Should I Replace All 4 Brake Pads At Once?

07 Oct.,2024

 

Should I Replace All 4 Brake Pads At Once?

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What Are Brake Pads and How Do They Work?

Brake pads are designed to create the friction required to slow down or stop your moving vehicle. They work in conjunction with other parts such as brake rotors and calipers, to ensure efficient and safe braking.

Constructed from a combination of metallic, ceramic, or organic materials, brake pads are engineered to withstand high temperatures and pressure during the braking process. They&#;re mounted within the brake caliper, which houses a hydraulic piston that applies force to the brake pads when the driver presses the brake pedal.

As the brake pedal is pressed, hydraulic fluid within the brake lines transmits the force to the brake caliper, causing the piston to push the brake pads against the spinning brake rotor. The resulting friction between the brake pads and the rotor converts kinetic energy into heat, effectively slowing down or stopping the vehicle.

Over time, the friction material on the brake pads gradually wears down, reducing their effectiveness, and they&#;ll need to be changed.

When to Replace Brake Pads

To keep your braking system working effectively, the brake pads need to be inspected regularly and replaced if they aren&#;t in good shape anymore. There isn&#;t a specific interval for replacing them, but it depends mostly on driving habits, the type of vehicle, and the material the brake pads are made of. Factors to consider include:

  • Mileage &#; Typically, brake pads should be replaced every 30,000 to 70,000 miles. However, this range can vary based on the factors previously mentioned.
  • Brake pad thickness &#; A visual inspection of the brake pads can give you insight into their condition. Brake pads should generally have at least 1/4 inch of friction material remaining.
  • Warning indicators &#; Some vehicles come equipped with wear sensors that trigger a dashboard warning light when the brake pads are nearing the end of their lifespan.
  • Squeaking or squealing noises &#; Unusual noises during braking, such as squeaking or squealing, can be an indication that the brake pads are worn and need replacement.
  • Grinding sounds &#; If you hear a grinding sound while braking, it may indicate that the brake pads have completely worn down, and metal is rubbing against metal.
  • Reduced braking performance &#; If you notice longer stopping distances or a less responsive brake pedal, it may be a sign that the brake pads are worn.

Should You Replace All 4 Brake Pads at Once?

Four brake pads come in the package, but do you need to use them all or just change the ones that are worn out? The short answer is that you should replace all the brake pads that come with the kit.

At any particular wheel, the inner and outer brake pads will likely be different thicknesses when you measure them. The inner pad usually looks to be in better shape, but both should be changed at the same time so there&#;s equal pressure applied to the rotor. There&#;s no guarantee that the friction material consistency will be the same as the old pads, and it can cause problems with braking performance if they&#;re not applying the same friction.

And to ensure both wheels on the same axle are applying even pressure, change your car&#;s brakes on each axle, left and right side.

The Process of Replacing Brake Pads

A popular DIY project in the garage is brake pad replacement. Getting it done requires a handful of tools, but you&#;ll have most around a well-equipped garage.

Start by parking on a level surface, then set the parking brake and lift the wheel off the ground where you&#;ll be working. Remove the wheel and set it aside.

Next, remove the brake caliper bracket mounting bolts from the wheel knuckle. On some cars, the caliper itself needs to be removed too. Either way, push the piston back into the caliper so there&#;s room for the new pads to fit.  Secure the caliper out of the way so the caliper&#;s weight isn&#;t borne by the brake hose.

Remove the brake pads from the caliper or bracket, noting how they fit in. If hardware such as clips or lubricant were included in the package, install them first, then put your new brake pads in place.

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Put the caliper back on, torquing it to the spec you&#;ll find in a service manual. Then, put the wheel on and lower your car. Pump the brakes until there&#;s firm pressure in the pedal before starting the engine and carefully taking a test drive.

Cost of Replacing Brake Pads

If you&#;re replacing brake pads yourself, all you need to pay for are the parts. Per-axle, account for $30 to $50 for a set of brake pads, but consider whether the rotors need to be changed too. But if you&#;re taking your car to a mechanic for the brake job, it&#;s likely around $150 to $200 per axle to get it completed. Of course, this varies by vehicle model and the type of friction material you choose.

Maintenance Tips to Extend Brake Pad Life

To maximize brake pad life and ensure optimal braking performance, follow these informative and straightforward tips:

  • Practice smooth driving habits &#; Abrupt stops and aggressive driving can cause excessive wear on your brake pads. Adopt a smoother driving style by anticipating stops, gradually applying the brakes, and maintaining a safe distance from other vehicles.
  • Avoid unnecessary braking &#; To reduce wear on your brake pads, try to avoid braking when it&#;s not required. Instead, release the accelerator pedal and allow your vehicle to decelerate naturally whenever possible.
  • Maintain proper tire inflation &#; Ensuring that your tires are inflated to the recommended pressure levels can help maintain even braking force distribution, reducing stress on your brake pads and promoting longer pad life.
  • Remove excess weight &#; Carrying unnecessary weight in your vehicle can increase the load on your brake pads, leading to faster wear.
  • Regularly inspect and maintain your braking system &#; Periodic inspection of your brake pads, rotors, calipers, and brake fluid can help identify and address any issues before they lead to pad wear or damage.
  • Use high-quality brake pads &#; Investing in high-quality brake pads made from durable materials can contribute to longer pad life and improved braking performance.

When you need to replace your brake pads, an AutoZone near you has what you need in stock. Shop online or in-store, and get the best quality and selection you could imagine.

FAQ/People Also Ask

How often do brake pads need to be replaced?

It depends on a variety of factors like where you drive, how aggressive you are with the brakes, your vehicle&#;s weight and size, and the type of pad material. Generally, they last between 30,000 and 70,000 miles.

How do I know if my brake pads need to be replaced?

Symptoms can include squealing or grinding noises, longer stopping distances, a warning light on, or a measurement of less than 1/4-inch on the friction material for any pad.

Can I replace brake pads myself?

A brake job is common for DIYers. But if you aren&#;t confident in your skills, it may be a good idea to take it to a mechanic instead.

Do I need to replace my rotors when I replace my brake pads?

It depends on the condition. Rotors that are deeply gouged, have corrosion buildup, have hotspots, are below the minimum thickness, or have demonstrated a vibration should be replaced.

What happens if I don&#;t replace my brake pads?

If you don&#;t change worn brake pads, it puts you at risk of a collision since you can&#;t stop as easily. It can also add more expenses since you may need to replace the rotors or calipers at the same time.

Should You Replace Brake Pads & Discs at the Same Time?

Why replace brake pads and brake discs together?

The majority of the hassle with replacing brake pads comes from the effort of taking the wheels off and removing the calliper. This will take time and labour, particularly if it&#;s on an old car.

The effort of this process adds greatly to the cost of the brake pads, which are otherwise an inexpensive part. You can browse Kwik Fit&#;s full range of brake products here.

By replacing the brake pads at the same time as the discs, you can save yourself the future expense of the labour. If, a couple of months down the line, you have to replace your brake pads anyway, not only will you be paying for the parts, but also the added cost of the extensive labour.

Replacing the brake pads at this time will also contribute to the overall safety of the vehicle. Old pads, which are partly worn down, may even cause damage to your brand-new brake discs.

The old pads will have a marked surface caused by the pressure from the old discs. When the new brake discs are fitted, the profile of the old pads can eat away, causing damage and eventually necessitating a total replacement of both components.

With both pads and discs replaced, you can also expect a better performance from your brakes. The new parts will work together for a smooth stop. And because the brakes are in-sync, they&#;re less likely to vibrate when pressure is applied. So, you can brake quietly and efficiently.

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