Are you starting to hear that annoying squeal coming from your wheels? Maybe it is time to change brake pads. If you are tight on money and usually take it to a garage to fix them why not try doing them yourself? If you feel suitably qualified and able to do so, it is quite simple to change brake pads. You never know when your brakes are going to be needing service so you can never really save up the money. The only good thing about the squealing is that it allows you to wait up to three weeks to change your brakes so it does give you that warning to save up. But I would not suggest waiting that long once the squeal starts. I would say have it done with in a week or so to make sure there will not be any damage done to your rotor from the brake digging into it. If you are in any way uncertain about changing brake pads, make sure you get assistance from a qualified mechanic.

Go to your local or online store and purchase new brake pads. They come in many different makes, what you choose will depend on if you are looking for ones which will last you longer or something just to hold you over for the time being. When you come to do the installation, make sure to jack your car up securely so you are able to remove the lug nuts off the wheel and remove safely. You are ready to change brake pads.

After the wheels are removed you want to remove or loosen the caliper bolts. By loosening them you will sometimes be able to remove the old brakes pads and just replace the new in this area. Sometimes it is harder this way so many feel that removing the caliper fully is easier. The choice is yours. Just remember not to have the caliper just hanging there by the hoses which will cause damage and will cost you more money.

After the caliper is loosened or removed it is time to slip off the old brake pads. Sometimes you will need to carefully bang on the caliper with a hammer to loosen them from the brakes. Once this is done remove the old and replace with the new. It is quite easy and very simple to do by reading instructions. If you remove the caliper you might need a C-clamp as an extra hand to help you place the new brakes on and to replace the caliper once again. If so, place the C-clamp around where the brake and caliper was and slowly tighten. Once you have it tightened where you can still slip the new brakes on, do so. After the brakes are on you will have an easier time fitting the caliper over the brakes with the C-clamp holding them tight against the disc.

Tighten the bolts on the caliper and remove the C-clamp. Now it is time to bleed the brakes. You want the fluid to run through the tubes and make the pedal feel firm again. At first the pedal may reach the ground when you apply pressure but it will build back up. Once everything is a go and you are certain everything is in place as it should be, you can put the tire and lug bolts back on and you are ready to ride again!