Performing your own braking work, if done correctly, can save a lot of money. But if the braking work is done improperly, it may cost more than if it were paid to a professional to get started. Over the past 25 years, I have performed hundreds of workloads as a master of automotive technology, and in this article I will discuss some of the basics. I also point out some common mistakes that newbies and even professionals can make while performing brake work.
Throbbing?
If the car shakes when the brakes are applied, it means that the brake rotors are deformed. Excessive side burnout causes the car to tremble, especially when it quickly stops at highway speeds. The rotors can be machined or surfaced to make them true again if they are thick enough. If the pulsation or brake does not tremble, the brake pads can be replaced without machining them. However, in my experience, if machining or rotor replacement is not performed while performing brake work, excessive jokes will occur most of the time in a very short time. I recommend taking care of the rotors by making them machined or replaced when doing the braking work.
Safe car lift
Sounds too sound, right? I saw a lot of people under the cars without having a security pedestal. Hydraulic jacks are great, but what if someone slips or fails while someone is working under the machine? I can not emphasize that it is important that the car was safely raised with the stand in place, just in case the car falls for some reason. Support under the car is very important to work at any time in the car, for example, to change the oil, replace the starter or any other work that could crush a person if the jack failed. I once worked with a mechanic who changed the starter at home. His hydraulic jack had a slow leak, and before he realized that the car was gradually lowering him, he was pinned under the car and could not get out from under it. Compression of the chest allowed him to breathe air very shallowly, which limited his ability to scream for help! Fortunately, a friend stopped, saw what was happening, and picked up the car for him. If it were not for luck, it could have a completely different way out; his mistake could have cost him his life.
Removing wheels, calipers and rotors
After removing the wheels, locate the caliper bolts and check what type of head should have the bolt to determine which tools will be needed. Conventional fasteners will have either conventional bolt heads, either aluminum or end fasteners. As a rule, two bolts hold the caliper and two bolts hold the bracket. Usually, only the caliper can be removed if you simply replace the brake pads. Suspend the caliper with an elastic cord or something similar to prevent the caliper from losing weight from potential damage to the brake hose. If the rotor is removed so that it can be machined or replaced most of the time, it is also necessary to remove the caliper bracket. The rotors will either slip or become obsolete and will be supported by the wheels. Most cars today will have rotors that slide off. Wheel bearings on this design cannot be operational, that is, they are lubricated for life and can be replaced only when they do not work, so they are not repackaged with lubricant while the brake is working, as in the past.
Pushing the piston
To install the new brake pads, you need to press the caliper piston for the brake caliper. The piston slowly expands when the brake pads wear. This is why brake adjustment is not required for a disc brake system, it is basically self-adjusting , Large-channel pliers can be used to compress the piston back into the caliper. There are also brake tools that can be used to push the piston. The large C-clamp was my favorite method of returning the piston back to the caliper. If you are working on rear disc brakes, it is usually necessary to push and turn on the piston, for example, KD 41540 (one of the best DenLors sellers) to retract the pistons. It is recommended to open the screw to retract the brakes when the piston is pressed, this allows it to return more easily and prevents possible damage to the master cylinder and / or ABS (Anti Lock Brakes) of the pump or valves from forcing old fluid into the system. Closing the drain valve immediately after the caliper piston is pushed back will ensure that there is no need for brake bleeding. If the dust boots in the caliper are broken, the caliper must be replaced. Broken boots will allow moisture and dirt to penetrate into the surrounding area of the piston and make it stick or grip. On some brackets, brackets are installed that may freeze or grip, which may lead to uneven pad wear. Slides should be separated and lubricated with silicone gel or disc brake lubricant. Slides must work freely for the brakes to work properly.
Installation of brake shoes and calipers
Pay attention to any possible differences in the left side brake pads and the right side brake pads. Also sometimes there are differences in the internal and external brake pads. Obviously, part of the friction brake pad goes to the rotor. My uncle a long time ago, before I started working on cars, did brake work on his Cadillac. I remember that he put the brake pads back! He destroyed the brake rotors. This seems like an impossible mistake, but when you are not familiar with what you are doing, anything is possible. With aftermarket brake pads, most of the time they come with their noise insulation insulators, which are placed on the back of the cushions. Some of them will have adhesive backs that will have plastic for stripping before installation, others may have inserts embedded in them. Please note that if they are supplied, OE (Original Equipment) site insulators will not be reused. After the gaskets are in place, be careful not to twist the brake caliper hoses when re-engaging the calipers. This is a common mistake to twist them, and the hoses can bend over corners.
Brake pedal pump!
After everything comes back together, it’s time for a test disk. But first push the brake pedal before putting the car in motion! The pedal will go to the floor, and if you do not, you can go into a wreck. When the pedal is pumped up, the pistons are pushed out and the pedal becomes hard. There was a vehicle with which I worked, and forgot to pump brakes after performing brake work. He retreated from his service bay when he hit the brakes, the car kept going, and he drove into a car that was halfway down the counter behind him. He broke the rear window of the car in which he was driving, fortunately, there was no other damage.
There are many types of brake systems, but most disc brakes are basically the same. Following the steps outlined here, you should help replace the brake pads. But if you are not completely sure, it is always a good idea to ask a friend who has experience to help you cope with your first braking job.
