How to Change Brake Pads

  How often the brake pads in your vehicle should be changed depends on a variety of different factors. Generally speaking, though, your vehicle's brake pads need to be changed about every 50,000 miles. This may not seem very often, but when it sneaks up on you, you need to make sure you're prepared.

Luckily, you can change your brake pads right at home if it's about that time. On this page, we at Audi North Miami will provide you with all the information you need to get the job done correctly. Drivers in the areas of Miami, Miami Beach, and Hollywood should read ahead to get started. As always, contact us with any questions you may have!

What You'll Need to Change Your Own Brakes Pads

  Changing your brake pads at home is fairly easy when you have the tools and the time. You'll need about one hour and the following pieces of equipment:

• Gloves to keep your hands clean and protect them from injury
• A car jack and jack stands
• A lug wrench
• Either a socket, open, or adjustable wrench (just one will do)
• Either a C-clamp or something to retract the piston
• Turkey baster or something to draw out the brake fluid
• A plastic tie or piece of string

Using these tools, you'll be able to change your own brake pads by following the step-by-step instructions listed below.

Step-By-Step Instructions for Changing Brake Pads

1.  Remove the wheel by first loosening the lug nuts on the wheel, then jack the wheel up to make the removal process a little smoother.
2. Remove the bottom slider bolt (or slider pin) connected to the caliper.
3. Swing the brake caliper up and out of the way.
4. Pinch and remove the retaining clips on the old brake pads and slide the old brake pads out through the hole that's normally covered by the caliper.
5. Replace the old retaining clips with the new retaining clips that came with the new brake pads.
6. Slide the new brake pads in, the same way you slid the old ones out, through the hole that's normally covered by the brake caliper.
7. Retract the pistons so that you can easily move the caliper back into place. Keep an eye on the brake fluid level while you're doing this, as it can fluctuate and rise too quickly during this part of the process.
8. Reposition the brake caliper back into its proper place.
9. Put the slider bolt (or slider pin) back into place and ensure that it's on tight.
10. Replace the wheel and repeat the process for the other wheels that need their brake pads replaced.

Need Some Help Changing Your Brake Pads?

Our team at Audi North Miami is so happy that you stopped by our website today to learn more about how to change your brake pads. We hope you found all the information you were looking for.

If you still have questions about the process or would rather have one of our experienced technicians take care of it for you, we're here to help. You can schedule a brake maintenance appointment by giving our service center a call today. Drivers in the areas of Miami, Miami Beach, and Hollywood can stop by our service center on their way through town any time!