Powerful brakes are among the most important systems in modern vehicles. During every journey, they perform hard work by always bringing the car to a safe stop. However, the constant braking of the heavy vehicle does not leave the components of the brake system unscathed. Find out now why brake discs and brake pads wear out and get valuable tips on how to change the parts.

Why to change the brake discs and brake pads

The brake system of modern cars consists of numerous components that are stressed during every braking process. While components such as the brake booster and the brake circuit lines rarely require repair, other parts are subject to high wear.

Classic wear parts are mainly components such as brake pads and brake discs of disc brakes. These are pressed against each other during every braking process and rub against each other. With drum brakes, the same applies to components such as the brake shoes and the brake drum.

Causes of brake wear

The constant rubbing of brake pads on the brake disc or brake shoes on the drum causes material to be removed. This reduces the performance of the brake over time. When the wear limit is reached, the components must be replaced.

Especially with disc brakes, material of the pads is increasingly worn away, which becomes noticeable in the form of black brake dust on the rims. Frequent braking causes the components to wear more quickly, so that driving style also influences wear.

Typical symptoms of worn brakes

If the brakes are worn, this is often noticeable through certain symptoms. In modern vehicles, the wear of the pads is often noted in the settings of the on-board computer. A corresponding indicator light can also point to brake wear. Then it is high time to have the brake pads changed in a workshop.

• Warning light comes on
• Message in the on-board computer
• Braking power decreases
• Brakes rub
• Vibration of the steering wheel
• Squealing during braking

If the brakes have reached or exceeded the wear limit, this sometimes leads to a noticeable decrease in braking performance. Some brake manufacturers also install an acoustic wear indicator, which produces noises like a squeal when the brakes are worn.

If the components are heavily worn, the brakes will sometimes rub and at the same time the braking power will decrease. The steering wheel may also vibrate strongly during braking. With regular maintenance in a workshop, however, the wear of the brake becomes noticeable much earlier.

Changing brake discs and brake pads – what to look out for

When changing brakes, there are a few points to bear in mind. For example, brake components should always be changed axle by axle so that the brakes pull evenly. In addition, wear usually occurs on the same number of axles, whereby the brakes on the front axle tend to wear out more.

You need these tools and parts to change the brakes

• Jacks and stands: They help with jacking up and provide secure footing.
• Wheel nut spanner: The wheel nuts are loosened and tightened with this tool.
• New brake discs: Matching new brake discs ensure good braking performance.
• Suitable brake pads: When replacing them, new pads should always be used.
• Wire brush: Parts of the brakes and the wheel hubs can be cleaned with a wire brush.
• Torque spanner: Wheel nuts and brake parts are tightened to torque.
• Brake piston retractor: This tool can be used to push the pistons back.
• Brake cleaner: The cleaner removes grease and oil from the brake discs.
• Brake paste: The paste facilitates assembly and prevents squeaking later on.
• Ratchet box: All brake screws can be loosened with a ratchet and sockets.

Changing brakes – this is how the repair succeeds

The car’s brakes make a significant contribution to driving safety. If the brakes are not working properly, dangerous situations can quickly arise. Therefore, only expert car mechanics should change brake discs and brake pads themselves. All others are better off leaving the changing of the brakes to a professional in the workshop.

The exact procedure for changing disc brakes can vary depending on the vehicle manufacturer and model. Certain work procedures and their sequence also vary to some extent. Valuable information on changing brakes on certain types of vehicles can often be found in corresponding repair manuals.

1. obtain suitable spare parts

Before changing the brakes, the right parts should be ready for replacement. Car parts such as brake pads and brake discs must always fit the vehicle exactly. When buying parts, make sure they are of good quality and fit exactly.

2. jack up the car

Since free access to the wheel suspension and brakes is required to change the discs and pads, the car must be jacked up. To do this, the car is lifted with a jack and placed on jack stands. A lifting platform is even better.

3. remove wheels

In order to be able to carry out the work on the brake, the wheels of the car must be removed from the respective axle. To do this, loosen the wheel nuts and remove the wheel. This gives good access to the brake system.

4. dismantle the brake calliper

The next step is to dismantle the brake caliper of the respective brake. Depending on the vehicle, several screws may have to be loosened. The brake pads can then be removed from the brake calliper. The brake caliper itself is hung to the side with a wire.

5. remove the brake disc

After removing the brake caliper, there is free access to the brake disc, which is removed next. Depending on the vehicle model, one or more screws must be loosened. Then the brake disc can be easily removed.

6. control and cleaning

After brake calipers, brake pads and brake discs have been dismantled, all brake components should be visually inspected for safety. Afterwards, brake components and the wheel hub can be cleaned.

7. install new brake discs

The newly purchased brake discs can be placed on the cleaned wheel hubs without much effort. Then the screws fixing the brake disc must be screwed back in. If the brake disc is oily, the use of brake cleaner will help.

8. reset brake piston

To be able to change the brake pads as well, the brake pistons of the brake system must be pushed back. To do this, open the brake fluid reservoir and remove some if the brake fluid level is too high. A special tool is used to reset the brake pads.

9. install new brake pads

The next step is to insert new brake pads into the brake calliper. When changing the brake pads, never mix them up or install them the wrong way round. Brake paste for brake pads can help to prevent squeaking later on.

10. mount the brake caliper

After fitting new brake pads in the brake calliper, it is reassembled in its place. Reassembly is done in reverse order. On some models, it may be necessary to reconnect the plug-in connection for brake pad wear.

11. refit wheels

Once the brake calipers and brake discs are in place, the wheels can be mounted. Before this, all components of the brake system should be visually checked again. If there is dirt on the brake discs, it can be removed with brake cleaner.

12. depress the brake pedal

In order for the brake pads to reattach to the brake discs, it is essential to depress the brake pedal several times after changing the brakes. Then check the brake fluid level and top up if necessary.

13. test drive

After changing the brake pads and brake discs, check that the brakes are functioning correctly. Those who cannot check the brake system on a brake test stand should test the brakes briefly by performing a few cautious brake tests. Only then should a test drive be carried out.

 

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