How to Replace Brake Pads
Reviewed by GarageDex editorial
GarageDex's step-by-step guide shows that on most cars front brake pads are a 30-60 minute DIY job with basic hand tools and a jack stand. The steps people get wrong are compressing the caliper piston before fitting the new pads, and pumping the pedal firm before driving. Brakes are your car's most important safety system, so if you are not fully confident, have a professional do it.
Step by step
- Loosen the wheel lug nuts a half turn while the car is still on the ground.
- Jack the car up and set it on a jack stand - never work under a car held only by a jack.
- Remove the wheel to expose the brake caliper and rotor.
- Unbolt the caliper (usually two bolts on the back), lift it off, and hang it from the suspension with wire - never let it dangle by the hose.
- Slide the old pads out and note which way the wear indicator faced.
- Compress the caliper piston back into its bore with a C-clamp or piston tool so the new, thicker pads will fit.
- Fit the new pads (with any shims or grease on the contact points, not the friction face), refit the caliper, and torque the bolts to spec.
- Reinstall the wheel, lower the car, and torque the lug nuts.
- Before driving, pump the brake pedal several times until it goes firm - the pistons need to take up the gap.
- Bed the pads in: several moderate stops from about 30 mph, then let the brakes cool.
Get the right pads first
Brake pads are sold as a front or rear axle set, and some trims use a different pad. Look up the verified pad dimensions for your car so you order the correct set, and confirm your exact year and trim on the listing.
Not sure your pads are due yet?
Check the signs of worn brake pads first - a squeal, grinding, a pulsing pedal, or a dashboard warning are the usual tells.
Frequently asked
How long does it take to change brake pads?
About 30-60 minutes per axle for a confident DIYer with the right tools. Fronts are usually easier than rears; some rears with an electronic parking brake need the caliper wound back with a tool or a scan tool to retract the piston.
Do I need to replace the rotors too?
Not always. If the rotors are within spec, not deeply grooved, and not warped, new pads on cleaned rotors are fine. If the rotors are below the minimum thickness stamped on them or pulse under braking, replace or machine them.
Should I replace all four brake pads at once?
Replace pads in axle pairs (both fronts or both rears together) so braking stays even. Fronts wear faster and often need doing before the rears, so all four at once is common but not required.
Why compress the caliper piston?
The old pads are worn thin, so the piston has extended over time. New pads are thicker, so you must push the piston back into its bore or the caliper won't fit over them. Open the brake fluid reservoir cap first, as the fluid level will rise.
Need your car's exact spec? Find your brake pad size →