Prep checklist
- • flashlight
- • tire iron and jack if wheels are coming off
- • gloves
- • a note or phone to record what you find on each corner
Step-by-step
- 1.Check pad thickness and compare inner and outer pad wear if visible.
- 2.Look for grooves, heavy rust lips, cracking, blue heat marks, or fluid residue around the caliper and hose.
- 3.Inspect brake fluid color in the reservoir without opening the system unless you know what you are doing.
- 4.Note any pulling, grinding, pulsation, or soft pedal feel because symptoms matter just as much as what you see.
Common mistakes
- • assuming outer pad thickness tells the full story
- • ignoring a soft pedal because the pads still look okay
- • continuing to drive on grinding or fluid leaks
Stop here if
Stop and escalate if you find active leaks, metal-on-metal wear, or any sudden brake feel change.