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Brake Pad Replacement
Typical Cost: Low
Mobile Repair? Yes, this can be done at your location
Typical Lead Time: 2 - 24 hours due to part availability
What do brake pads do?
Brake pads are quite simply the friction material that is pressed against the brake disc in order to slow the rotational speed and therefore the wheels, in order to reduce the vehicle’s speed.
How do brake pads work and what are the components?
The compound of brake friction material varies between manufacturers to produce different results in terms of durability and resistance. The friction material is cast to a specific shape for the application area of the brake discs and that is then mounted onto a steel backing plate, which again is cast to precisely fit the brake calipers and sliders that it is going to be used in.
The friction material is typically a mixture of chalk, bronze powder, graphite, vermiculite, resin, steel and rubber. There are other materials too, but they vary widely.
Without being too technical, the brake pad when pushed against the disc creates kinetic and thermal energy through friction. When the pads heat up, they coat the disc in a micro film of the friction material, when this occurs the pads and the discs now have the same friction material. This then literally binds together and slows the rotation of the disc.
The previous paragraph also explains why you get brake dust, which is the discarded coating and also, obviously, explains why brake pads wear out!
There are obviously many different combinations of material, sizes and even the number of brake pads on vehicles, to go into all the details of each would be a document of some length, but the basics are pretty similar.
Typical symptoms that require brake pads to be replaced.
- Brake system warning lights appear on the dashboard.
- Noises under braking.
- Inadequate braking .
- Pulling to one side under braking.
- Vibration under braking.
- You have an MOT advisory warning on brake pad wear.
- Worn brake pads have been picked up on during a service.
What happens during a brake pad replacement?
Changing brake pads is a routine repair for all mechanics and can be done both kerbside as well as in the workshop, providing it is safe to do so.
Whilst there are variations between manufacturers, the basics are pretty similar.
The mechanic will;
- Slacken the wheel nuts (please ensure you have your locking wheel nut key to hand, if you have them fitted!).
- Raise the vehicle and secure it on axle/chassis stands.
- Remove the wheel nuts and wheel.
- Undo the retaining bolts for the caliper as required.
- Remove the old pads.
- Clean the components as far as possible.
- Fit the new pads.
- Tighten everything back together again.
- Refit the wheel, lower the car and torque the wheel nuts correctly.
- Reset any low brake pad warning indicators where applicable
- Settle the brake pads into position whilst stationary, then take the vehicle for a brief road test to ensure everything is working as it should.
What does this repair cover?
Unless otherwise stated, the quote for your brake pads to be replaced will cover;
- The cost of the OEM standard brake pads
- Coming to you
- Fitting of the parts
- Disposal of the old parts (unless you request to keep them)
What to search for on the ClickMechanic site?
Brake pads replacement - front (all)
Brake pads replacement - rear (all)
How much does it cost to have brake pads replaced?
The cost of a brake pad replacement depends on your car and what parts your car's manufacturer recommends.
Find out what you could save by visiting ClickMechanic https://www.clickmechanic.com/jobs/brake-pads-replacement
FAQ’s
Can I supply my own parts?
No, we will not fit customer supplied parts unless they are a brand new item, purchased from a dealership with the receipt as proof of purchase. There is no flexibility over this due to insurance and warranty issues.
What happens if the mechanic finds that the brake pads do not require changing and the problem is due to another issue?
In this scenario, the mechanic will provide a no obligation quote for the correct repair. Should you accept this, the mechanic can alter the booking accordingly. If you decide not to go ahead with the alternative repair, the mechanic can change the booking to a call out and diagnostic booking and charge according to the time spent with the vehicle and call out.
Associated repairs carried out by ClickMechanic.
Brake discs and pads replacement - front (both)
Brake discs and pads replacement - rear (both)
Premium brake upgrade (front and rear discs and pads)*
Brake caliper replacement - front (driver side)
Brake caliper replacement - front (passenger side)
Brake caliper replacement - rear (driver side)
Brake caliper replacement - rear (passenger side)
Brake pipe replacement - front (driver side)
Brake pipe replacement - front (passenger side)
Brake pipe replacement - rear (driver side)
Brake pipe replacement - rear (passenger side)
Brake hose replacement - front (driver side)
Brake hose replacement - front (passenger side)
Brake hose replacement - rear (driver side)
Brake hose replacement - rear (passenger side)
Bleed Hydraulic brake system
Brake master cylinder replacement
*subject to availability