questnyc

Hey I need a little help. I know i need to change my brake pads. i hear a squeak when i slow down at the red light but im not sure if its coming from the front or the back brakes. Can someone please let me know how i can check to see where its coming from. Thanks

Caoboy

iTrader: (2)

Look at the pads.

questnyc

yea i know but do i have to take off the tires too check them out. looking from the outside i still see some left not sure how to determine whether its on its way or not

GSteg

iTrader: (15)

You'll need to take out the Wheel to get a closer look. It's best if you can open up the caliper to check if the metal tabs on the pads are touching the rotors or not. Those tabs are what makes the noise. It's a guide to tell you it's time for new pads.

tommyjaix

just change all 4 brake pads, if you change either the rear or front now, sooner or later ur gonna have to replace the other pair. It's all in one **** anyway and you'll have to bleed the brakes too and the process starts in the rear brake line, so its better if u just change them all out at once

Hectorm

See the illustration.
Not necessary to change all 4 wheel pads. When you really change the rear pads, the fronts has been replaced 2 or 3 times. Is a waste of $$.
You don't have to bleed the brakes either. With a press push the pistons back to flush pads cage.
Another way to check the pads level is to look at the brake fluid reservoir on the master. (in the motor compartment). If fluid is at middle level, pads need to be verify.
hope this help

Hectorm

ahh, I forgot: this view is from outside. You don't have to take the wheel out. Use a flashlight to a better view.

questnyc

Hectorm. ur the man. thanks for the visual. Ill check it out tomorrow morn

Kaluna

You could also slowly press the parking brake while holding the release lever to gently applly just the rear brakes at low speed, preferably on a deserted road. That'll isolate the rear brakes & may be able to tell you where the squeal is coming from.

questnyc

Kaluna I did it. I didnt hear any squeals so it must be the front. I removed the front tires and tried to remove the the 14 bolt but seem to be real hard. any suggestions on what tool i can purchase to remove it? thanks

GSteg

iTrader: (15)

Longer ratchet, or get a hammer and smack the end of the wrench/ratchet.

Kaluna

Try some penetrating oil(WD40, Liquid Wrench, PB Blaster ect) Spray it on the bolt & be careful to not get it on the rotor or pad. Let it sit for about 10 minutes then try. Also try using a cheater bar ie longer handle as been said.. if you dont have a ratchet with a longer handle find a pipe that fits over the ratchet handle and use that for more leverage. She'll break way eventually.

TRD911

Wrong.... We have three set of brakes on our cars. Front Rear and E-brake...

Do not press your E-brake while your going. that will not prove anything.

Your thinking of older style drum brakes or cars that use only the rear disk pads for the E-brake.

BP