Brake Pads replacement & repair made easy

How do brake pads work?

Brake pads are an essential part of your car’s braking system, helping you to slow down or stop safely. Think of them like the grip of your hand when you squeeze a bike's brake lever. When you press the brake pedal in your car, it sends a signal to the braking system to engage.

Here’s what happens next: hydraulic fluid is pushed through the brake lines, creating pressure that forces the brake caliper to clamp down on the brake pads. These pads are positioned on either side of the brake disc (or rotor). When the pads squeeze against the spinning disc, the friction they create slows down the rotation of the wheels, bringing your car to a stop.

The material of the brake pads is designed to handle high temperatures and resist wear, ensuring they provide consistent performance even under intense conditions. Over time, though, the friction material on the pads wears down, and they need to be replaced to maintain effective braking.

Regularly checking and replacing your brake pads when necessary is crucial for your safety. Worn-out brake pads can reduce your braking efficiency, increase stopping distances, and even damage the brake discs. So, keeping an eye on your brake pads ensures that your car stops reliably whenever you need it to.

What does a brake pads replacement job involve?

A brake pads replacement job involves several key steps to ensure your car's braking system functions safely and effectively. Here’s a simplified overview of the process:

• First, the mechanic raises the car using a lift or jack so they can work on the wheels.
• The wheels are removed to access the brake components. This exposes the brake calipers, which house the brake pads.
• Next, the mechanic removes the brake calipers, which involves loosening the bolts that hold them in place. The calipers are then carefully lifted off to access the brake pads.
• The old, worn-out brake pads are removed from the calipers. The mechanic inspects the brake rotors and other related components to ensure they are in good condition. If the rotors are damaged or excessively worn, they may need to be resurfaced or replaced.
• The new brake pads are installed into the calipers. These pads are specifically chosen to match the vehicle's make and model to ensure optimal performance.
• The mechanic then reinstalls the brake calipers, making sure they are securely bolted back in place. Any necessary adjustments to the brake caliper positioning are made to ensure proper alignment with the new brake pads.
• Once the calipers and new pads are installed, the wheels are reattached to the car.
• Finally, the mechanic tests the braking system to ensure the new brake pads are functioning correctly. This includes checking for proper braking pressure and ensuring there are no unusual noises or vibrations.

This job requires skill and precision, which is why it’s best done by a professional mechanic.

How do I know whether I need a brake pads repair or replacement?

Knowing whether you need a brake pads repair or replacement involves looking out for certain signs while driving. Here are some key things to look out for:

• If you hear a squealing or screeching noise when you apply the brakes, it might be a sign that the brake pads are worn out. This noise comes from a built-in wear indicator, signalling that the pads need to be replaced.

• If you notice a grinding sound when braking, it could mean that the brake pads are completely worn down, causing metal-to-metal contact. This usually requires immediate replacement to avoid damaging the brake rotors.

• If the brake pedal feels soft or spongy when you press it, there could be a problem with the brake pads or the braking system as a whole. This might need repair or replacement.

• If your car pulls to one side when you brake, it could indicate uneven wear on the brake pads. This can affect braking performance and might need attention.

• If you feel vibrations or pulsations through the brake pedal when braking, it could mean the brake pads are unevenly worn or there is an issue with the rotors. This usually requires inspection and possible replacement of the pads.

• If it takes longer for your car to come to a complete stop, or you notice a decrease in braking performance, the brake pads might be worn out and need replacement.

Should I book a brake pad and brake disc replacement at the same time?

If you’re experiencing issues like squealing noises, grinding sounds, or reduced braking performance, you probably need a brake pad replacement. Brake pads wear out over time, and these signs usually mean it’s time for new ones.

The brake discs, are the surfaces the brake pads press against to stop your car. If the discs are smooth and in good shape, they can often be reused. However, if they’re warped, cracked, or badly worn, they should be replaced too. On the other hand, when discs need to be replaced, brake pads are also replaced at the same time as standard practice.

In general, it is highly recommended to replace both the brake pads and discs at the same time if you want to ensure maximum performance and longevity from your braking system. This way, the cost of labour will be lower since the mechanic is already working in that area of the car.

If you’re not sure, you can book a brake pad replacement and ask the mechanic to inspect the brake discs during the job.

Should I replace rear and front brake pads at the same time?

The front brake pads typically wear out faster than the rear ones because they handle more braking force. If the rear pads are still in good shape, they can often be reused. However, if they’re worn down, it’s wise to replace them too.

In general, it is not necessary to replace both the rear and front brake pads at the same time if they’re not equally worn. However, if you want to ensure consistent braking performance and avoid another service visit soon, replacing both sets can be beneficial.

How do I tell which pair of brake pads need replacement?

Knowing whether the rear or front brake pads need replacement involves paying attention to specific signs and inspecting your vehicle. Some cars have a brake warning light that will indicate which set of pads needs attention.

Front Brake Pads:

• Squealing or Screeching Noise: If you hear this noise coming from the front of your car when you apply the brakes, it’s a strong indication that the front brake pads are worn out.
• Grinding Sound: A grinding noise when braking often means that the front brake pads are completely worn down and metal is contacting metal.
• Vibrations or Pulsations: If you feel vibrations through the steering wheel or brake pedal, it could indicate that the front brake pads are unevenly worn or the discs are damaged.
• Car Pulling to One Side: If the car pulls to one side when braking, it could be due to uneven wear on the front brake pads.

 Rear Brake Pads:

• Squealing or Screeching Noise: Similar to the front, a squealing noise from the rear indicates that the rear brake pads might be worn out.
• Grinding Sound: If the grinding noise is coming from the rear, it suggests that the rear brake pads are worn down completely.
• Soft or Spongy Brake Pedal: While this can be a sign of issues with either set of brake pads, if it’s coupled with rear-end noises, it might indicate rear brake pad wear.
• Decreased Braking Performance: If you notice that your stopping distance has increased and the problem seems to be coming from the rear, it might be the rear brake pads.

If you’re not sure, you can also get a trained mechanic to carry out a brake inspection to determine which brake pads need to be replaced.

What does this repair cover?

Unless otherwise stated, a ClickMechanic 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)

To know more about the costs of brake pads replacement, you can use our brake pads replacement price estimator tool here.