How to Check Brakes
Updated: Aug. 27, 2019Diagnose brake problems yourself
Procedure for checking brake pads and rotors
Here’s how to check your brakes yourself in two steps. First find a safe area to test your brakes and check for brake pedal pulsation. Brake to a stop from about 30 mph. The pedal should feel smooth with no pulsation at all. Then try braking at highway speeds. If you get pulsation, the rotors are “warped” and must be machined or replaced.
With the engine cold, remove a front wheel. Then use a compass and a tape measure to check the brake pad thickness (Photo 1). A new brake pad thickness is about 1/2 in. thick. Replace the pads when they get down to 1/8 in. Compare the readings top to bottom; they shouldn’t vary by more than 1/16 in. If they do, the caliper isn’t releasing properly and must be serviced. Finally, check the rotor disc for grooves (Photo 2). Next, check out: What are Drum Brakes and How do They Work?
Required Tools for this Project
Have the necessary tools for this DIY project lined up before you start—you’ll save time and frustration.
- Tape measure
