Brake pads are a valuable component of the braking system, responsible for stopping the vehicle by creating friction on the front and rear wheels. Over time, this component wears out due to braking and must be replaced. You can either seek help from skilled professionals or, if you have enough knowledge, do it yourself. In this article, we’ll explain how to replace the front and rear brake pads of a car.
How Long Does It Take to Replace Brake Pads?
It depends on the person’s experience. A professional with the right tools can fully replace brake pads in just a few minutes. However, those who are learning should take their time, follow a complete tutorial, and carefully proceed through each step.
Tools Required for Replacing Brake Pads
To replace brake pads quickly, it’s essential to first gather the necessary tools. These tools help ensure safety during the process and speed up the work. Generally, the tools needed to replace front and rear brake pads include:
- Mechanic gloves to protect your hands
- Socket wrench
- Screwdriver
- Car jack to lift the vehicle
Materials Needed for Brake Pad Replacement
You can perform the brake pad replacement process by having new brake pads and cans of brake fluid on hand. Make sure the brake pads are of high quality and original.
Important Tips Before Starting Brake Pad Replacement
- If you have no experience with brake pad replacement, leave the job to professionals.
- Always use the highest-quality and best-performing brake pads.
- Since front and rear brake pads differ between vehicles, make sure to choose the correct type for your car—whether drum or disc type.
- Be aware that disc brake pads cannot be installed on drum brake systems, and vice versa—pay close attention to this detail.
Brake Pad Replacement Steps
Step 1: Removing the Wheels
First, lift the car using a jack to a sufficient height so you can remove the wheels. Once the car is securely elevated, use the appropriate tools to unscrew the wheel nuts and remove the wheels.
Step 2: Removing the Caliper Bolts
Next, you need to remove the caliper bolts or pins. Most calipers have two bolts—one on top and one on the bottom. To access and replace the brake pads, the calipers must be removed. It’s often recommended to loosen the lower bolt first, then remove the upper one.
Step 3: Measuring Brake Pad Thickness for Confirmation
To confirm whether your brake pads need replacing, use a measuring tool to check the remaining thickness. If the brake pad thickness is less than 30 mm, it should be replaced. If it’s more, you may still use them for some time.
Step 4: Removing Old Brake Pads and Installing New Ones
Remove the old brake pads and install the new ones in their proper position. Make sure they are seated correctly; otherwise, they won’t function properly. You can use retaining clips to help install the new pads. In some cases, you may need to push the brake pistons back to make room for the new pads.
Step 5: Reinstalling the Caliper
Reattach the brake caliper to its original position and re-install the wheels. At this point, check the brake fluid level carefully. After completing the installation, start the car—the new brake pads are now in place, and your vehicle is ready to drive.
Brake Pad Replacement
Why Should You Replace Your Car’s Brake Pads?
Every vehicle has four brake pads—two at the front and two at the rear—which work together to stop all four wheels. Each brake pad consists of two main layers: one made of biodegradable material and the other of a hard metallic compound. During braking, the softer layer creates the friction needed to stop the car. Once this layer wears out, the harder layer starts contacting the brake disc, which can damage it.
Moreover, if the brake pads are completely worn out, the vehicle loses braking ability—no friction is applied to the wheels, and pressing the brake pedal will no longer stop the car. Therefore, for the safety of passengers and to avoid damaging essential car components, brake pads must be replaced on time.
How Often Should Brake Pads Be Replaced?
The replacement interval for brake pads depends on the pad quality and your driving habits. Experts usually recommend replacing brake pads every 20,000 to 70,000 kilometers. However, the ideal average replacement interval for front brake pads is 40,000 kilometers, while rear brake pads tend to last longer and can be changed after a higher mileage.
What Is the Lifespan of a Brake Pad?
It varies based on how and where the vehicle is driven. For example, highway drivers who rarely brake may use pads longer, while city drivers or those with aggressive braking habits wear pads faster. Generally, high-quality front brake pads last up to 40,000 kilometers, while rear pads, due to less heat and energy dissipation, tend to last longer.
Signs That Your Brake Pads Need Replacement
- Squealing or screeching noise when braking
- Vehicle pulling to one side during braking
- Brake pedal vibration when pressed
- Loss of steering control when braking
- Longer stopping distance
- Visibly thin brake pads upon inspection
Serious Damage Caused by Not Replacing Brake Pads on Time
Failing to replace brake pads on time can lead to significant damage. When the soft layer wears out, the remaining hard layer grinds against the brake disc, scratching it. If left unchecked, it may even strip a large section off the disc. To avoid costly disc replacement, it’s strongly recommended to purchase and install new brake pads on time.
Do You Have to Replace All 4 Brake Pads at the Same Time?
It’s generally recommended to replace both rear pads together or both front pads together—so usually, only two pads are changed at a time. In most Iranian cars, the rear pads are drum-type and have a longer lifespan, often replaced after every two replacements of the front disc-type pads. Also, replacing the front brake pads is usually more important than replacing the rear ones.
Where to Buy Brake Pads
You can buy suitable brake pads from various online websites. By comparing prices and checking product quality, you can choose the best option. Just make sure to buy only from reputable and trusted websites.
Best Brake Pads for Your Car
Brake pads have a direct effect on braking power. Choosing high-quality brake pads ensures optimal performance and reduces the need for frequent replacement. Note that the best brake pads are not necessarily foreign-made—many Iranian brands offer excellent quality pads with reliable performance.
Important Tips When Replacing Brake Pads
- Check disc thickness: It should not fall below the minimum limit during the lifespan of the new pads.
- Avoid pressure on hydraulic brake hoses: Ensure the caliper is securely fastened and doesn’t stress the lines.
- Clean the hub surface and disc edges: Use a wire brush, sandpaper, or suitable tools.
- Be careful not to damage the caliper during cleaning; inspect for possible issues.
- Use high-temp grease (without solid particles) on clean surfaces—never use copper grease.
- Install the pad in the correct position, and reattach the caliper properly.
- Push the brake piston back if needed to fit the new pad properly.
- Use brake pad clips to simplify installation.
Difference Between Replacing Front and Rear Brake Pads
In most Iranian cars, front and rear brake pads differ:
- Rear pads are usually drum-type
- Front pads are usually disc-type
While the installation method differs slightly, the core idea is the same: just install the pad onto the disc or drum. Some cars have disc brakes on all wheels for easier installation.
Since the car’s center of gravity shifts forward during braking, the front pads generate more heat. That’s why front brake pads wear out faster and require more frequent replacement compared to rear pads.