subject: Installing New Brake Pads [print this page] The brakes are an integral part of a vehicle and there are times when parts need to be replaced or brake caliper reconditioning undertaken.
In order to make sure that brakes work to the best of their potential brake pads need to be checked for wear on a regular basis and replaced as and when they are needed.
This is not a difficult thing to achieve, but it is important that the person undertaking the work knows the steps to follow.
The first thing to do is to remove the brake pads and this can be done with a 14 millimetre socket and a ratchet, according to Import Tuner magazine.
By loosening the brake calliper and flipping the centre section over the brake pads will be exposed and by taking out the brake springs they can be removed.
Wear on the brake pads can be detected by cracks or rubbed areas on the surface of the material.
The shims need to be removed from the old brake pads and fitted onto the new ones, so that they can be put back in their place.
It is important to check that the new rotors are of the right proportions and this can be measured with a micrometer to ensure they are the right thickness.
The vehicles manual will outline what the specific specifications for brake rotors are and if the correct ones have not been purchased then others should be sought.
Rotor runout also needs to be checked and this can be done with a dial indicator, again using the manual to check that they correlate with the specific requirements set out.
Before installing the new brake pads the pistons need to be compressed back into the floating calliper.
This is best done using a C-clamp and then the new brake pads can be installed, putting the brake springs also back into position.
Then close the centre section of the calliper by flipping it back over and put the 14 millimetre bolt back in place to finish the job.
It is clear to see that this is a complicated process and therefore requires specialist companies
