How to Change Brake Pads

Brake Repair

If they’re worn down or not working correctly, it’s good to know how to change your brake pads for yourself in a pinch.

That’s because brake pads are an essential part of any vehicle’s braking mechanism. When you press the brake pedal, they clamp down on the rotor, causing the wheels to stop spinning and bringing your vehicle to a complete stop.

That’s why Honda of Bay County created this guide for Panama City and Springfield area drivers. By the end, you should know how to repair this issue and get back out on the Callaway roads quickly and safely. Keep reading to learn the steps on how to change brake pads!

10 Steps to Change Your Brake Pads

Checking Brake Pads

Replacing your brake pads is a simple process that can be done in 10 steps, but always make sure your car is turned off and cool before beginning.

  1. Purchase the correct brake pads for your vehicle. Feel free to head over to our parts department now to order yours now. Or, contact us for our recommendations.
  2. Elevate the car and remove the front two wheels
  3. Remove the caliper bolts using a socket wrench or ring-spanner. Make sure you don’t stand in front of the caliper bolt as it may be under pressure and fly off when loosened.
  4. Remove the brake pads, and make not of how they’re attached, so that you can copy it when you apply the new pads later
  5. Place the new brake pads. Go ahead and apply lubricant to the metal edges and back of the pad to prevent squeaking, but don’t get any on the front of the pad, or they won’t work properly
  6. Replace the caliper bolts and wheels
  7. Repeat steps 1-6 on the rear wheels
  8. Lower the vehicle and start it up. Pump the brakes 15-20 times
  9. Check the brake fluid and add more if necessary. You may need to bleed the brakes to flush any air bubbles out of the system
  10. Take a test drive. Start at 5 MPH, then 10 MPH. If you’re feeling comfortable, take it up to 40 MPH. Listen for any grinding sounds that could imply the pads are on backwards.

If all looks good, then congratulations, you’ve successfully changed your brake pads. Remember to check your vehicle’s owner’s manual first, to ensure you’re following the right process for your specific model.

When Should You Change Your Brake Pads?

Loud Sounds

Generally, brake pads should be replaced every 50,000 miles, but that number can also be as low as 25,000 miles and as high as 75,000 miles depending on how often you use your brakes.

Check your owner’s manual or contact your local Honda dealer for your specific vehicle’s needs.

Your car may also give you clues that you need new brake pads, like:

  • A squealing noise when not applying the brakes. This could be the wear indicator scraping against the rotor
  • A clicking noise. This could be a worn-down brake pad that’s come loose
  • Brake fade, or slower-than-usual stopping
  • Pulling slightly to one side when braking due to uneven brake pad wear
  • A vibrating brake pedal when pressed. This could indicate overheating.

Replace Your Brake Pads Today

Of course, the best way to feel safe and confident when out on the Panama City streets is to have a trained Honda mechanic who knows how change brake pads do it for you.

We always welcome Springfield and Callaway area drivers to stop by Honda of Bay County whenever they need brake repairs, or any kind of vehicle maintenance.

Use our online portal to schedule your service today.