What Tools Do I Need To Change My Brakes?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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  1. Disposable mechanic's gloves to protect your hands and keep them clean.
  2. Jack and jack stands.
  3. Lug wrench.
  4. C-clamp or length of wood to retract the piston.
  5. Wrench (choose a socket, open end or adjustable wrench)
  6. Turkey baster for drawing out brake fluid.
  7. Plastic tie, bungee cord or piece of string.

What tools do I need to change my brakes and rotors?

  1. Ratchet and Socket Kit. To fix your vehicle, you must have a socket set. …
  2. Torque Wrench. A torque wrench is a must. …
  3. Brake Pad Spreader or C-Clamp. …
  4. Torx / Allen Set. …
  5. Brake Bleeder Wrench. …
  6. Jack and Jack stands. …
  7. Lug Nut Wrench. …
  8. Gloves.

What tool do you need to replace brake pads?

For front brakes, you can use a

worn brake pad

and c-clamp or a pair of large pliers. For rear disc brakes, you might need a special tool to rotate the pistons in the caliper to retract and reset the emergency brake mechanism. Some parts stores can loan you this tool or you can buy it yourself very inexpensively.

What do you need to change when changing brakes?

  1. Start With the Right Protection. Before you start any project on your car, make sure that you are properly protected. …
  2. and Rotors. …
  3. Jack and Jack Stand. …
  4. Lug Nut Wrench. …
  5. Brake Caliper Piston Tool. …
  6. Brake Bleeder Wrench. …
  7. Allen Wrench Set.

Do you need brake caliper tool?

To successfully push back the rear caliper brake piston, you will need a simple tool such as

a plier or a screwdriver

. You need to twist the piston clockwise; clockwise will spin the piston inward into the housing itself inside the caliper, and then you will be able to change your brake pads.

Should car be in neutral when changing brakes?

Start the vehicle.

Making sure the vehicle is in neutral or park,

pump the brakes 15 to 20 times

to make sure the pad is seated properly. Top off brake fluid levels or follow bleeding of brakes section to flush out old fluid and replace with new fluid.

How much does a brake change cost?

Component Parts Labor Brake Pads

$50 – $150


$100
Rotors $200 – $400 150 Calipers $50 – $100 $100

Can I just replace brake pads and not rotors?


Yes

, but it depends on the condition of your brake rotors. If they aren't damaged or thinned beyond the discard thickness, you can definitely change just the worn brake pads. As we know, brake rotors and brake pads work together. …

Can I change brake pads myself?

You will be pleasantly surprised to find that you can change your car's disc brake pads

quickly

, easily and without specialized tools. Doing it yourself also will save you a lot of money. … In either case the rotors may also need to be replaced or “turned” on a brake lathe, a procedure not covered here.

How long do brake pads take to change?

Usually, changing a set of brake pads takes

approximately 30 minutes to an hour

. If you have a professional complete the work, expect to pay for about an hour's worth of labor.

How much do new rotors cost?

Rotors cost

between $30 and $75 each

. Higher-quality rotors like Duralast Gold, which feature a coated hat and edge and are designed to outperform your vehicle's original equipment, usually cost a little more. Labor at a shop to replace rotors and pads is approximately $150 to $200 per axle.

How do you know when brake discs need replacing?


A grinding sound

: If you hear a grinding noise when you brake, it could mean your brake pads or discs need replacing. Brake pads include a metal wear indicator that make a noise when it contacts the brake disc. When your pads are worn to this extent, it is likely you will need to replace the discs too.

Is changing brake rotors easy?

Modern brake systems are complex, and while replacing your brake pads and

rotors is a fairly straightforward process

, it could go wrong if you aren't sure what you're doing.

Do you need to bleed brakes when changing pads?

The only way to be sure your system doesn't have an air bubble is to bleed your brakes after repairing the leak. If you're replacing worn brake pads, which can cause air to enter the master cylinder. … If you change your rotors or pads.

Any brake job should include a brake bleed for safety's

sake.

Rebecca Patel
Author
Rebecca Patel
Rebecca is a beauty and style expert with over 10 years of experience in the industry. She is a licensed esthetician and has worked with top brands in the beauty industry. Rebecca is passionate about helping people feel confident and beautiful in their own skin, and she uses her expertise to create informative and helpful content that educates readers on the latest trends and techniques in the beauty world.