Brake Pad Replacement

SKU 6df53cef6663

Categories:Brakes, Popular Repairs & Maintenance

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Rear Brake Pads

Replace worn rear brake pads.

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Front Brake Pads

Variation of Brake Pad Replacement

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What are brake pads and how do they work?

Brake pads consist of friction material that is bonded to a sturdy steel backing plate. When you push on the brake pedal, the friction material on the brake pads is forced against the inner and outer surfaces of the steel brake rotor under tremendous pressure. The resulting friction causes the wheels on your car to slow rapidly allowing for a quick, safe and controlled stop.

Warning signs you need this service

High pitched squealing: A tiny metal sensor is designed to scrape against the disc when the pad gets thin, creating a noise to warn you before damage occurs.
Grinding or metal-on-metal sounds: This is a serious sign that the friction material is completely gone and the metal backing plate is digging into your rotors.
Vibration in the brake pedal: If you feel a shuddering through your foot when slowing down, your pads might be wearing unevenly or the heat has affected the brake discs.
Deep grooves in the rotor: You can often see or feel circular scoring on the metal disc through the gaps in your wheel spokes.

Common causes

Normal wear and tear: Every single time you use your brakes, a microscopic layer of the pad is sacrificed to slow the car down.
Stop-start traffic: Commuting through heavy traffic on the N1 or around Sandton means you are on and off the brakes constantly, which eats through pads much faster than highway cruising.
Environmental grit: Dust and small stones from our roads can get trapped between the pad and the rotor, acting like sandpaper and accelerating wear.
Aggressive braking: High speed stops generate intense heat that can harden the friction material, making it less effective and more prone to cracking.

How it's done

Once the car is safely jacked up, the wheels are removed to give clear access to the brake assembly.
The mechanic unbolts the caliper, which is the hydraulic clamp that holds the pads in place.
After sliding out the old, worn pads, the mechanic carefully inspects the brake rotor for any signs of thinning or heat damage.
the new pads are slotted into place and the caliper is reattached.
the wheels are put back on, and the mechanic pumps the brake pedal several times to set the correct pressure before taking the car for a short test drive to ensure everything is biting perfectly.

How important is this service?

Ignoring your rear brakes is a gamble that eventually leads to a much higher repair bill. If you let the pads wear down to the metal, they will quickly destroy your brake rotors, which are far more expensive to replace than the pads themselves. Beyond the cost, worn pads significantly increase your stopping distance. In an emergency situation on a rain-slicked road, that extra meter of sliding could be the difference between a close call and an expensive accident.

Is it safe to drive with a brake pad problem?

Driving a vehicle with a known deficiency in the braking system is unsafe. Worn out brake pads can increase stopping distances.

Keep in mind

Fixxr mechanics come to you: Fixxr mechanics come directly to your home or office, meaning you don't have to sit in a workshop waiting room all morning.
Always ask your mechanic: Always ask your mechanic to check the condition of your front pads while they are there, as front brakes usually wear out twice as fast as rears.
electronic handbrake: If your car has an electronic handbrake, let the mechanic know beforehand so they can bring the necessary diagnostic tool to retract the system safely.

Pricing

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Service Info

Typical Duration: 1.5 hours
Diagnostic Required: No

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