Brake Pad Replacement - Installation & Tech

What's that squeaking noise every time you step on the brakes? That is the wear indicator designed to be extra annoying so you know that it's time to change your brake pads. You don't have to take your car to the local mechanic or get ripped off by some chain store that's going to try and up-sell you once you drive into the parking lot. You can pick up a set of brake pads for fairly cheap and do them yourself at home. Not only do you save money, you can get out of doing any other housework by saying, "Sorry, babe, I'm busy doing a brake job on the car." Damn, do you sound like a professional or what?

1. It's a good idea to let the brakes cool off before you start. Jack the car up, put it on jack stands, and take off the front wheels. Disconnect the battery-just kidding.
1. It's a good idea to let the brakes cool off before you start. Jack the car up, put it o
2. It helps to turn the steering wheel towards the side you're working on to reach the 14mm bolts on the back holding the caliper to the bracket. Loosen these and pop off the caliper.
2. It helps to turn the steering wheel towards the side you're working on to reach the 14m
3. Pry off the old brake pads and inspect them. If the pad is thinner than the back plate, you're long overdue for a pad change. If your rotor is warped (steering wheel shakes when you brake) you'll either need to resurface the rotors or buy new ones. If they're in good condition, you can get by without dealing with them to save time and money, though it is recommended.
3. Pry off the old brake pads and inspect them. If the pad is thinner than the back plate,

4. Line up the 14mm bolts on the back of the caliper and tighten them. Repeat the same steps for the other side.
4. Line up the 14mm bolts on the back of the caliper and tighten them. Repeat the same ste
5. Slide the new brake pads into the bracket. Usually both sides are the same size and shape, but double check to make sure.
5. Slide the new brake pads into the bracket. Usually both sides are the same size and sha
6. Go to the top of the brake system and take the cap off the brake master cylinder. This will allow the fluid to move back up from the lines into the reservoir.
6. Go to the top of the brake system and take the cap off the brake master cylinder. This

7. Slide the new brake pads into the bracket. Usually both sides are the same size and shape, but double check to make sure.
7. Slide the new brake pads into the bracket. Usually both sides are the same size and sha
8. Line up the 14mm bolts on the back of the caliper and tighten them. Repeat the same steps for the other side.
8. Line up the 14mm bolts on the back of the caliper and tighten them. Repeat the same ste
9. Before you go speeding out of your driveway, pump the brake pedal a bunch of times until it gets firm again. Go eat some cheese to celebrate your accomplishment.
9. Before you go speeding out of your driveway, pump the brake pedal a bunch of times unti