How to Change Rear Brake Pads with Electric Handbrake? If you own a car with an electric handbrake, changing the rear brake pads might seem like a daunting task.
However, with the right tools and knowledge, it can be a straightforward process that you can easily do yourself.
In this article, we will guide you through the steps of changing the rear brake pads of a car with an electric handbrake.
Step-by-Step Guide How to Change Rear Brake Pads with Electric Handbrake
Now that you have all the necessary tools, let’s get started with the step-by-step guide:
Step 1: Preparation
Before you start changing your rear brake pads with an electric handbrake, it’s essential to prepare your car and have the right tools. Here are the steps you need to follow:
- Park your car on a flat surface: Find a flat area to park your car and engage the parking brake.
- Gather the necessary tools: You’ll need a lug wrench, a jack, jack stands, a C-clamp, a screwdriver, and new brake pads.
- Loosen the lug nuts: Use a lug wrench or an impact gun to loosen the lug nuts on the rear wheels. Make sure not to remove them completely at this point.
- Lift the car: Use a jack to lift the car off the ground and place jack stands under the vehicle’s frame to keep it secure.
- Remove the wheels: With the lug nuts loosened, remove the wheels from the car and set them aside.
- Access the brake caliper: Locate the brake caliper and use a screwdriver to remove the retaining clips or bolts that secure it to the caliper bracket.
- Remove the brake pads: Once the caliper is loose, carefully remove the brake pads from the caliper and set them aside.
With these preparation steps completed, you’re ready to move on to the next steps of the process.
Read also: How to Bypass a Brake Caliper?
Step 2: Lift the Car
Once you’ve loosened the lug nuts, it’s time to lift your car off the ground. Follow these steps to lift your car safely:
- Find a solid surface: Look for a flat and level surface to park your car on. Avoid lifting the car on soft or uneven surfaces, as this can be dangerous.
- Position the jack: Locate the jacking points on your car, which are typically marked with an arrow or a notch. Place the jack under the jacking point closest to the rear wheel you’re working on.
- Lift the car: Pump the jack handle up and down to lift the car off the ground. Keep lifting the car until the wheel is completely off the ground.
- Secure the car with jack stands: Once the car is off the ground, place the jack stands under the vehicle’s frame. Position them near the jacking point you used to lift the car. Carefully lower the car onto the jack stands, ensuring that it’s stable and secure.
- Double-check the car’s stability: Give the car a gentle shake to ensure that it’s securely supported by the jack stands. If it feels unstable, carefully lower the car and reposition the jack stands.
By following these steps, you’ll be able to lift your car safely and securely, allowing you to work on the rear brake pads with ease.
Step 3: Remove the Wheels
Now that your car is securely lifted and supported by the jack stands, it’s time to remove the wheels. Here’s how:
- Remove the lug nuts: Use a lug wrench or an impact gun to remove the lug nuts completely from the rear wheels.
- Take the wheels off: Once the lug nuts are removed, gently pull the wheel towards you to take it off. Repeat this step for the other rear wheel.
With the wheels off, you’ll now have clear access to the brake calipers and pads. Remember to keep the lug nuts and wheels in a safe and secure place, as you’ll need them later on when you’re putting everything back together.
Step 4: Remove the Brake Caliper
With the wheels removed, you can now remove the brake caliper to access the brake pads. Here’s how:
- Locate the brake caliper: The brake caliper is located just above the brake rotor. It’s the large metal component that holds the brake pads in place.
- Remove the caliper bolts: The brake caliper is held in place by two bolts. Use a socket wrench to loosen and remove these bolts. Be careful not to damage the brake line attached to the caliper.
- Remove the caliper: Once the bolts are removed, carefully slide the brake caliper off the rotor. Be mindful of the brake line attached to the caliper, and avoid putting any unnecessary strain on it.
- Hang the caliper: To prevent any damage to the brake line, hang the brake caliper using a wire or bungee cord. Be sure to hang it in a location where it won’t interfere with your work on the brake pads.
With the caliper removed, you’ll now have access to the brake pads.
Step 5: Remove the Old Brake Pads
Now that the brake caliper is removed, you can easily access the old brake pads. Here’s how to remove them:
- Remove the old brake pads: Gently pull the brake pads out of the caliper. They should come out fairly easily, but if they’re stuck, you can use a C-clamp or brake piston tool to push the piston back into the caliper. This will create enough space for you to remove the pads.
- Inspect the brake pads: Once you’ve removed the old pads, inspect them for wear and damage. If they’re worn down or damaged, it’s important to replace them with new ones.
- Check the brake rotor: While you’re inspecting the brake pads, take a moment to check the condition of the brake rotor. If it’s worn or damaged, it may need to be resurfaced or replaced.
- Clean the caliper: Before installing the new brake pads, take a moment to clean the caliper. Use a wire brush or a brake cleaning solution to remove any dirt, dust, or debris that may have accumulated inside the caliper. This will help ensure that your new brake pads function properly.
With the old brake pads removed and the caliper cleaned, you’re now ready to install the new pads.
Read also: How to Reset Electronic Parking Brake Mitsubishi Outlander
Step 6: Clean and Grease
Now that the old brake pads are removed, it’s important to clean the caliper thoroughly and apply brake grease to ensure the optimal performance of the new brake pads. Here’s how to do it:
- Clean the caliper: Use a brake cleaner and a wire brush to clean the caliper thoroughly. Spray the brake cleaner all over the caliper and scrub it with a wire brush to remove any dirt, dust, or debris that may have accumulated inside the caliper. This will ensure that the caliper is free of any contaminants that could affect the performance of the new brake pads.
- Apply brake grease: After the caliper is clean and dry, apply a thin layer of brake grease to the caliper slides and the back of the new brake pads. This will help reduce noise and prevent the brake pads from sticking or squeaking.
- Install the new brake pads: Insert the new brake pads into the caliper, making sure that they are properly positioned and aligned. You should hear a satisfying click when the pads are in place.
- Reinstall the brake caliper: Slide the brake caliper back over the rotor and align it with the bolt holes. Replace the bolts and tighten them to the manufacturer’s recommended torque specification.
With the new brake pads in place and the caliper properly lubricated, you’re now ready to reattach the wheels and lower the car back down to the ground.
Step 7: Install the New Brake Pads
With the caliper cleaned and greased, it’s time to install the new brake pads. Here’s how to do it:
- Insert the new brake pads: Take the new brake pads and slide them into the caliper. Make sure they are properly aligned and fit snugly in the caliper. You should hear a satisfying click when the pads are in place.
- Reattach the brake caliper: Slide the brake caliper back over the rotor and align it with the bolt holes. Replace the bolts and tighten them to the manufacturer’s recommended torque specification. Be careful not to overtighten the bolts.
- Test the brake pedal: Before moving the car, pump the brake pedal a few times to make sure it feels firm and responsive. This will ensure that the brake pads are properly seated and the system is working correctly.
- Repeat the process for the other wheel: Repeat the same process for the other wheel, replacing both the brake pads and calipers if necessary.
With the new brake pads installed, you’re now ready to reattach the wheels and lower the car back down to the ground.
Make sure to torque the lug nuts to the manufacturer’s recommended specification and test the brakes again before driving the car.
Step 8: Reinstall the Brake Caliper
Now that the new brake pads are installed, it’s time to reinstall the brake caliper. Here’s how to do it:
- Align the brake caliper: Place the brake caliper back onto the rotor and align it with the bolt holes.
- Reinstall the bolts: Reinstall the bolts that hold the caliper in place. Tighten them to the manufacturer’s recommended torque setting using a torque wrench. Be careful not to overtighten the bolts, as this can damage the caliper or the rotor.
- Reattach the brake line: Reattach the brake line to the caliper and tighten it using a wrench.
- Repeat the process for the other wheel: Repeat the same process for the other wheel, replacing both the brake pads and calipers if necessary.
Now that both calipers are reinstalled, it’s time to move on to the next step.
Step 9: Reinstall the Wheel
Now that the brake caliper and new brake pads are in place, it’s time to reinstall the wheel. Follow these steps:
- Line up the wheel studs: Hold the wheel up to the wheel hub and line up the wheel studs with the holes on the wheel.
- Hand-tighten the lug nuts: Thread each lug nut onto the wheel stud by hand, making sure they are snug but not tight.
- Lower the car: Use the jack to lower the car back to the ground.
- Tighten the lug nuts: Use a lug wrench or an impact gun to tighten the lug nuts in a star pattern. Be sure to torque them to the manufacturer’s recommended torque setting.
- Double-check the lug nuts: After tightening the lug nuts, double-check them to ensure they are all tight and secure.
Repeat the process for the other wheel if you replaced both sets of brake pads.
Read also: How to Release Electronic Parking Brake with Dead Battery?
Step 10: Repeat for the Other Wheel
If you replaced the brake pads on one wheel, repeat the entire process for the other wheel.
This is important to ensure both wheels have equally functional brakes and maintain the proper balance and control of the car.
Be sure to follow the same steps as before, including
- Lifting the car
- Removing the wheel
- Removing the brake caliper
- Removing the old brake pads
- Cleaning and greasing
- Installing the new brake pads
- Reinstalling the brake caliper
- Reinstalling the wheel
- And tightening the lug nuts
After completing the process for both wheels, it’s important to test the brakes and ensure they are functioning properly.
You can do this by starting the car, pressing the brake pedal a few times to build up pressure, and then testing the brakes by pressing down on the pedal while driving slowly in a safe and empty area.
Remember, the brake system is one of the most important safety features of your car.
Proper maintenance and care are essential to ensure your brakes are working correctly and prevent any potential accidents.
Tools Required
Before starting, it’s important to make sure you have all the necessary tools. Here’s a list of what you’ll need:
- Jack and jack stands
- Lug wrench or impact gun
- Socket wrench
- C-clamp or brake piston tool
- New brake pads
- Brake grease
- Torque wrench
Tips and Warnings
While changing the rear brake pads with an electric handbrake may seem daunting, it is a task that can be accomplished with the right tools and knowledge.
Here are some tips and warnings to keep in mind when changing the rear brake pads on a car with an electric handbrake:
– Tips:
- Prepare the tools and equipment beforehand: Make sure you have all the necessary tools and equipment before starting the job, including a jack, jack stands, lug wrench, socket wrench, torque wrench, C-clamp, and brake piston tool.
- Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations: Make sure to follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for the type of brake pads to use and the torque setting for the bolts.
- Clean and grease the caliper slides and brake pads: Clean the caliper slides with brake cleaner and apply brake grease to prevent friction and ensure smooth movement.
- Test the brakes: After replacing the brake pads, test the brakes in a safe and empty area to ensure they are functioning properly.
– Warnings:
- Use caution when working with a jack: Always use a jack on a flat and stable surface, and never rely solely on a jack to support the car. Use jack stands as an extra precaution.
- Do not damage the brake line: Be careful when removing the brake caliper, as damaging the brake line can cause brake fluid to leak and affect the braking system.
- Do not over-torque the bolts: Over-tightening the bolts can damage the caliper or brake pads and affect the braking system. Use a torque wrench to ensure the correct torque setting.
- Seek professional help if unsure: If you are unsure about any aspect of changing the rear brake pads, it is always better to seek professional help to ensure the job is done correctly and safely.
By following these tips and warnings, you can successfully change the rear brake pads on a car with an electric handbrake while ensuring the safety of yourself and others on the road.
Read also: How to Disable Electronic Parking Brake
FAQs
Can I change the rear brake pads of my car with an electric handbrake myself?
Yes, you can change the rear brake pads of your car with an electric handbrake yourself if you have the necessary tools and knowledge.
Do I need to change both sets of brake pads at the same time?
It’s recommended to change both sets of brake pads at the same time for even wear and optimal performance.
How often should I change my brake pads?
Brake pads should be changed every 25,000 to 50,000 miles, depending on your driving habits and the type of brake pads you use.
Can I reuse the old brake pads?
It’s not recommended to reuse old brake pads, as they may be worn unevenly and affect the performance of the brake system.
How do I know if my brake pads need to be changed?
You can check the thickness of the brake pads by inspecting them through the wheel spokes. If they are less than 1/4 inch thick, it’s time to replace them.
You may also hear squeaking or grinding noises when applying the brakes, which is another sign that the brake pads need to be changed.
Conclusion
Changing the rear brake pads of a car with an electric handbrake might seem intimidating, but with the right tools and knowledge, it’s a relatively easy process.
By following the steps outlined in this article, you can save money on mechanic fees and ensure your car’s brake system is functioning properly.
