Do I have to change the discs too when changing the pads?

Not necessarily. If the discs are above minimum thickness, flat and without deep grooves, they can stay. Heavily worn or grooved discs belong renewed together with the pads. The minimum thickness is stamped on the side of the disc.

How safe is it to change brake pads yourself?

With clean work, the right tools and correct torques it's quite doable. But the brake forgives no carelessness: forgotten torques, a sticking caliper or missing bedding-in are real risks. Anyone who is unsure or has no torque tool should leave the change to the workshop.

Changing brake pads yourself: tips, tools & safety

Changing brake pads yourself: what you need to know

Changing brake pads yourself is doable for the handy - but the brake is a safety-relevant component that forgives no mistakes. Anyone who works cleanly, uses the right tools and takes the follow-up work seriously saves money; anyone who is unsure better has it done at the workshop. This overview shows what really matters during a pad change.

What you need and what matters

Before you start, the right tools belong ready - and the car safely supported:

A safe jack and axle stands - never under a car that is only jacked up.
A torque wrench for wheel and caliper, brake cleaner and pad paste.
A piston rewind tool (with an electric parking brake at the rear often with a turn function or via a diagnostic device).
New pads in the matching compound - axle by axle as a set.

The critical points during installation

Clean the caliper and guides and check whether the guide pins move freely - a sticking caliper quickly ruins new pads again. Push the piston back cleanly and keep an eye on the reservoir so it doesn't overflow. Apply pad paste only to the backs and contact points, never to the friction surface.

Tighten caliper and wheel bolts to the specified torque and, before the first drive, press the brake pedal several times until the pressure point is back.

After the change: don't forget the bedding-in

New pads want to be bedded in so an even transfer layer forms - otherwise pulsation and noise threaten. Schedule a clean bedding-in protocol right after the change and avoid full-stop braking from high speed in the first few kilometers.

Frequently asked questions

Do I have to change the discs too when changing the pads?: Not necessarily. If the discs are above minimum thickness, flat and without deep grooves, they can stay. Heavily worn or grooved discs belong renewed together with the pads. The minimum thickness is stamped on the side of the disc.
How safe is it to change brake pads yourself?: With clean work, the right tools and correct torques it's quite doable. But the brake forgives no carelessness: forgotten torques, a sticking caliper or missing bedding-in are real risks. Anyone who is unsure or has no torque tool should leave the change to the workshop.

Next step

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