There are usually left-handed and right-handed clips, so change one at a time, making sure they match up exactly as you go. Often, a small packet of graphite-based grease will come with the brake pads. This photo shows that the new brake pad has a riveted-on shim, which is the thin metal plate.

The L pads go on the left side of the calipers (outside pad on the drivers side, inside pad on the passenger side) and the R pads go on the right side (inside of the drivers caliper, outside of the passenger one).

The clips are designed to push the pad away from the rotor. This can keep the brakes cooler, reduce noise and extend the life of the pad. The clips fit between the pads and rotor and push the pads away from the rotor. These clips have more spring, while not preventing the movement of the caliper’s piston.

you don’t bleed brakes when you change the pads. As long as you didn’t open the fluid lines to the caliper or anywhere else, you don’t need to bleed them. I always bleed mine though since it takes literally 10 minutes of additional work. Brake fluid should be bled every 2-3 years.

The wear indicators should be installed on the leading edge for them to work as designed. The brakes will be just fine if you install them on the trailing edge, but the “brake squeal” may not be as pronounced when that set of pads wears out and the indicators make contact with the rotor.

The inner pads’ backing plate has two ears on the top of the pad that match up the the brake caliper pistons. The outer pad has a chamfer are the top. The pads have the same ears that rest in the lands of the caliper bracket. It is possible to install the caliper over the mixed up pads and install the guide pins.

No…they do not have squealers… The rear brake shoes will usually be replaced 3 to 1 (every third time you change the pads, the rear shoes might need to be replaced), of course everyone’s driving habits are different and this is not a true situation for all circumstances…

When it comes to drum brakes, the most common cause of screeching and squealing is worn out shoes. Other causes can be from improper adjustment or contact with the axel backing plate.

When the pads and shoes wear down, it can result in a metallic grinding noise, as the backing plate starts making contact with the rotor or drum. Brake pads also have a metal wear indicator that drags on the rotors when the pads are worn out. This will make a grinding or squealing noise.

Lubricating Drum Brakes This causes the shoes to scrape on the backing plate and thus the squeal. Repairing or preventing this noise involves using either an anti-seize compound that can withstand high temperatures or Moly Paste 60, which is a lube for the back of the pad or shoe as well as for contact points.

Normal New Brake Squeal Likewise, overnight condensation accumulating on the metal rotors can create surface rust that requires a few braking occurences in the morning to wipe away. These parts can make a squeaking noise when covered with surface rust. The noise should subside as you drive.

DRUM BRAKE GREASE LUBRICATION:

1. Be careful not to place any grease on inside of the drum where the brake pads make contact with the drum.
2. Apply grease to the backing plate of the drum brakes.
3. The adjustable star-wheel that separates the shoes should be lubricated.
4. Apply some grease to the ‘separator’.

It is not just embarrassing, it could be dangerous. It could mean your car’s brakes need work and worse, your safety could be at risk. The problem is, even though, your brakes are making some sounds, it may still stop ok. …

When the brake pads deteriorate to the point where the calipers are grinding against the rotor, the calipers can be destroyed right along with the rotor. It’s not worth risking your safety by waiting to replace your brake pads, and you may end up doing more damage and paying more due to your delay.

WD40 should not be put on your brakes since it can reduce friction where it is needed and even break down and damage brake components. While spraying WD40 may temporarily reduce a brake squeal or squeak, it could also cause the brakes not to function correctly when you need them most.

Some people will recommend that when your brakes are squeaking that you could use it to lubricate them and end the annoying sound. This is never a good idea. So again, don’t use WD-40 to stop your brakes from squeaking.

No WD40, no grease of any kind. Brake grease should only be used on the sliding pins of the caliper and the back of the pads. No grease or lubricants on friction surfaces. Ever.

every 2 years