Prep checklist
- • flashlight
- • tire iron and safe lift plan if wheels are coming off
- • notebook or phone for corner-by-corner notes
- • gloves
Step-by-step
- 1.Check pad thickness and compare inside and outside wear if visible.
- 2.Look for rotor grooves, heavy lips, cracking, or blue heat marks.
- 3.Inspect hoses and caliper areas for wetness, crust, or obvious damage.
- 4.Write down any pulling, pulsation, grinding, or soft pedal feel because symptoms matter as much as the visual check.
Common mistakes
- • judging brake health from one wheel only
- • assuming quiet brakes are healthy brakes
- • ignoring a soft pedal because the car still stops
Stop here if
Stop DIY if there is fluid leakage, severe uneven wear, or any brake feel that suddenly changed.