DIY Service

Brake pads have to be changed every so often; however, not everyone likes shelling out their hard earned cash to get the job done. Believe it or not, changing your brake pads is easier than you might think. Following these simple steps, you can save some money next time you have to change your brakes.

According to Edmunds, the tools you’ll need are the following:

• Jack and jack stands
• Lug wrench
• C-clamp (or a length of wood to retract the piston)
• Wrench
• Turkey baster (to draw out fluid)
• Plastic tie or bungee cord
• New brake pads
• Bake fluid (see owner’s manual for the specific type your vehicle takes)

Now that you have all that you need, you can get started by jacking your car up, engaging the parking brake, and utilizing jack stands. Then, follow these steps:

1. Loosen the lug nuts, remove the wheel.
2. Locate the slider bolts (aka “pins”), and remove the lower bolt.
3. Slide out the old brake pads (removing the retaining clips will be necessary).
4. Install the new retaining clips, and apply graphite-based grease (if supplied).
5. Slide new brake pads in retaining clips.
6. Push the brake piston(s) back with a C-clamp (or a block of wood). Be careful not to damage any rubber seals around the piston.
7. Check the brake fluid in the reservoir under the hood to make sure it doesn’t overflow as you push back the pistons. This is more likely to happen when you do the second, third, and fourth brakes. If it does fill up, use the turkey baster to suction some of it out.
8. After swinging everything in place, the caliper should slide over the pads and back in place. If not, check to see if the piston is catching.
9. Reinstall and tighten the slider bolt, and remount the tire. Screw in the lug nuts.
10. Finally, test drive the vehicle before taking it out on the highway.

Still have questions? Stop by the Riverhead Hyundai service department for more information.