be removed from the brake system. Note that these elements are interconnected, so this activity should be performed on all brake calipers (including those that have not changed).

Technical preparation is required to drain the brake system. Mechanics in this case can be very useful. If you forget this step and too much air enters the system, the brake pedal may not generate all the power for the braking system. In other words, the speed of the car may not be as slow as you think. After draining the brake system, reinstall the wheels as usual.

Step 5: Examine the brakes before using the car

Buy brake discs New brake discs and pads will take some time to reach their best performance. Test it in a restricted traffic area or parking lot before using the vehicle normally. Increase your speed and apply the brakes. If you feel strong resistance when pressing the brake pedal, the brake system is working properly. If the brakes do not work properly after several attempts, check the brake fluid. It could be very little. It is also possible to change the brake fluid with a little skill. Liquids can be purchased in workshops and speciality stores.

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