When the brake pedal is pressed, the brake pads press against the brake discs and slow the vehicle down due to friction. The average service life of the components for the front axle is 25,000 to 30,000 km of mileage, and for the rear axle ones — 30,000 to 40,000 km.
What you should know about brake pads replacement
- Unsatisfactory condition of the components may be indicated by increased brake pedal travel. Common symptoms of the failure are also squeaking and whistling noises when braking. Besides, the components are equipped with wear sensors, which may be either electronic or mechanical.
- Worn out components are to be replaced in pairs per axle; it is, therefore, better to buy brake pads in a kit.
- You can install new components yourself. The faulty components are to be removed only after they have cooled down completely. Use a car lift and remember that all wheels of the vehicle should be at the same level. They should be removed before working.
- Consult the vehicle manual, and use only the tools specified there. As a rule, removing bolts of the calipers requires a spanner. To increase the distance between faulty components and the brake discs, you can use a flat screwdriver. Before installing the caliper on new components, you may have to rotate its piston with pliers. Upon completion, the system is to be bled.
- Extraneous noise after installing new components is often the evidence of damage to other components, e.g., brake disks. In this case, the entire assembly should be immediately checked, and faulty components replaced. First, inspect the caliper guides and hoses.
- To avoid accelerated wear, try reducing the load applied to the brake pads. In particular, emergency braking without extreme need is not recommended.
