How To Change Rear Brake Pads On 2011 Chevy Malibu

Oil changes, tire rotations and brake pad replacements are all of import pieces of vehicle maintenance. Most manufacturers recommend changing the oil and rotating the tires every 3,000 to 5,000 miles, merely what about the restriction pads? Information technology turns out that the answer to the question "when should I supplant my brake pads" is non equally simple.

How Long Practice Brake Pads Concluding?

Information technology's hard to predict exactly how long brake pads last. Their life expectancy depends on several factors, including the blazon of brake pads you lot install, road conditions and driving habits. Some people need to supercede their brake pads after 25,000 miles, only others wait equally long every bit 75,000 miles.

Brake pads work by applying friction to the brake rotor. As yous press the brake pedal, y'all button the pads downwards on the spinning rotor. This slows the spinning movement until it stops completely. If you press the brake frequently or like to wait until the last minute before using the brakes, yous habiliment away the pads quicker than someone who brakes gradually.

Driving in the metropolis wears away brake pads faster than driving on the highway. Each time you lot stop at a stop sign or traffic calorie-free, you lose a chip of the restriction pad. You're also more likely to restriction abruptly in the city, especially if someone in front of you suddenly changes lanes. If you bulldoze in the mountains or pull a trailer, you lot also need to supplant your brake pads more than often. The actress force per unit area on the vehicle makes your brakes work harder.

Brake Pad Materials

The type of brake pad you choose affects how often you have to replace them. Organic brake pads tend to wear abroad the quickest, especially if you bulldoze at high speeds or similar to "ride the brake." However, they remain a pop choice considering they're more affordable and less noisy than metal brakes. Ceramic or metal brake pads tend to last longer than organic restriction pads, but they cost more money.

Signs of Worn Restriction Pads

One of the most commons signs of worn brake pads is a squealing or scraping noise when y'all press the brake pedal. This happens because of an indicator built into the brake pad that makes noise when the pad wears away. If this progresses to a grinding sound, the pads may accept worn abroad so much that the discs and calipers rub together.

You may notice other signs as you lot drive. If the steering bike vibrates when you printing the restriction pedal, there may exist a problem with the brake pads. This likewise happens when the rotors are warped, so it's a expert thought to have this checked equally shortly equally possible. Similarly, if the brake pedal goes all the mode to the floor when you lot press it, it's time to inspect the brakes.

How to Inspect Your Brakes

If you suspect your brake pads are wearing sparse, you can visually audit them. Look through the spokes of the wheel and locate the restriction pads sitting on top of the rotor, or brake disk. Minimum thickness of the pads should be at least ane-quarter inch. If information technology looks similar less fabric is left, it'southward time to get them inspected.

Y'all tin also ask your mechanic to bank check the brakes each fourth dimension you accept the vehicle in for an oil change. Having a professional inspect the brakes every few months makes it possible to take hold of potential problems. This besides saves you time since you can get the oil change and brake pad replacement done at the same time.

Brake Pad Replacement: DIY or Mechanic

If yous don't take the time or desire to relieve some coin, you can replace your brakes on your ain fifty-fifty if your vehicle has an ABS brake organisation. Make sure you accept the tools you need to remove the caliper and caliper bracket to access the brake pads. Subsequently taking out the old brake pad, supersede the retaining clips and insert the new pads. Then, reassemble the brakes.