If you’re looking to fix your car’s brake pads and don’t have the money or time to replace them, use a disc brake pad spacer. A disc brake pad spacer is an inexpensive way to get more life out of your brakes by fixing worn or uneven pads.
To install one, remove the old pad and slide the new one on top of it. Next, adjust the spacer until it fits snugly against both the rotor and hubcap (the part that attaches to your wheel).
Finally, reinstall everything using standard hardware—a wrench for adjusting tension, if needed; a screwdriver for attaching screws; and/or wing nuts for tightening/loosening
Contents
How To Use Disc Brake Pad Spacer
If you’re having trouble stopping your car in a hurry, it might be because the disc brake pads are not touching the discs.
To fix this problem, use a Disc Brake Pad Spacer. This small piece of plastic will help space out the brake pads so they can better grip the discs.
Remove the Old Pad and Backing Plate
The first step is to remove the old brake pad and backing plate. To do this, you will need to unscrew the four screws that hold them in place.
Mark Where the New Pad Will Sit on the Rotor
Once the pads and backing plate are removed, it is time to mark where your new pad will go on your rotor. This can be tricky because there may already be some wear on the rotor from previous pads.
However, by taking into account how far back from the caliper (the metal bracket that holds your wheel) each screw was when you replaced them, you can get a rough idea of where to drill holes for installation of your new pad spacer.
Remove The Old Spacer
Now it’s time to take out your old spacer. There are two ways to do this: You can use a wrench or an adjustable spanner depending on what type of bolt head your spacer has (some have hexagonal bolts while others have nuts).
If using a wrench, start by turning one half-turn clockwise then counterclockwise until it comes off easily; if using an adjustable spanner.
Simply squeeze both handles together until it goes tight then turn slightly one way or another until it’s loose enough to remove. Be sure not damage either side of your rotors during removal.
Install The New Spacer in Place of The Old One
With everything ready before you, install your new brake pad spacers in place of their predecessors – making sure they’re seated properly against both sides of the rotor with no gaps between them whatsoever.
Use torque specifications provided with each product as a guide – usually around 8-12Nm should do the trick.
Note: It’s always best practice to replace all 4 spacers at once just in case any one does come loose over time.
Replace the Backing Plate
To install or replace your disc brake pad, you’ll first need to remove the backing plate. This is done by removing four screws and then gently pulling it off the rotor.
Secure With Screws if Necessary
If securing the backing plate with screws is not an option, use a sealant or adhesive to secure it in place. Be sure to check for alignment after installing the new backing plate so that everything works together properly.
When Does Brake Pedal Go to Floor Sometimes?
If you’re having trouble getting your car to stop on a regular basis, it might be time to try using a brake pad spacer.
This small device will help give your brakes more surface area to grip in the event of an accident.
Rear Brakes Are Out of Alignment
If the brake shoes on your car are out of alignment, this could cause your brakes to work less effectively and sometimes make them go to the floor.
The issue can usually be solved by having the shoes aligned by a mechanic or by adjusting them yourself using a tool like a crescent wrench.
It depends on how firmly you press down on the pedal and how worn out your brakes are. If either one of these factors is true, then it’s likely that your brake pedal will go to the floor more often than not.
When brake pads wear out, they can become misaligned which will affect how much force they generate when applied to the disc brakes in your car.
This problem can happen over time if you don’t have your brakes properly adjusted or if there’s something wrong with their alignment.
Fix Your Own Breaks by Adjusting Them
If you’re determined enough and know what you’re doing, you can adjust your own breaks by taking apart and reassembling them yourself – just be sure that all bolts are tightened correctly and that everything is level before putting it back together again.
After measuring, simply slide one or more spacers onto each assembly until they contact both rotor/hub surfaces evenly (you may also use a keyhole saw if necessary).
FAQs
When Do You Use a Disk Brake Spacer?
Disk brake spacers are used when the brake pads are too close to the rotors.
What Is a Disc Brake Pad Spacer For?
A disc brake pad spacer is used to increase the surface area of the brake pads to prevent them from overheating.
How Do You Use Brake Pad Spreaders?
Brake pad spreaders are used for spreading out brake pads to make them fit on the rotor.
Do I Need to Open the Bleeder Valve to Compress Piston?
The Bleeder Valve is a part of the engine that allows air to enter and escape the cylinder. It is important to keep it open when you are compressing the piston.
Should You Bleed Brakes After Changing Pads?
When it comes to changing your brakes, you should always bleed the old ones out before you replace them with new ones.
Will Air in Brake Lines Cause Brakes to Lock Up?
Brake lines air can cause the brakes to lock up. However, it is not a common occurrence.
Can Air in Brake Lines Cause Vibration?
Brake lines can cause vibration in a car if they are not properly installed.
To Recap
A disc brake pad spacer can help you fine-tune the braking performance of your bike. By adjusting the spacers, you can match the thickness of your pads to the rotational speed of your wheel hub.
This will improve stopping power and allow for a more responsive pedal feel while riding your bike.
You’ll need to measure the distance between each rotor and hub on your bike before purchasing a spacer—this information is usually included with brakes purchased new or rebuilt).
Make sure all screws are tightly tightened after installation; over time, vibration can cause loosening of bolts in this area.