What tools do I need to change my brake pads? Explain in plain English to a non-mechanic. Send pictures even?
Alright before I get into this, let me explain that I'm a 17 year old girl that has no one to do my brake pads, and I'm unable to transport my car to a shop. Recently bought a car that needs a brake pad change and decided it'd be a good learning experience to just do them myself. I've seen them done and also decided that if I **** something up that's my own problem. I have a 2005 Ford Taurus.
My e-mail is nyarseniccatnip@gmail.com (Haha. Ironic.)
Please get someone who has done it before to show you how. Working on brakes is not for a beginner. A car that does not run is safe. A car that will not stop is not.
You need a set of metric wrenches from 6mm to at least 19mm,
you need a 1/2 inch torque wrench (for the lug nuts)
jack stands
a 2.5-3 ton floor jack (I don't recommend using the emergency jack, they are flimsy and can slide out, causing damage to your car. It's better to use a proper floor jack)
ratchet and socket set. Go to walmart and pick up a Stanley set. They are decent quality
1/2 inch deep sockets for removing lug nuts.
1/2 inch breaker bar or very long ratchet for removing lug nuts.
some silicon spray, to lubricate the brake slides.
knowledge, attention to detail
other tools, I'm too lazy to look up whether or you have disk brakes or drum brakes. If you have drum brakes you also need some pliers and maybe a few picks.
just go get a Haynes or chilton manual for your car. They have them at the library.
yes, tools are expensive. But if you want to start saving money in the long run, start doing everything yourself and building up your tool and knowledge collection.
Pic a video
It matters on the "MAKE, MODEL & year of the car and whether it has ABS braking system." Calling it a CAR is not good enough for us. We need to know more.
Better if you have someone with experience doing this job. If you mess up, you could KILL other people as you crash into them because your brakes do not work. It is not THAT simple… Especially if you have NO TOOLS. GO to your public Library and look in the area that deals with car repairs, and find a book on your make and model and READ IT ON THE BRAKES. More clearer than any You Tube video.
. The more informed you are, the better. The public library allows you to have the book for 3 weeks or so and then you got to renew it… To have it again. I visit quite often because all cars are different.
40+year mechanic.
My favorite youtube mechanic, ChrisFix, has a good video.
This question, complete with email, just stinks of Troll. Seriously, an anonymous post with an email?
In the off chance it's not - Not a good plan in my opinion, too much at stake. If you f**k this up it's everyone's problem, not just yours. If you insist on doing this please have a friend with some experience help you.
Look this up on youtube so you can see how it is done. Also often when the brake pads are changed, the rotors have to be taken into a machine shop to be resurfaced. Failure to do that will result in very poor stopping power for weeks and the new pads will not last as long.
You need to understand brake systems, otherwise you might overlook something or leave a dangerous situation.
You need an experienced mentor. No joke.
-Engine overhaul mechanic and general automotive mechanic since 1972
- How to undo bolts on Ford Galaxy 2003 Front & Rear brake caliper to renew disc's and pads? I need to renew the disc's and pads at the front and rear of Ford Galaxy 2003. I have the correct sockets and a large extension bar, but they will not budge (front or rear). I have tried WD40, thinking of trying a little heat, but its a bit near to the brake hoses. All suggestions gratefully received. I have a full workshop manual on this car issued by Ford which just says that they are tightened to 190Nm. The front bolts are huge 27mm and the rear bolts are 18mm.
- How much is it for a mechanic to change your front brake pads? It's a ford territory 2004 we brought the pads just need too put them on also an oil change as well how much
- Are the original facrory installed 2010 ford fusion SE V6 brake pads ceramic? I know the mototcraft pads are organic, part #br1164-b. The ford genuine part number # br1164. Just curious if the 1164 is ceramic.
- How much will it cost to replace a rear passenger side caliper and two read brake pads on a 2002 f150? My husband has a 2002 ford f150 and on his way home from work just before he got home the brakes became soft, he had to push it all the way to the floor. When he got out there was a burning smell from the rear passenger wheel well. I'm guessing the caliper needs replacing and probably brake pads. Any ideas?