Changing your brake pads is one of the most common maintenance tasks for any vehicle owner. While not overly complicated, it does require a certain set of tools and supplies to complete the job properly and safely. This article will walk through everything you need to buy ahead of time so you can swap out old brake pads for fresh ones with minimal fuss or trips to the auto parts store.
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What Are Brake Pads?
Brake pads are the friction material that presses against the rotor to slow and stop your wheels when you apply the brakes. Over time, the friction causes the pads to wear down until they are too thin to function properly. At that point, you’ll start to hear squeaking or grinding noises when braking, which indicates it’s time for new pads.
Vehicles have brake pads for each wheel, sometimes with separate inner and outer pads. Most cars and light trucks use disc brakes with pads that are housed in a brake caliper and squeeze inward on the rotor. Heavier trucks or performance vehicles often use thicker, more durable pads to handle repeated heavy braking.
Basic Tools Needed
Replacing brake pads is straightforward for those with some auto maintenance experience. You’ll need a minimal selection of tools:
- Floor jack and jack stands – Safely lifts the vehicle so you can access the wheels/brakes
- Wheel chocks – Place behind rear wheels when lifting front of vehicle
- Lug wrench – For removing lug nuts from wheel
- Socket set and ratchet – For caliper bolts
- Brake pad spreader tool – Presses pistons back into caliper
- Brake fluid syringe – Removes fluid from reservoir to allow piston retraction
- Brake cleaner spray – Cleans parts during the job
- Torque wrench – Tightens lug nuts and caliper bolts properly
- Gloves – Protect your hands while working
- Flathead screwdriver – Handy for prying if needed
Many of these tools you likely already have in your garage. Specialized items like the pad spreader and brake fluid syringe can be purchased affordably at any auto parts retailer. Investing in a good socket set and torque wrench is recommended if you plan to tackle maintenance yourself regularly.
Parts and Supplies You’ll Need
In addition to tools, here are the key items you’ll need to buy before starting the brake pad replacement job:
Brake Pads
The most essential components, of course, are the new brake pads themselves. You’ll want to buy pads that match the make and model specifications for your vehicle. Major retailers will have a brake pad catalog or can look up exactly what fits your car if you provide the year, make and model.
Ceramic and semi-metallic compounds are the most common pad materials today. Ceramics offer less noise and dust, while semi-metallics stand up to heavy use better. Buy the same type of pads already on your vehicle unless you want to change compounds.
You may also need to purchase new pad wear sensors that come with many brake pads these days. The sensors cause a light on the dash to indicate when pads are worn.
Brake Rotor Resurfacing or Replacement
Inspect your brake rotors when removing the wheels. If they are heavily scored or worn too thin, they will need to be resurfaced or replaced with new rotors to avoid brake pulsation. Resurfacing is a cheaper option if rotors are in fairly good shape.
Brake Hardware Kit
The hardware kit contains small but important parts including pad retaining clips, guide pins, springs and lubricant. These small components can wear out over time and should be replaced periodically for proper brake function.
Brake Caliper Lubricant
A high-quality silicone lubricant should be used on caliper pins and other contact points in the caliper assembly. This prevents sticking and ensures smooth pad movement. Never use petroleum grease on brakes.
Brake Fluid
When pushing the caliper pistons back, you’ll need to remove some brake fluid from the master cylinder reservoir to prevent overflow. Have a bottle of fresh DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid on hand to top off the reservoir at the end of the job.
Additional Supplies
Here are some other handy things to have on hand when changing brake pads:
- Shop rags – For wiping down parts
- Brake cleaner – Removes oil and grease from brakes
- Wire brush – Helpful for cleaning caliper and bracket
- Funnel – For adding brake fluid
- Turkey baster – Removes old fluid from reservoir
- Paint pen – Marks left/right pads for easy installation
While not mandatory, having these supplies will make the process faster and easier when it’s time to service your brakes. Maintaining a well-stocked workspace helps jobs go smoothly.
Safety Tips
Replacing brake pads requires proper safety precautions including:
- Wear protective gloves and eyewear when working
- Use wheel chocks and apply parking brake when lifting vehicle
- Lift on level ground and use jack stands
- Handle brake fluids and cleaners carefully
- Be mindful of hot rotors and calipers after driving
- Torque lug nuts and caliper bolts to spec
- Dispose of old pads and fluids properly
Rushing through a brake job risks damage to parts or injury. Allow sufficient time and focus on each step.
Ordering the Right Parts
Modern vehicles have extensive options when it comes to brake components. To guarantee you get the right replacement parts, here are some tips:
- Consult owner’s manual for pad specifications
- Check current pads for markings indicating type
- Inspect rotors and measure thickness
- Research based on make, model and trim package
- Use online catalogs and guides to match parts
- Confirm compatibility with retailer
Taking measurements and notes before visiting the parts store ensures you get exactly what you need. Reference OEM part numbers whenever possible.
Estimate Costs
Brake pad replacement costs vary by vehicle, but on average you can expect to budget:
- Brake pads – $30 to $100 per axle
- Hardware kit – $10 to $20
- Brake rotors – $50 to $150 per rotor
- Caliper lubricant – $5 to $10
- Brake fluid – Around $10 per bottle
- Miscellaneous supplies – $20 to $50
So for an economy sedan getting front pads and rotors only, total costs may be around $200 in parts. For a truck getting complete pad and rotor replacements all around, costs can approach $500. Premium parts and multi-piston calipers can drive prices even higher.
Cost Comparison Table
| Part | Economy Sedan | Full-Size Truck |
|---|---|---|
| Front pads | $50 | $80 |
| Rear pads | n/a | $100 |
| Front rotors | $100 | $140 |
| Rear rotors | n/a | $150 |
| Hardware, lube | $20 | $30 |
| Fluids, supplies | $20 | $30 |
| Total | $190 | $530 |
As you can see, costs add up quickly but are generally affordable for the average owner. Paying a shop typically doubles the price of parts.
Where to Buy Parts
Fortunately, brake parts are easy to source from national chains or local parts stores. Here are some good options:
- AutoZone
- O’Reilly Auto Parts
- Advance Auto Parts
- NAPA Auto Parts
- Carquest
- Pep Boys
- Walmart
- Amazon
- RockAuto
The retailer you choose may depend on availability, price and convenience. Always confirm they stock parts for your specific vehicle before purchasing.
Buying Tips
To get the right brake parts at a fair price, keep these tips in mind:
- Compare prices between retailers
- Consider buying pads and rotors together as a combo
- Don’t assume higher cost means higher quality
- Avoid cheap no-name pads that could squeal or wear quickly
- Ask about manufacturer rebates or discounts
- See if retailer will match a lower advertised price
- Buy store brand for value if they have a warranty
- Purchase pads with wear sensors to avoid issues
Shopping around and buying the complete job upfront can save money. Name brand parts from trusted manufacturers are recommended for optimal safety and performance.
Conclusion
While replacing brake pads takes a bit of effort, it’s one of the most budget-friendly maintenance tasks that drivers can perform themselves. Make sure you have the basic tools on hand along with the correct parts and supplies for your vehicle. Investing in quality components and staying safe is a priority. Take inventory of what you need, create a cost estimate, and buy parts from a trusted source. With the right preparation, you’ll save money and have your car stopping smoothly again in no time.