Rear brake pad replacement
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Rear brake pad replacement
How much does a rear brake pad replacement cost?
On older style and smaller vehicles, drum brakes used to be all the norm, but as technology has advanced many manufacturers are fitting disc brakes to the rear of their vehicles.
This system is the same as what’s on the front of all modern-day vehicles, and provides better stopping performance and increased safety to the driver and other motorists.
The down side to this system is that the brake pads tend to wear out quicker than the older style brake shoes.
The rear brakes only do about 30% of the braking work, and do not wear as fast as the front brake pads.
Rear brake pads tend to last between 60,000 – 75,000km, but this may be less or more depending on your driving style.
The average cost of having your rear brake pads replaced starts at around $150 all the way up to $400+, depending on the vehicle and type of brake pads used.
What is a brake pad?
A brake pad is the most common form of braking hardware on a motor vehicle.
Usually located inside the brake calliper, they are forced against the disc rotor (the shiny silver disc located behind your wheels) when the driver pushes down on the brake pedal to bring the vehicle to a stop.
Brake pads are usually made of a metallic composition bonded to a metal backing plate, and need to be replaced once the friction material has worn down passed a serviceable level. This is usually around the 2-millimetre mark.
Symptoms your rear brake pads require replacing
- Braking performance has diminished
- Grinding or squealing noise when applying brakes
- Longer stopping distances or increased pedal travel to bring the vehicle to a stop
- Brake warning light on dash
- The Parking Brake does not hold effectively
How are rear brake pads replaced?
- The vehicle will be raised up and the rear wheels removed
- The brake pads will be inspected for wear, as well as the disc rotors and other brake components
- If the brake pads are worn, they will be removed from the vehicle
- The calipers will be inspected and the handbrake adjusted (if part of the caliper)
- The new brake pads will be fitted and the wheels reinstalled
- The brake pads will be ‘bedded in’ and the vehicle road tested for correct operation
Tips to remember
- It is important to check the disc rotors for wear and the condition of the brake fluid when replacing the brake pads, as they may also need to be changed.
- The handbrake on many vehicles utilises the rear brake pads to hold the vehicle when applied, so if your handbrake is not holding correctly, you may have an issue with your brake pads
How Important is replacing your rear brake pads?
Having your brake pads replaced when they are worn down to minimum thickness will ensure that your braking system will work as effectively as the day your vehicle rolled out of the factory.
Driving a vehicle with brakes that are worn out or not operating correctly not only puts other vehicle components under undue stress, but puts you and other motorists in danger in the event of an emergency.
If you've read this far, you obviously care about your car. A lot. So next time you need a service, repair or inspection, visit AutoGuru. We let you search and book from over 1,600 qualified mechanics, who eat car troubles for breakfast.
