How to Change Brake Pads & How to Change Rotors

1. Step 1: Locate & remove the caliper guide bolts. ...
2. Step 2: Check for rust. ...
3. Step 3: Remove the caliper & old brake pads. ...
4. Step 4: Remove the rotor. ...
5. Step 5: If you're reusing your rotors, measure rotor thickness. ...
6. Step 6: Clean the area and parts. ...
7. Step 7: Install new rotor.

Can I change my rotors myself?

CARS.COM — If you have the know-how to do your own brake work or know someone who does and is willing to share their expertise for free, the do-it-yourself approach to replacing brake pads and rotors on your vehicle can save you lots of money.

Is it hard to change rotors?

Replacing brake pads and rotors is not a hard or long DIY job. However, this time, it was time consuming. I went to the local parts house, and bought two front rotors and brake pads.

What tools do you need to change rotors?

What Tools Do You Need To Change Brake Pads 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.

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.

How to Change Front and rear Brake Pads and Rotors (Complete Guide)

43 related questions found

How much do 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.

Should I replace all 4 rotors?

You do not need to replace all 4 rotors at the same time, but it is recommended to replace the rotors and pads as a set for each axle front or back at the same time. If the front brakes need to be replaced but the rear brakes are not worn out yet, then you do not need to replace the rear brakes.

What does it sound like when rotors are bad?

Noises When the Vehicle Brakes

Warped rotors can cause a squeaking noise when the brakes are applied. They can also make a scraping or grinding sound when they're warped and worn down. The squealing noise, however, can also be made by brake pads that are worn out.

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.

Can I drive with bad rotors?

If you suspect you have warped rotors or your brakes are failing, it is important that you avoid driving your vehicle and contact a mechanic right away. Driving with warped rotors potentially will result in a brake system failure, which can cause injury to yourself and those around you.

How long do Rotors take to replace?

How long does it take to change 4 rotors and brake pads? Depending on the condition of the brake system when you first start. On average it takes about 1 1/2 – 2 hours to complete(including resurfacing the rotors) on a common disk brake type vehicle.

How Long Will Bad rotors last?

So how long do brake rotors last? It depends. A variety of factors, like your vehicle size, driving style and brake quality, contribute to the lifetime of your brakes. Typically, brake rotors last between 30,000–70,000 miles.

What will a warped rotor do?

Rotors are normally flat and smooth, and as the brake pads clamp down on them, your wheels stop. When they're warped… Your brake pads can't clamp your rotor as easily. That's why you'll feel a shudder on the brake pedal when you try to stop, especially at high speeds when your rotors are rotating faster.

What do new brakes cost?

New brake costs can vary depending on the vehicle you drive. On average, a brake replacement can cost about $150 per axle. These costs can increase to around $300 per axle, depending on your vehicle's brake pad material.

Why does my car shake when I brake?

If you feel the shaking or vibration in your steering wheel and your brake pedal, it could be your rotors. The rotors get pressed by the brake pad to help slow your vehicle down, and if the rotors are out of balance, this could be causing the vibrating tremors that you feel in the pedal and steering wheel.

How do rotors get warped?

The brake rotors withstand a lot of heat during the process of braking, and need to dissipate this heat quickly so that the brake pads will be able to be pressed down again. Because of this mass amount of heat, the surface of the brake rotors can become uneven over time, which is often referred to as warping.

How can I tell if I need new brake rotors?

It could represent four signs that it's time to replace your brake rotors.

• Vibrating Steering Wheel. If you feel pulsing in the brake pedal and vibration in the steering wheel when you slow down, your rotors could be signaling trouble. ...
• Intermittent Screeching. ...
• Blue Coloration. ...
• Excessive Wear Over Time.

Do I need to turn new rotors?

Do new brake rotors need to be resurfaced? New brake rotors will not need to be resurfaced as they are freshly pristine without any of the worn-down blemishes and corrosion that can cause brake issues.

Do front or rear rotors wear faster?

Your front brake pads will also wear down faster than your rear pads. The front of your vehicle handles a lot more weight transfer as you brake, causing more wear. Over time heat and friction also contribute to brake pad wear.

How much should it cost for new brakes and rotors?

How much should it be to replace the brake pads and rotors? Expect a brake job of replacing brake pads and rotors to cost $250-$400 per axle on average.

Is it better to buy new rotors or resurface?

Those severely damaged rotors usually need to be replaced, not resurfaced. Some vehicle manufacturers even require that you replace your rotors rather than resurface them. Otherwise, most industry experts suggest that you should replace them every 30-70K miles.

Are rotors sold in pairs or single?

A: Brake rotors can be bought in pairs, depending on the seller. But for safety sake always, ALWAYS install them in PAIRS!

Why do my brakes squeal when I first start driving?

CARS.COM — If you're lucky, the squealing or squeaking noise that your brakes make when you first drive your car in the morning, particularly after rain or snow, is just surface rust being scraped off the rotors by the brake pads the first few times you apply the brake pedal.