Do It Yourself Brake Repair
Brake repair is a common do it yourself project for the car owner, particularly during economic downtimes when money is tight. It goes without saying, however, that it is essential to perform brake repair correctly. Here are some basic instructions for brake repair. They assume a familiarity with basic brake components.
Brakes work by pressing together two pads that rest on either side of a rotating metal disk in your wheel mechanism. Each wheel is equipped with two brake pads that close up when you press on the brake pedal of your car. Naturally, these pads wear down over time. That metal scraping sound that you one day start hearing whenever you press on the brakes is your car telling you that brake repair is needed. Ignoring that sound will not stop the pads from eventually wearing completely away. Only metal is left after the pads are gone, and continued use will ruin the wheel mechanism. Pay me now or pay me later. Performing brake repair now will save money on more expensive repairs down the road.
Brake pads can easily be purchased from any auto parts store, but be sure to give the store the exact make and model of your car as the pads may vary. Back home with your car in the driveway, the next step is to jack it up and remove the wheel. These two tasks, buying the pads and jacking up the car, comprise the majority of your brake repair. If you still are not sure that brake repair is necessary, you can eyeball the pads through the brake housing view port before removing the wheel. If you determine that brake repair really is necessary, then your next step is to remove the wheel and the bolt or bolts holding the brake housing in place and swing the unit out of the way. You are now ready to begin actual brake repair.
You should be able to see the old brake pads clearly once the housing is out of the way. They sit loosely on the side of the disk without restraint and can easily be removed. Simply remove and replace them with the new pads and swing the housing back into place. Next, adjust the caliper to allow for the new pads and slide the piston back into the unit.The prospect of performing your own brake repair may be intimidating at first, but once you get started you will see just how easy the process really is.
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