If youlearn to do some of those jobs yourself, you could save a ton of cash.
The upfront cost of some of these tools is high, but you might use them forever.
Again, overestimating is better.
Brake tool:This tool adjusts your brake caliper piston to the new brake pads.
Replacement brake pads:Obviously, youll need new brake pads to replace your old ones.
Most auto parts stores will be able to help you find the right pads for your vehicle.
Alternatively, you’re able to check outAmazons Automotive section.
Pads and rotors both wear down, but they dont necessarily wear down evenly.
In your owners manual, youll find your rotors minimum recommended thickness.
If your rotors get below this value, you should replace them.
Once again,Amazon Automotiveis helpful for finding the parts you need.
if you run into something on your car that looks different than our guide, check your owners manual.
Check it out before you get under your car to double-check you know what youre looking for.
You should also expect that it will take a few extra hours to learn what youre doing.
Then there are allthe other car repairs you’re free to do yourselfwith the same tools.
If youve everchanged a flat tire, the first part of this process should be familiar.
Once the lug nuts are loose, its time to jack up your car.
Your owners manual should tell you where it is safe to place a jack underneath your car.
Next, place the jack stands underneath a solid, structural piece of the vehicles frame.
Once again, your manual can give you specifics.
Now, you’re able to finish unscrewing the lug nuts and remove the tire from your car.
Using a socket wrench, remove the bolts on the back of the caliper assembly.
Now slide the caliper assembly off of the rotor.
confirm it is completely supported and wont fall before moving on.
At this point, you’ve got the option to remove the brake pads from the rotor.
Depending on your car, these may either slide or pop out.
First, apply the brake grease to the backs of the pads.
Your brakes depend on friction between the pads and rotors to slow your vehicle.
Getting grease in between these two parts defeats that purpose and can potentially harm you or your vehicle.
You might notice that the assembly no longer fits on top of your brake pads.
Youll need to use your brake tool to fix this.
First, place one of your used brake pads inside the caliper assembly against the large circular piston.
Then, place the wide plastic piece of the brake tool against the opposite side of the caliper.
You may also need to compress the pins where your caliper assembly bolts screw into.
Once thats done, it’s possible for you to place the caliper assembly onto your brake pads.
Insert the assembly bolts and tighten them down with your socket wrench.
Place your jack underneath your car on the jack points and lift the vehicle off of the jack stands.
Remove the jack stands from underneath your vehicle, thenslowlylower the vehicle back down to the ground.
Take extra care during this step to confirm that the lug nuts are snug, without stripping them.
If you havea torque wrench, use it to verify your lug nuts are tightened appropriately.
You dont want your tires to start wobbling or fall off once you hit the road again.
If you hear any squeaking or scraping, lift your car again and confirm everything is securely in place.
Not to mention, you could save hundreds of dollars over the long run by doing the job yourself.
