Can I replace brake discs myself?
Yes, it is possible to replace your own brake discs, also known as brake rotors, with the right tools and some mechanical know-how. Replacing brake discs is a common maintenance task that many car owners can perform themselves, saving money on labor costs. However, it's important to follow proper safety precautions and have a good understanding of the process.
Why Replace Brake Discs?
Brake discs are an essential component of a vehicle's braking system, responsible for slowing and stopping the car. Over time, the discs can become worn down, warped, or damaged, reducing their effectiveness and potentially compromising your safety on the road. Replacing the discs is recommended when they reach the end of their lifespan, typically every 30,000 to 70,000 miles, depending on driving conditions and usage.
Tools and Supplies Needed
- Replacement brake discs (ensure they are the correct size and model for your vehicle)
- Brake caliper tool (to compress the caliper piston)
- Lug wrench or socket set (to remove the wheel)
- Torque wrench (to properly tighten the lug nuts)
- Brake cleaner and rags (to clean the components)
- Safety equipment (gloves, eye protection, and jack stands)
It's important to have the right tools and supplies on hand before attempting to replace the brake discs yourself.
Step-by-Step Guide
- Safely park your vehicle on a level surface and apply the parking brake.
- Loosen the lug nuts on the wheel with the worn brake disc, but do not remove them yet.
- Raise the vehicle using a jack and secure it with jack stands.
- Remove the wheel and the brake caliper, taking care not to let the caliper hang by the brake line.
- Use the brake caliper tool to compress the caliper piston, allowing you to remove the old brake disc.
- Clean the brake components, including the caliper and the mounting surface, using brake cleaner and rags.
- Install the new brake disc, ensuring it is properly seated and aligned.
- Reinstall the brake caliper and secure it in place.
- Replace the wheel and tighten the lug nuts in a star or criss-cross pattern using the torque wrench.
- Repeat the process for the remaining wheels, if necessary.
After completing the replacement, it's important to test the brakes to ensure they are functioning properly before driving the vehicle.
Safety Considerations
Replacing brake discs can be a relatively straightforward task, but it's crucial to prioritize safety throughout the process. Ensure the vehicle is properly secured, use the correct tools, and follow all safety guidelines to avoid injury or further damage to the vehicle.
If you're not comfortable performing the task yourself or have any doubts about your abilities, it's recommended to have a professional mechanic handle the brake disc replacement.
How to tell if brake discs need replacing?
How to tell if your brake pads or discs need replacing
- Screeching sounds. As already mentioned, you might hear a screeching noise from your brake pads.
- Scraping sound.
- Vibration.
- Pulling.
- Brake pedal problems.
Are disc brakes easy to change?
It's pretty easy. The main thing you'll want to do is shim the rotors out so that they are in the same position relative to the brake calipers. That'll avoid the need to adjust the brakes between swaps.
Do I need new brake pads with new discs?
While it's possible to replace brake discs without changing the brake pads, it's not recommended.
How to tell if rotors are bad?
Some common symptoms of bad rotors include vibration or pulsation in the steering wheel, high-pitched squealing noise when braking, shaking steering wheel, brake pedal pulsing, vehicle taking a long time to stop, loud bangs while braking, large edges on the outer part of the brake rotor, and scratch marks on the rotor.
Are disc brakes expensive to replace?
Replacing both rear brake discs can cost between £125 to £350 and average around £175. This cost also includes the price of new brake pads as brake pads must also be replaced when a new set of brake discs are installed.
What is the 30/30/30 rule for brakes?
Brake specialists advise initiating new brake pads by using a 30-30-30 method: Perform 30 gradual stops from 30 mph, allowing 30 seconds between each stop for the brakes to cool. This process protects against excessive heat buildup until the resins in the pads have completely cured.
How long do brake discs take to change?
When brake discs are replaced along with the brake pads, it can take about 1-2 hours to do the front end and about the same amount of time to do the replacements for the rear end of the vehicle. You can expect around 3-4 hours total repair time if all brake pads and discs are replaced.
Is it easy to change your own brake discs?
It's generally very easy. You'll probably need Allen wrenches too. Newer cars can have the E brake integrated into the rear calipers. This makes it more difficult to push the pistons in. There are tools you can buy but they aren't necessary if you're handy. Newer cars may also use E-torx bolts.
Is it safe to replace brakes yourself?
Yes, you can replace your brakes yourself without going to a mechanic, but it requires some mechanical knowledge, the right tools, and safety precautions. Here's a general guide to help you through the process:
Is it legal to change your own brakes?
Yes, you can change brake pads yourself. The amount of work required varies depending on the vehicle you own and the type/style of brakes you need. Before you buy that first set of brake pads, you need to make a plan.
