| Perspective is our individual concept of the | | | | a 4 to 5 inch C-clamp. |
| relationship between objects. The New | | | | Work conditions: any place that is level and suited |
| Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines one measure | | | | to the current weather. |
| of perspective as the scientific methods applied to | | | | Safety: block the rear wheels, insure that the |
| paintings for the purpose of relaying depth and | | | | transmission is in park, and unless working on rear |
| distance. Imagine coming upon a stop sign while | | | | pads set the parking brake. |
| driving a vehicle at sixty-five miles per hour. When | | | | Wheel lugs: loosen the front lugs, both sides. Don't |
| well functioning brakes are applied, the approach | | | | take them off; just break them free of |
| to the stop sign seems reasonable and controlled. | | | | immediate pressure. |
| But replace the feel of solid brake pads with the | | | | Lift the vehicle: the lifting method is source |
| spongy, bottomed-out effect of failed | | | | dependent. Watch out for oil pans and bendable |
| metal-to-metal stopping power, and the driver's | | | | body parts. Make certain to stabilize the raised |
| perspective of the stop sign, its nearness, and the | | | | vehicle on jack stands. |
| speed of his vehicle will all shift into a drastic new | | | | Tires and wheels: work on and remove only one |
| viewpoint. | | | | wheel at a time. For additional safety, slide the |
| Maintaining dependable automobile braking power is | | | | wheel into a secure position beneath the vehicle |
| critical to motor vehicle safety. | | | | body. |
| Warning signs of an impending brake failure: | | | | Examine the components: the elements of a disc |
| Vehicles utilize two braking systems: drum and | | | | brake assembly consist of a rotor (the bright |
| disc. Our focus is on disc pad replacement: how to | | | | metal disc on which the tire mount bolts are |
| recognize the warning signs, determine the cause, | | | | attached); two heat-resistant brake pads that |
| and respond to the need. Here are some pointers: | | | | hover on either side of the rotor; a caliper (either |
| - Abnormal noise: grinding, squelching, or bumping | | | | floating or fixed) that engulfs the pads and retains |
| sounds indicate trouble. Listen also for the high | | | | them to the side of the rotor; and various clips, |
| squeal of a low pad warning mechanism. | | | | washers, and bolts for holding the assembly in |
| - Visual: metal shaving, excessive brake dust, or a | | | | place. |
| sudden decrease in brake dust can all indicate a | | | | Locate and remove the caliper bolts, usually only |
| major pad issue. | | | | two per caliper. |
| - Physical feedback: a low pedal, a spongy pedal, a | | | | Caliper removal: you may need to loosen the |
| too hard pedal, a pulling or grabbing effect (either | | | | bleeder nut, and then use the screwdriver to |
| in the pedal or the steering wheel), or a vibration | | | | gently pry the caliper open. Take care not to |
| and back pumping pedal effect are all possible | | | | damage the rotor. Once the caliper is free, slide it |
| signs of impending brake failure. | | | | back and away from the rotor. Do not permit the |
| - ABS light: this light is most often related to the | | | | caliper to dangle on the end of the brake |
| brake hydraulics. It can indicate anything from low | | | | hydraulics line. If necessary, use the channel locks |
| brake fluid to a bad master cylinder. | | | | or the C-clamp to press the caliper piston fully |
| When the signs indicate that something in the | | | | open. If you loosened the bleeder nut be sure to |
| brake pad system is out of order, try peering | | | | reset it now. |
| through the slots in the outside wheel/rim | | | | Pads: remove any retaining clips, and then slid the |
| assembly (you may have to remove the wheel). | | | | pads free of the caliper. |
| The rotor is sandwiched between the inner and | | | | Rotor: examine for pits, scores, and flatness. If |
| the outer pads. A metal-on-metal condition | | | | necessary, have the rotor lathed. |
| demands immediate attention. Otherwise, there | | | | Apply lubricate to the backside of the pads. |
| may be a bit of time, yet anything under 1/4 inch | | | | Attach the mounting clips and reinsert the pads |
| of remaining pad surface should be addressed as | | | | into the caliper. Insure that the caliper piston is it |
| quickly as possible. Too early is always better | | | | still fully open, and then slide it back over the |
| than too late. | | | | rotor. |
| Confirmed bad: how to change brake pads | | | | Tighten the caliper bolds. |
| Tools: we assume the mechanic is equipped with | | | | Check your brake fluid level. |
| a standard tool kit, auto lift jacks, and a tire tool. | | | | Bleed the brake fluid as becomes necessary. |
| However, a disc pad change-out will work easier if | | | | Reinstall the wheel. Tighten the lugs. Lower the |
| you have a 3/8 by 10 inch slotted screwdriver, a | | | | vehicle and then tighten the lugs again. |
| set of 12 to 16 inch tongue and groove pliers, and | | | | |