Brakes are a classic example of a wear part in all vehicles. Replacement at the appropriate intervals is essential to maintaining driver safety.
Suppose one has sufficient knowledge and the necessary level of skill. In that case, they may be able to replace the brake discs and linings on their own, particularly on older vehicles.
This may result in savings in the triple-digit range when contrasted with a trip to the workshop.
The following installation manual will walk you through the process of changing brake discs and linings step-by-step and provide helpful tips.
Questions of a fundamental nature regarding the repair or replacement of brake linings and discs
It is necessary to have a brake system that is in good condition to be able to rely on quick and accurate stopping in any traffic situation.
Therefore, only those with knowledge in the industry should attempt to replace the linings and discs.
If you choose to replace the brakes on your vehicle yourself to save money, there is a chance that the work will not be done correctly, and as a result, the car will no longer brake as it should.
An accident is more likely to happen; if it does, the insurance company might refuse to pay for the damages.
As a result, you should only implement the change if you are capable of doing so in an appropriate manner and have the relevant experience.
The first thing you need to do is lift the car and take off the wheels.
Because of the possibility that one of the brakes might not work correctly, every component of a braking system must be replaced in pairs at all times.
It is necessary to lift the vehicle to complete any work steps, and the best way to do so is with a lifting platform.
Using a traditional lifting jack is also possible, though doing so will make it more challenging to replace the brake linings and discs that come in pairs.
To begin, you will need to remove the wheel behind the brake parts that need to be replaced. Carry on as though you were going to replace a wheel.
When the wheel is removed, the brake calipers are exposed for inspection. In addition, they have dust caps and retaining clips for added security.
After removing the caps, use a ratchet to loosen the slide bolts previously covered by the dust caps. It is necessary to use a suitable repositioning set to back the pistons out of the calipers and remove the brake calipers.
Because the electronic parking brake ought to be engaged in this state, this can cause issues with the electronic system on newer models, which are more likely to have these issues.
Adjusting the electronic system to put it into maintenance or repair mode is essential.
Take out the brake caliper linings that have been released
Once the brake calipers have been released from their fixed locations, the brake linings can be removed. Brake linings in modern cars are held in place by brackets that are in direct contact with the brake discs.
Their attachment points can be loosened with the help of the appropriate screwdriver. After that, the brake discs and the brackets can be extracted separately from the wheel hub.
Usually, the brake discs are also attached to the wheel hub using bolts. This needs to be checked manually by each person.
The other parts of the braking system won’t be changed in any way, even if you choose to replace the brake discs and linings on your car.
Therefore, for the brakes to work correctly once they have been reassembled, it is recommended that they undergo a comprehensive cleaning and treatment.
The brake calipers and the brackets for the brake linings must also be thoroughly cleaned in addition to the wheel hubs.
It is recommended that you use a small wire brush on any dirt that has become embedded.
In any other instance, you need to be able to locate specialized brake cleaners in the technical trade that are suitable for different braking system parts in addition to discs and linings.
Replacement of the brake discs and linings
The procedure for mounting the new brake discs and installing the brake pads with the new linings is the same as what was previously explained, with the exception that the stages are carried out in reverse.
To begin, the replacement disc is mounted onto the wheel hub. After that, the replacement linings are fastened onto the appropriate brackets.
It is strongly advised to lubricate the bearing surfaces with specialized brake oil prior to mounting the linings.
This brake grease can be purchased from specialized dealers. The mobility of the components is improved as a result, and they are protected from rubbing against one another.
After being thoroughly cleaned and prepared, the brake lining brackets are reattached to the brake linings using screws that have also been thoroughly cleaned beforehand.
Caution: To ensure that the brakes function most effectively and securely, the screws need to be torqued to the level recommended by the manufacturer.
The braking performance is adversely affected by a fastening that is either too loose or too tight, which also poses a significant threat to public safety.
The brake linings can be installed once the brackets have been placed. It is essential to take note of the distinct patterns that can be found on either side of the brake linings.
The one that faces outwards is the one that has a clamp attached to it. The method of attaching the brake linings to the brake caliper pistons makes use of this.
After that, you can place the brake pad and the brake linings onto the brake disc by sliding them together. The sliding bolts are then lubricated, placed in the brake calipers, and tightened with a hexagonal wrench.
Even in this case, the appropriate torque must be maintained. The dust caps and brake caliper brackets are then secured back into position.
Similar to the process of disassembly, the majority of the parts only require a basic screwdriver of the appropriate size to secure them.
Providing ventilation for the braking system
Air will enter the system while you work on the brakes, so be careful. Venting the system before remounting the wheels and beginning the drive again is necessary.
Since the brake calipers are all connected through the same system, this procedure must be performed on each one.
Because of this, the brake calipers on the axle that have not been worked on must also be vented, particularly those that have been left untouched.
It is necessary to have prior knowledge to vent the brake system. Consult a qualified auto mechanic when in doubt about how something should be done.
If you forget to vent, there is a possibility that there will be excessive air in the system.
The force exerted on the brake pedal will therefore no longer be efficiently transmitted to the brakes.
If the vehicle is being driven and the desired brake pressure is not applied, this should not be detected. After releasing the tension inside the car, the steering wheel can be turned as unusual.
However, it is not worth venting the brake system until all brake components have been replaced. This means that all parts on one side of the axle must be returned before venting the brake system.
Before your next ride, ensure your brand-new brakes have passed a thorough inspection.
New brake linings and discs take some time to reach the correct position and grip after being installed.
Check how the vehicle brakes inside a secure area before setting out on a long-distance journey.
After making a slight acceleration, immediately apply the brakes to your vehicle. You should feel a noticeable resistance when the brake pedal is fully depressed.
This indicates that the braking system has been adjusted correctly. Suppose, despite several attempts, you cannot achieve the optimal braking behavior for your vehicle. In that case, some brake fluid may still be present in your car’s hydraulic system.
Changing the brake fluid can be done at home if the person doing it has some prior experience. A retailer specializing in the field can provide you with the appropriate fluid.
