7 Easy Tips for Replacing Brake Pads on Your Toyota Yaris
Have you noticed that the brakes in your Toyota Yaris seem to be a bit squeaky lately? Or do you have some other reason for wanting to change them?
Luckily, changing brake pads isn’t that big of a task. Sure, you could take your car in and have someone change the pads for you. But you can also get the job done yourself, as long as you can follow some simple directions.
You’ve never changed brake pads before? No fear! We’re here to help.
Changing brake pads should be a breeze. To make it easier for you, we’ve compiled some tips. Keep reading for seven things to keep in mind when replacing brake pads in your Toyota Yaris.
1. Make Sure Your Car Needs It
It’s important to regularly check your brake pads. You want to make sure you change them when they need it, but you also don’t want to change them too often. Changing your brake pads too often will just waste your time and money.
When you check your brake pads, look for indications that they need to be changed. This includes any squeaking when you use the brakes. Vibrations and grinding are also indications that the pads are worn down.
2. Gather Supplies First
You’ll need a handful of tools to successfully change your vehicle’s brake pads. To save yourself a bunch of back and forth, gather these things first.
First, you’ll need a jack and some jack stands. You’ll also need the appropriate tools, including socket drivers, sockets, and wrenches.
And to keep everything in tip-top shape, you’ll want to have some brake parts cleaner on hand as well.
3. Prep the Car Before You Begin
Before you get to the brake pads, you’ll need to prep your car. Just trying to reach in and change things isn’t going to get you anywhere.
You’ll need to loosen the lug nuts of each tire you’re working on. And you’ll need to engage the emergency brake.
Once these things are done, you can raise the car and get to work.
4. Take Appropriate Safety Measures
When changing the brakes in your car, make sure you take safety precautions. Not thinking ahead and result in injury, or worse, when working with a vehicle.
You’ll be jacking up the car so you can work on it. Jacks aren’t infallible, so don’t trust your body and life to them.
Always use jack stands to keep your vehicle securely in place! Otherwise, you risk it crashing down on top of you.
5. Watch Someone Do It
If you’re a visual learner, or you’re just feeling nervous, watch someone else change the brakes on a Toyota Yaris.
It’s easy to do this. Either find a friend who owns a Yaris, or simply find a video. YouTube is packed with auto videos, so it shouldn’t be hard to find what you’re looking for.
Watch the video, or your friend, multiple times if need be. Eventually, you’ll get the hang of it and you’ll be able to do it yourself.
6. Give Yourself Plenty of Time
Changing the brakes on your Toyota Yaris shouldn’t be a big ordeal. Really, it should be a simple task that doesn’t take you very long. But, that doesn’t mean your first time has to be fast.
If you’re frustrated by how long it’s taking you the first time, don’t be! Don’t forget that you’re learning a new skill. New skills take time to learn, so give yourself the time to do it.
Make sure you aren’t rushed when you begin working. Rushing could lead to forgetting something important, like installing jack stands or tightening bolts when you’re done.
Allow yourself to take the time you need. Make sure you understand each step and why it needs to be done. Carefully perform each task, then wrap up.
The more you change your own brake pads, the quicker you’ll get. If you want to, you can always take them right back off to give yourself some more practice.
7. Tighten All Bolts
Doing the job properly is one thing, but finishing up the right way is important too. You want to make sure everything makes it back to its proper place and that nothing is left unfinished.
Once you’re done changing the brake pads, don’t forget to tighten all bolts! You need to make sure each wheel is secure again, so don’t miss this step.
Having good brakes won’t do you much good if you can’t get going in the first place!
You’ll also need to pump the brakes a few time after you’re finished wrapping everything up. This will change your new brake pads from “soft” to “hard.” Make sure you do this before driving to ensure your brakes work properly.
Replacing Brake Pads: Get Started Today
Once you’ve started replacing brake pads on you’re own, you’ll be glad you did. You’ll no longer have to visit an auto shop to get them done. And you’ll probably save yourself a few bucks in the process, too.
Replacing brake pads is simple, but it takes some thinking through. Just make sure you know what you’re doing before you begin, or have a guide on hand.
Remember to take safety into account when you begin, and keep these helpful tips in mind. You’ll be done before you know it!
Are you ready to get started? Consult one of our Toyota Yaris repair manuals to make sure you don’t miss anything important.