Most drivers don’t give their brakes much thought, taking for granted that they will operate flawlessly when needed. But, after thousands of driving hours, including countless quick trips and longer journeys in a vast range of operating conditions, brakes inevitably begin to show signs of wear such as reduced stopping power, unwanted noise, and other concerns.
Although replacing brake pads – the most common brake repair – is a routine job for an experienced mechanic, the importance of the pads to the safe operation of a vehicle means there is little room for error.
Whether you are new to installing brake pads or in need of a refresher on how to do it right, here’s an overview from Ferodo® of the four fundamental steps required for the successful replacement of a vehicle’s hardest working components.
Select the right replacement pads. While there are countless brands and varieties of brake pads available, not all are created equal. The best brands, such as Ferodo, have accumulated impressive track records of trusted performance and reliability. In fact, Ferodo recently celebrated its 125th anniversary of braking leadership. Also, better-quality brake pads will come with all the hardware needed to complete the full job. Another important tip is to use the same brand of brake discs and pads to ensure optimum compatibility, performance, longevity and ease of installation.
Prepare properly. Replacing brake pads isn’t as simple as removing the worn pads and installing new ones. Instead, before the installation, the calipers should be carefully inspected and cleaned of the dirt and grime accumulated during everyday operation. Additionally, applying high-quality, temperature-resistant grease to the abutment of the brake pads, caliper mounts and backing plates of the new pads can help eliminate brake noise.
Understand and account for variations in different pads. As with many automotive components, different vehicles will require different varieties of brake pads featuring their own unique designs. You need to be aware of these variations when selecting the right replacement pads.
Bedding-in to finish the job right. Even when the brake pads have been installed and the vehicle is off the lift, the job still isn’t complete. All new brake pads require bedding-in to acclimate the pads for trouble-free performance on the vehicle.