gypsycookie

Hi everyone!

I'm going to be changing out my brakes and rotors this weekend, so I picked up the parts today. I went to Advance Auto Parts and picked up Wearever rotors and Wearever Platinum Ceramic Brake Pads.

I'm confused about the little metal clips that come inside the box with the pads. Can anyone shine some light on what those are and where they are installed? Do I clip them on the pads before popping them into the caliper?

Thank you all for reading.

redridehhr

Are the clips about 1" long or are they a stamped piece of SS. 1" long are wear indicators,look at old pads to install correctly. The stamped SS are shims to hold pads in place with a little tension. You may not see old ones as they get corroded and look just like part of the caliper brackets

mrarff

Have you ever replaced any pads/rotors on any type of car before now? If not, I would strongly urge you to take it to a mechanic. It is not really that difficult a job, but from your question I'm guessing that this might be your first try at brakes. You are betting your life that you can "get it right". The stakes are way too high man...

gypsycookie

The metal clips are called wear sensors. It's a good idea to see how they were installed last time. The last pads on there were the gold ceramic and I can't remember if they came in the box or not. These pads last a really long time if you don't drive too much.

gypsycookie

What I really need is someone to show me what to do. If I take it to a mechanic, it costs nearly $500 for the front, I get organic pads, and I still don't get the knowledge I need. In case you haven't guessed, I'm a woman.

Before you panic, I'll tell you this...my first car was a Ford Escort. I did work on that car. I did work on this car and it's really not that hard of a job.

The steps:
1. Jack up the car and remove the tire. Make sure the parking brake is on and the rear wheel is blocked before doing this.
2. Remove the caliper and push back the piston with a c clamp. Hang it from the spring with a bungee cord or modified coat hanger. You don't want to drop that because you'll damage the hose.
3. Remove the bracket and put to the side.
4. Remove the old rotors and clean any rust from the spindle. Any little chunk of rust may cause problems.
5. Put the shiny new rotors on.
6. Take the pads out of the bracket and replace them with the new pads. Apply a little lube to the parts where metal makes contact or else you'll get squeaking.
7. MAKE SURE YOUR GREASY FINGERS DON'T TOUCH THE PADS OR ROTORS!
8. Put the bracket back on.
9. Put the caliper back on.
10. Make sure you tighten the bolts real good.
11. Put the tire back on.
12. Put the car down.
13. Drive very slowly at first to ensure you did the job correctly.
14. Burnish the brakes by using the rules on the package. They recommend 20-30-30. 20 reps of going to 30 mph, then braking slowly.

gypsycookie

I also forgot to add that if I wanted ceramic pads, the cost goes to $650. These pads cost $50-ish at AAP, so why does it cost $150 at the shop?

I plan on having this car a very long time. If I'm going to have it for a long time, I might as well learn how to fix it so I don't have to depend on a shop. It's really different when you're a woman walking in to a shop. For example, I needed a new reservoir bottle for the coolant. When I poured it in, it came right out of the bottom. I got quotes from $300 to $2500 to fix it. Once...someone tried to sell me muffler bearings.

I really do love this car. My Dad got me this car and drove it from Cleveland to Florida all by himself. He loved it so much, he bought the exact same one for himself when he got back to Cleveland.

Snoopy

Gypsy......

I'm going to assume that you are not married (I apologize if this is not the case). I commend you for your interest in your vehicle and the necessary repairs.

Do you have a male friend that has some knowledge of vehicles? I'm suggesting you do the actual labor (as a learning experience) under the watchful and careful guidance of the friend.....maybe even a neighbor (a skillfully prepared meal may be necessary). I think I understand where mrarff is "coming from", and agree to a certain point. You cannot make any mistakes on this particular repair.

gypsycookie

You're not wrong...I'm not married, and I appreciate your respectfulness.

There's a lady I work with whose husband is a car guy. He's some kind of parts dealer too, I think. If there's one thing my Dad and brother taught me, it's that a six pack and some food will go a long way. I'll just tell her I need him to sit there and tell me if I'm doing it right. He doesn't even have to get greasy.

If all else fails, maybe I can ask my landlord. He knows enough about cars.

gypsycookie

I just want to point out that I just really need someone to explain these wear sensors to me, and the very helpful responses were "go to a mechanic" or "get a man".

This forum is so awesome.

jczboy

Hey girl. No worries. Look at the edges of the back side of the pads. You will see a slight indentation the width of the clips. They slide on with the scraping edge towards the rotor.
I hope you you don't get discouraged by comments made. I believe everyone should know about their car. I showed my daughter how to do her first brake job. She just showed her husband how to do them as I overshadowed the work. She was great.
Blessings