Proper vehicle braking system maintenance is critical for your safety while driving. One of the most common repair and maintenance procedures is changing the brakes. However, how long does this process typically take? In this article, you will find a step-by-step guide to the duration, factors influencing the changing of the brakes, and how to ensure an effective process.
How Long Does It Take to Change Brakes?
The duration of the changing process can vary greatly. It can take from 30 minutes to a few hours on average. Several factors impact the time, such as the vehicle model and the brake system’s current condition, the individual’s experience on the job, etc. Professional mechanics make the process faster due to their expertise and access to specialized tools.
How Much Do You Know About the Brake System?
Your car’s brake system is a complex mechanical structure that includes parts such as brake pads, rotors, calipers, and brake fluid. Disc and drum brakes are different, each with its own mechanism. Understanding the brakes is essential to realizing the importance of their regular maintenance.
Do You Know the Signs You Should Replace the Brakes?
To maintain a vehicle’s quality and safety, you should always know when brakes need to be changed. Common signs include screeching or grinding noises from the brakes, a shaky brake pedal, increasing stopping distance, and the brake sign flashing in your car. Regular inspections will help you avoid such problems prematurely.
What Tools and Equipment Do You Need to Start?
Changing the brakes requires specific tools and equipment to do so safely and correctly. To prepare, you need a lug wrench, C-clamp, brake piston tool, socket set, and jack with jack stands. Also, remember your safety gear, gloves, and safety glasses.
Are You Ready to Start?
Proper preparation is critical before you start changing the brakes. Ensure you park your vehicle on level ground and engage the parking brake. Take the wheel off the vehicle, use the jack to lift your automobile, and secure it with the jack stands. Don’t forget to loosen the lug nuts before taking the wheels out. Additionally, ensure all the tools and new brakes are readily available during the process.
What Are the Steps to Change the Brakes?
The process of changing the brakes contains numerous detailed steps. You have to remove the wheel to access the brakes, then pull off the caliper and the old pads and check the rotor for any damages — consider replacing it. Attach the new pads and caliper back on and ensure you tighten everything securely. Finally, lower the vehicle and perform a test drive to check the functionality of the brakes.
What’s the Difference Between Front Brakes and Rear Brakes?
There is a minor difference between changing the front and rear pads. Since the front brakes do most of the work, they are more likely to wear out, making the process more delicate. The rear brakes, especially the drum brakes, require a few more steps for disassembling and reassembling.
Common Challenges and Solutions
Particular issues with the process might arise, such as clamped bolts or tight calipers. In such cases, apply a penetrating oil and use a rubber mallet to tap the calipers free. If the problem repeats, it is best to consult with a professional mechanic to save time and ensure quality.
How Important Is It to Change Brakes?
Regular brake changing is vital. What is the recommended time for professionals to change the brakes? Most professional mechanics would change pads for around 30 minutes to an hour. Yet, the process can last longer or require additional repairs. Can I change the brake pads myself, and how long would it take? A DIY brake pair can take up to 2-3 hours, depending on the experience and tools.
Are there any safety considerations I need to consider?
It is essential to prioritize safety—wear gloves and glasses. Adequately lift the vehicle with a jack stand and always double-check the installation of the components before finishing.
How about the cost of changing the brakes?
Professional brake replacement would cost around $150-$300, while DIY would be as cheap as $50-150.
How often should I replace the brakes, and what may happen if I do not?
Regular brake maintenance is crucial, at about every 30,000-70,000 miles. Not doing so will reduce braking quality and increase stopping distances while increasing the risk of full brake failure.
Can I extend the life of the brake pads, and who can I consult for that?
Yes, you can extend brake life by not having sudden stops and not carrying heavy loads.