Are your brakes squeaking again? Not working as well as you think they should? Worried about overpaying for a repair?
You don’t need to worry, we’ve got you covered!
Before you panic and empty your wallet for a mechanic, check out these great tips for DIY brake repair.
Listen to Your Brakes
The first thing you need to do before attempting any repairs is listen to your brakes. If you are hearing any high-pitched squealing or squeaking, then it is probably time to replace your brake pads, but it could be a number of other issues as well.
Replace the Brake Pads
If after inspecting your brake pads, you have determined that they need replacing, here’s what you should do:
- Use proper lubrication
- Pay attention to the design of your brake calipers, this will let you know which procedure you need to take
- Consult your vehicle’s repair manual
Be sure to follow the manual’s instructions closely and maybe even watch some DIY videos to help prepare you. Missteps could potentially make the problem worse.
Check the Caliper
Brake issues are not always about the pads, however. There could be something wrong with your brake caliper.
Check to see if your calipers are able to apply and release normally. If not, you could actually be wearing down your brakes quicker than normal.
The best way to take care of this issue is to find some quality caliper lube and apply it. Lubrication is vital for your calipers to function properly and not cause damage to your vehicle’s brakes.
Inspect Brake Fluid
Brake fluid is a crucial part of making your hydraulic brake system run. Whether or not you are experiencing issues with your brakes, you should be checking your brake fluid levels regularly.
If your fluid is continually running low, you may want to ask your mechanic to inspect your vehicle for a brake fluid leak. Doing this will greatly reduce your risk of a total brake system failure.
“Bleed” the Brake Lines
If you don’t have a fluid leak, but do need new brake fluid, you should check to see if your vehicle is due for “bleeding.”
Bleeding is the process of emptying out all of your car’s brake fluid and replacing it with brand new fluid. It’s easy to do and may solve your brake issues quickly!
Inspect Your Brake Rotors
If you are experiencing problems such as pulsating or vibration with your brakes, you should be sure to take a look at your brake rotors.
If you notice common issues such as scoring, discoloration, and other forms of wear and tear in your inspection, it may be time for a replacement.
You can find a number of great brake rotors online, as well as detailed instructions and DIY videos to help you replace the rotors yourself.
Watch Our DIY Brake Repair Videos
We hope that this list of brake repair tips has been helpful to you. Doing repairs yourself can save you a ton of money, so be sure to check out our DIY brake repair videos for more tips!
