I have just got a new WOF for my car, but the mechanic said that next time round (if not before), I'll need to replace the rear brake pads.What is involved in doing this!Is it something a capable (but non-mechanic) person would be able to do! Also, what would the approximate cost be to have it done!
It's an old car, so check that the caliper sliders aren't rusted up/jammed while you're doing it, clean out and regrease them if they are, check that the disk isn't badly scored, and check that the piston isn't covered in hard crusty grunge which may stuff the main seals - as the piston will need to retract further back in to allow for the extra thickness of the new pads.The exposed part of the piston might need a good clean-up. Also when you're retracting the piston to fit the new pads, if the brake fluid reservoir was full, it might overflow, so check level after finishing the job and /or take some of the fluid out to just above the "min" level before you start.(be very clean doing this).Wash any spilt fluid away with plenty of clean water, as spilled brake fluid works pretty effectively as paint-stripper.
a.woodrow,
Dec 1, 6:23pm
I agree, brakes aren't the thing you should be learning on
mm12345,
Dec 1, 8:02pm
I disagree.Disk brakes are pretty simple things, WRT replacing pads, checking them over. bleeding etc. Even doing a full caliper overhaul with pistons seals etc is usually pretty easy. They're also an area where some of the less reputable so-called specialists fleece people blind.
thunderbolt,
Dec 1, 9:13pm
I can only assume that mm12345 is not a mechanic, or he/she would have seen the results of DYI repairs by someone who thought they were capable. I was a mobile mech for a few years, and was called to fix a few of these disasters. OP, you have a few months to save up and take you car to a reputable garage to have it done by a professional.
bitsy_boffin,
Dec 1, 9:27pm
Have always replaced my own pads, and shoes on both cars and bikes.The last bike I "rebuilt" the caliper too (not that there is much TO rebuild", and shock horror, I don't even have a manual for that.They ain't rocket science.
Just make sure you know for your particular vehicle what the appropriate method to retract the caliper pistons is.
This is a sad indictment on society where people are actively discouraged from trying even the simplest of repairs for which there are bound to be even step by step instructions with colour photographs, probably even videos on youtube!
People need to get their hands dirty and learn how to do these things, otherwise their idea of a toolbox is just going to be a cell phone and the hotline to the local garage that's what!
mm12345,
Dec 1, 10:19pm
Oh FFS.The OP asked whether a "capable" (but not a mechanic) person could do the job. On a scale of 1-5 on a difficulty index, replacing pads rates a 1.It was/is much harder replacing shoes on drum brakes - but even that is something millions of DIY'ers have been doing for almost a century!
mugenb20b,
Dec 1, 10:25pm
To you and me, yes. But, over the internet we don't know how "capable" OP is. Even a simple job such as a brake pad replacement requires care and a bit of common sense.
crzyhrse,
Dec 1, 10:26pm
Quite possibly posted by someone also with little idea of the pitfalls. The point people are making, and I completely agree with, is that the brakes are NOT the place to start fiddling with your car unsupervised.
hondalova,
Dec 1, 10:26pm
wont the honda legend have caliper pistons that need to be twisted in! not just pushed in.
crzyhrse,
Dec 1, 10:27pm
Write down exactly how you'd do it step-by-step for a floating caliper.
mm12345,
Dec 1, 10:31pm
I actively encourage the OP to give it a try.Changing a flat tyre requires care and some common sense (and a bit of knowledge) too.Yeah - some people need the AA or "Roadside Rescue" for that, but expecting that the OP is at the level of the lowest common denominator isn't very reasonable.She even knows how to use a computer - something 1/2 the mechanics in this world have yet to master.
mm12345,
Dec 1, 10:35pm
What qualifications to you have to mark my exam paper!
mugenb20b,
Dec 1, 10:36pm
Yep, maybe.
mm12345,
Dec 1, 10:41pm
Almost definitely.The link I posted covers that.
jaxma,
Dec 1, 10:58pm
Hiya :-)Thanks for all the feedback, it has been very helpful!
Paying someone to do it is not the issue here . it is something I'd like to have a go at doing myself (I love to be independent and be able to do things like that), but if it's likely to be very challenging, need special tools, or could result in faulty brakes, then I won't even give it a shot.I am more than happy to pay a professional, but if I can do it myself, why not give it a shot!
crzyhrse,
Dec 1, 11:53pm
Advanced Trade Certificate. And then some.
Go on, I dare you.
clark20,
Dec 2, 12:32am
Pay someone, and ask to watch and learn
jaxma,
Dec 2, 12:39am
Yeah, clark20, maybe I'll do that, then next time I might be able to have a go myself :-)
unbeatabull,
Dec 2, 12:41am
I agree with most others, Brakes are not the thing to learn on. My first boss always told me, I don't care about the rest of the car, just make sure the brakes are 100% correct. They are the single most important part of the automotive system.
IF you do give it a go, things to make sure are obviously everythings tight, correct pad fitment and correct piston retraction method (on one of those most likely a screw in type - you may need a tool for this, or if your pretty strong a decent set of Long nose pliers and some elbow grease can do it). Also make sure the Brake fluid level doesn't overflow the reservoir under the bonnet. Make sure you have 100% brake pressure before driving/testing (Pedal is firm and hard with engine off).
If you become unsure about anything, do ask. Brakes aren't the thing you want to improvise or try to wing it on.
a.woodrow,
Dec 2, 12:42am
That's a good idea. Yes brakes are a straight foward replacement, but its more the risk if something is not right with your calipers or theres an issue putting everything back together, you may not recognise a problem and it could potentially be a safety issue. Good idea to watch and learn, don't be discouraged to pick up new skills
mm12345,
Dec 2, 12:54am
Dare me what!
kazbanz,
Dec 2, 1:28am
jaxma-Look IN THEORY replacing a set of brake pads is pretty easy. BUT you have a few things to make it difficult. You possibly have the worst combination of circumstances -OLD car. Unknown service history and unknown piston type.-this could easilly end in tears. As suggested -watch someone else do it
skin1235,
Dec 2, 2:35am
plus it is the rears, and yes they do have wind in pistons, and they can be a right arse to wind in too, especially if all you've got is a bent fork and the jack handle to work with If you had the correct tools you'd also classify yourself as slightly higher than 'capable but non mechanic'
jaxma,
Dec 1, 2:25pm
I have just got a new WOF for my car, but the mechanic said that next time round (if not before), I'll need to replace the rear brake pads.What is involved in doing this!Is it something a capable (but non-mechanic) person would be able to do!I love being able to do things myself, so if it something I can do myself, that would add another string to my bow :-) Also, if I can't do it myself, what would the approximate cost be to have it done!
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