Brake Pads

You need to jack up the car and remove the wheel, make sure you use good jack stands to support the weight of the van. Next use a c-clamp from the outside pad to the back of the caliper and compress the caliper.Then remove the lower caliper bolt and swing the caliper upwards away from the rotor. replace the pads and reinsert the caliper and bolt. Make sure before moving the car you pump the brake pedal until firm. Then you need to Burnish the new braking surface after the Brake Pads have been replaced.
Burnish the new braking surface by making 20 stops from 30 mph. Use medium to firm pressure on the brake pedal. Do not overheat the brakes.

Now that you’ve known the other car care basics, perhaps it’s time we take a look at the fluid essentials that are literally the life giving blood of your car.

1. Brake Fluid- Is a type of hydraulic fluid that is used in hydraulic brake applications of your car, motorcycles and trucks. This type of fluid is used to transfer force under pressure from its point of origin among hydraulic lines to the braking mechanism close to the wheels.

Most brake fluids today are composed of glycol-ether but several types with mineral oil and silicone composites are also out in the market. This type of fluid should meet stringent requirements set by organizations such as SAE and the US Department of Transportation (DOT) - hence you get ratings on labels such as SAE or DOT 3 and 4 compliance.

As a rule of thumb, brake fluid should always be replenished if the levels in its container decrease with every drive. Fluid level in the master cyclinder will drop as the linings, Brake Pads and shoes wear and the calipers extend further to compensate. Brake fluid level may also be low because of leaking, which can lead to loss of hydraulic pressure and the most dangerous- brake loss.

It is very important to constantly monitor your brake fluid levels to ensure safe driving and fill according to the set level. Flush and change your brake fluid every 1-2 years to further ensure reliability and take note to never mix brake fluids with different DOT ratings as this can result to poor fluid performance.

2. Power Steering – Is another type of hydraulic fluid that transmits the power steering system of cars, trucks and other modes of transportation.
This is the fluid that guards your power-steering pump and rack from wear and tear. It requires constant monitoring and refilling from time to time according to the required level in its cylinder.

A way to notice that your steering system is about to have a problem or that your power steering fluid is running low is when you turn the steering wheel and you hear whining noises. Have your car checked when this occurs to prevent serious damages to your power- steering system.

Note: There are products out in the market today that contain the combined properties of Power Steering and Automatic Transmission Fluids (ATF). Use any of these products to save and be protected more.

3. Battery Fluid- Is the electrolyte fluid found inside the cells of your battery. If you are using the regular type of battery and not the maintenance free one, then you are required to refill your battery cells from time to time with electrolyte fluid.

Standard battery for cars is 12V and usually has 6 individual cells inside it. To refill, simply remove the vent caps that can either be found on top or on the sides of the battery. Check and fill the electrolyte fluid inside.

Note: There are some brands of maintenance free batteries out in the market today that can run on dual power- meaning they also have vent caps for electrolyte fluids in case their power supply run out. Although this type of battery may not come cheap, it would be best for you to use it.

4. Radiator Coolant- Is a mixture of anti-freeze fluid and water designed to protect the radiator and cooling system all year round. Using one will protect your engine from overheating. Most coolant products out in the market today come with various additives that can further help you against rust and other forms of corrosion, lubricate or increase the cooling efficiency of your cooling system.

Simply pour out the contents of your coolant to the radiator reservoir. Add water to the set level and you’re done.

For maintenance, it is very important for you to drain and flush your coolant once a year (or depending on the product recommendations) and replace it with a new one.

Note: Never mix different types of coolant together as this can lead to damage or a reduction of your car’s cooling system. Before changing to another brand, be sure to drain and flush your cooling system of the old one.
See to it that the reservoirs of these fluids are in constant levels and refill when they’re not enough. Properly maintaining them will help ensure your safety and prolong the life of your car.

Buckle up and drive safely.

Jovir Amatong
<a href=”http://www.autoterminal.com”>jamatong@autoterminal.com</a>

Jovir
http://www.articlesbase.com/automotive-articles/knowing-the-blood-and-lifeline-of-your-cars-system-brake-power-steering-battery-and-radiator-coolant-fluids-679459.html

There is more involved than just replacing the Brake Pads. You will need to turn/replace the rotors and make sure everything is in good shape. If you need to ask how to do this job, then for your safety have the job done by a shop so it is done right. At least get someone who knows how to do the job right help you for the first time.

Lossen lug nuts.
Jack up front and place on stand.
Remove tires
Remove Caliper
remove Pads
Remove rotor
Have rotors turned
Install rotors
Use a large pair of channel locks or caliper spreader and spread caliper
install pads in caliper (I would use some anti squeal sauce)
Lube caliper bolts with silicon grease
Install caliper
install wheel
tighten lugs
Do the other side
Jack up vehicle
remove stands
Set on ground
torque lugs to 85LBS

I have a 1995 Cadillac Seville STS and need to change the Brake Pads. Does anyone know the steps to take or is there a walkthrough video you know of?

here ya go http://www.cartuningcentral.com/how-to-change-brake-pads-diy

but if you never did stuff like that before i recommend that you goto a few local shops and see if there rates are ok with ya.

I have a 2007 ion and they are saying $199. I feel like that is a little pricey?
I have had people tell me that it shouldn’t cost me that much. If you look other places on line it says that it should cost that much for all 4

Sounds about right. Just the parts are half of that.

would like to learn how to change Brake Pads on my
2000 mercedes ml430
any help out there?

a Haynes manual (available at most autos parts stores) can give you a very good, step by step, instruction.

remove tire
Remove bolts holding the caliper in place
remove caliper (make sure not to let it dangle from the brake line, do not disconnect brake line)
compress caliper (may take simple pressure or screwing motion)
place new pads in caliper
reassemble.

Do NOT follow these instructions without supervision of someone whoe knows what they are doing. I will not be held responsible if you botch the job. These instructions are over simplified.

The brakes in your car have got to be the component that you rely on the most. Though you may not consciously think about it, you sure would if they suddenly didn’t work. Don’t forget about your brakes. They need maintenance as much as any other part of the vehicle does. Checking the brakes as well as the brake fluid is something that you should have written on your calendar along with things like oil change and transmission flush.

Start by checking to see if your brake fluid is topped up enough. Identify where the brake fluid reservoir is. It should be clearly labelled like everything else on your car. If you aren’t sure you better check with your manual to confirm where the brake fluid can be found so you do not make a mistake and confuse it with something else.

The brake fluid reservoir should be clearly marked with minimum and maximum to indicate the proper levels. Some of these reservoirs are see through so you don’t need to look inside. However, if not you will have to remove the cap to look in and see how high the fluid is. If the fluid is low then simply add more brake fluid until you reach the full line. But make sure it is brake fluid designed for your make and model of vehicle. If you really are not comfortable with doing this you can always have a professional do it. Some may even show you how.

You should take a good look at all of the components that make up your brake system. Look for any signs of obvious wear or damage. If there is anything you’re not sure about, take a photo or make notes so you can look it up or ask a mechanic if it’s normal. Brake Pads also need to be checked and replaced every so often. Check for signs of wear and have them serviced if you see any.

Pay attention to your brakes when you drive the car. Make note of any squeals you hear or anything abnormal you feel, like sticking. Don’t put stuff like that off hoping it will get better. Some vehicles experience squealing brakes when they are cold or wet. However, if your brakes always make noise then it is time to see your dealer or mechanic.

If you do not know how often your brakes should be professionally serviced, check your user manual that came with the vehicle. Someone that is certified can change brake pads, fluid and anything else that you may not be able to do yourself. Your brakes are easily the hardest working part of your car and in some cases like bad weather, they work even harder. Though you can check brake fluid yourself, a professional should check the rest of the braking system at least once a year.

Checking the brakes over as well as the brake fluid is part of increasing the lifespan of your vehicle. Safety should always be your first concern when it comes to driving and car care.

Levi Quinn
http://www.articlesbase.com/automotive-articles/checking-brakes-and-brake-fluid-706229.html

please specify

I would go to www.international-auto.com They are a Fiat and Alfa Romeo parts catalog house. Get their phone number and call I am sure that they will tell you hoping that you buy your parts from them.

www.international-auto. com

I’m going to attempt to change the Brake Pads on my 2004 Sport Trac. I have completed two brake jobs in the past, but had a friend with me who used to be a mechanic. Can anyone give me any pointers or assistance with how to go about changing the pads?? I’m also planning on changing pads on a 2003 Ford Taurus…is it the same way to change both? I know both have front disc brakes…please help.

Both vehicles are fairly straight forward. I would buy a Haynes type manual or go to the Ford dealer and see if they will photocopy the shop manuals. Be careful with the Sprt Trac beacuse if you turn the steering without the engine running(as we do with most front brake jobs) it will get an air pocket in the steering system that will have to be bled out or driven until it bleeds itself. If you drive the sport trac with the air pocket in the steering system it will appear fine until you get to the highway and go around a bend at which time it will shake so violently you will think a wheel has fallen off. Trust me it is not fun. I suggest going to a shop that has free brake inspection re check your work and I suggest to buy a good torque wrench and tighten the wheels to spec. Good luck.