Hello,

It would be nice to go through one week without having any car issues, but maybe someone upstairs is trying to make me learn more about my car.

I am a newbie on brakes, so please bear with me.

My front brakes are squeaking at low speeds, well at least the drivers side front. My brakes and rotors are about 1.5 years old, so maybe I do not need new brakes, but some minor adjustment.

I saw the one thread to the step by step on the rear brake, which I am assuming is similar to the front brake?? I want to learn how to check my brakes to see if they are worn and how to take the pads off to lube the back of them.

So how does one measure the brake pad and what is the threshold of good vs bad? and what do I need to do to fix the squeak?

Thanks.

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2009 G8 GT -Sport and Premium Pkgs, Roto-Fab CAI, Cortex 93 Octane Tune, Billet Prototype Catch Can, BMR Front and Rear Sways, BMR RTAs, BMR Rear Cradle Bushings, BMR Steering Rack Bushing, GXP SW......and much more to come.

If I had a jack that could lift my car enough to take off the wheels (my floor jack is a POS) I would be glad to help pictorially.

OK, once your wheel is off, there are two bolts on the back of the caliper that hold it to the bracket, one per side. Loosen one and take the other out. You should now be able to swing the caliper out of the way. The pads will either come with the caliper or stay in the bracket. Remove them and grab a C-Clamp. You should see the piston in the caliper. This piston doesn't need to be twisted into place. Put the screw part of the C-clamp in the piston and press it back in, but BE CAREFUL not to bust any seals around the piston. Now that you have the pads off and the caliper ready to go, grease up the backs of the pads (new or old, doesn't matter as long as there is friction material), then set them in the bracket. They should only fit in one way. Make sure if you're re-using pads to label in vs out. Once those are in, swing the caliper back over the pads. Tighten the loosened bolt and reinstall the one you took out. Put the wheel back on, pump the gas pedal 5-6 times (you'll know when it's good to go), and there you have it.

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2012 Ford Focus SE Sport
2012 MINI Cooper Clubman

I have ADHD and drive a Focus. Ironically.
Although gold dust is precious, when it gets in your eyes, it obstructs your vision.

Hey there,

Thanks!

What are the best front brake pads for a guy who tends to brake hard I have the typical stores...Autozone, Advanced...etc?

Thanks.

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2009 G8 GT -Sport and Premium Pkgs, Roto-Fab CAI, Cortex 93 Octane Tune, Billet Prototype Catch Can, BMR Front and Rear Sways, BMR RTAs, BMR Rear Cradle Bushings, BMR Steering Rack Bushing, GXP SW......and much more to come.

Rock Auto is your best friend.

I typically use ceramic pads but it depends on the brand and grade, etc etc etc.

But if you can wait for the parts I would order them off Rock Auto. You'll save a shit ton.

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If you have an O'Reilly, they carry EBC brakes. That means you can get Green Stuff pads...they rock.

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One Big Ass Mistake America

Seriously? I didn't know that.

Of course the nearest O'Reillys to us is like half hour away =/

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You can always order online. I used Satisfied GS5 pads on my Cutlass, and they were impressive as well. I got them from Tire Rack.

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One Big Ass Mistake America

I used Raybestos Pro-Grade ceramics in my backs (because that's what I could find and afford) and I'm satisfied with those. The fronts...not so much, whatever they are (on the car when I bought it, some sorta semi-metallics.)

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Cool! Thanks!

I have an O'Reillys nearby and will call to see if they have the EBC Green Stuff pads. Although, doesn't that leave a bunch of green brake dust?? Not sure I want that.

I know I need to use anti-seize lube on all bolts, but what about the Bolts that attach the Bracket? I thought that required something different?

Also, what type of grease do I use on the backs of the pads?

Oh yes....how does one know if the rotors need to be turned or replaced beyond the obvious big time scoring?

This sounds like a simple job.....hope it stays simple.

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2009 G8 GT -Sport and Premium Pkgs, Roto-Fab CAI, Cortex 93 Octane Tune, Billet Prototype Catch Can, BMR Front and Rear Sways, BMR RTAs, BMR Rear Cradle Bushings, BMR Steering Rack Bushing, GXP SW......and much more to come.

No, they won't leave green dust. I've never used anti-seize...never had a problem. Replace the rotors if you do anything with them

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One Big Ass Mistake America

Hawk HPS here. Love them.

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2012 Ford Focus SE Sport
2012 MINI Cooper Clubman

I have ADHD and drive a Focus. Ironically.
Although gold dust is precious, when it gets in your eyes, it obstructs your vision.

Well, I examined the left front pads and they had tons of material left, so I am good there! However, I could not remove the frickin caliper! I got it off to a certain point and then if felt that it was binding on something. I think the piston was catching the little rivots that hold the pad onto the shim or whatever that is. Very frustrating!

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2009 G8 GT -Sport and Premium Pkgs, Roto-Fab CAI, Cortex 93 Octane Tune, Billet Prototype Catch Can, BMR Front and Rear Sways, BMR RTAs, BMR Rear Cradle Bushings, BMR Steering Rack Bushing, GXP SW......and much more to come.

Most likely, the pads were catching the lip on the rotor.

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One Big Ass Mistake America

Hey there!

So how does one overcome this issue? Something simple I imagine?

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2009 G8 GT -Sport and Premium Pkgs, Roto-Fab CAI, Cortex 93 Octane Tune, Billet Prototype Catch Can, BMR Front and Rear Sways, BMR RTAs, BMR Rear Cradle Bushings, BMR Steering Rack Bushing, GXP SW......and much more to come.

Either...pull harder, or you can pry the caliper off. If you're replacing the pads anyways, it won't matter if you damage the old ones. You can probably wedge a screwdriver between the pad and the rotor through the opening in the caliper, and wiggle it until it comes free.

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One Big Ass Mistake America