Car Fix DIY Videos

http://clublexus.com/how-tos is the leading Lexus IS, RX, ES, and GS resource for technical DIY guides. Replacing the disc brake pads is an important maintenance item that can be done in your own driveway or garage. For the complete step-by-step article on how to replace your disc brake pads, please visit http://www.clublexus.com/how-tos/a/lexus-is-how-to-change-disc-brake-pads-362564

While squealing brakes on your Lexus IS 250 can be annoying, the sound actually serves as a warning sign that it’s time to replace the pads. If they aren’t replaced in a timely manner, the rotors, which are more expensive to replace, can end up damaged. Changing the pads is straightforward and anyone with some mechanical skill and strength could easily perform this task in their driveway. Even if one side of the car doesn’t need pads, it’s always best to replace them in pairs.

This easy job takes one to two hours and costs $40 to $70 dollars, compared to paying anywhere from $75 to $150 dollars to take it to a repair shop.

For this job, you’ll need new brake pads, brake cleaner, WD-40, brake lube, a C-clamp, a hammer, a 13mm socket, a cheater bar, towels, a tire iron, a floor jack and jack stands.

Step One – Remove the wheel

Set the parking brake. Using the tire iron, loosen the lug nuts on the wheel but don’t remove them. Using a jack, raise the car high enough so that the wheel is off the ground and so that the vehicle can be supported by a jack stand. Finish removing the lug nuts and remove the wheel. Then, lower the car onto the jack stand.

Step Two – Remove the old brake pads

First, loosen the brake fluid reservoir cap under the hood to make compressing the brake caliper pistons easier.

You’ll need to completely remove the caliper to access the brake pads. Remove the two bolts securing the caliper to the caliper bracket. If you’re having trouble removing the caliper, use a c-clamp to compress the brake piston. When that’s done, pull the caliper out. The brake pads will be sitting on the bracket.

Step Three – Clean and prep pads and hardware

Spray down the brake shims, the pins, anti-rattle clip, and the guide bolt brake with cleaner. Let it soak on there for a while, and wipe off the old grime from it.

Apply a thin layer of brake lube to the side of the shims that will make contact with the brake pads.

Step Four – Install new brake pads

Make sure the pistons are still fully compressed, which will make installing the pads much easier. Slide the new pads with the shims installed into place.

Once the pads are in, be sure to install the lower pin first using your hammer. Next, install the guide bolt using the 13mm socket. Install the anti-rattle clip, and the upper pin using your hammer.

Step Five – Finishing Up

Make sure everything is tight, re-install the wheel, and lower the car onto the ground. Tighten the lug nuts in a crisscross pattern to ensure they’re tightened evenly.

Now it’s time for the test drive, which is crucial for proper pad break-in. Speed up to about forty miles per hour, slow back down to around ten miles per hour, and repeat this process about four to five times.

During this break-in period, it’s very important to never come to a complete stop while braking, as this can mess up the pad seating.