Today I taught myself how to change my front brakes.

[brainshrub]

Had a great time doing it too! :D For less than the cost of a mechanic, I now have the tools & knowledge to do it for next-to-nothing by myself.

For $99 I was able to buy 12 quarts of oil, an oil filter, brake-ads, lube & cleaner for the brake parts and a clamp! (I've been changing my own oil for years.)

Anyone want to go for a spin?

P.S. (Before anyone gets snarky... I tested them extensively all evening. The car is safe.)

Ask me anything.


Edited for spelling.

[olddem43]

1. Now tomorrow, learn to spell "Brakes"

Just kidding.

[brainshrub]

2. Doh!

Thatnks for catching that. :blush:

[shraby]

3. Did you remember to "bleed" them?

[RC]

6. Bleed them?

What kind of leeches do you use? :P

[brainshrub]

7. Ummm... no.

Is that bad? Am I in danger of dieing a horrible screeching death?

[Night Gal]

4. Good for you!

My dad taught me how to do all that stuff when I was a kid.
I used to enjoy getting all greasy and dirty, plus that wonderful feeling of doing something yourself.

Since moving out to CA I haven't done any of that as all of Dad's tools went to my brother.

The only part of that stuff that used to make me queasy was jacking the cars up.

[sam sarrha]

5. don't have to bleed them if you don't open the system, but did you put the

put the anti squeal stuff on them ..?? let me know if they start slapping around when you are just driving around

actually it isn't too hard a job.. but it is good to have a book

and NEVER disassemble both sides.. leave an example of how to do the other one.

and use jack-stands, cheaper than a wooden leg, or a funeral.

[brainshrub]

8. Whew! I didn't bleed them, but you put my mind at ease.

I used a portable hydraulic jack.

In the middle of the change, I referred to the internet for advice. The first point was: "Never use a portable hydraulic lift to do repairs when your doing your breaks."

Gah! I was extra-careful once I read that.

And yes, I used the anti-squeel stuff.