Can you change your brake pads without a computer?

Most people think replacing brake pads needs a scan tool or dealer-level equipment. That belief leads to wasted time, unnecessary cost, and delayed service.

Yes, you can change brake pads without a computer—especially when using Runex Auto brake pads designed for easy, manual installation.

When garages feel stuck, it's usually not because of the car—it's the pads. That’s why I always tell partners: use smart parts, not smart tools. Let’s break it down.

Can I just change brake pads only?

Some garages believe they need to replace rotors or use a scan tool every time. That’s not true, especially if you're using high-quality, well-designed brake pads.

Yes, you can just replace the brake pads—provided the rotors are still in good condition and the pads, like Runex Auto’s, are engineered for exact OEM fit and performance.

Why this matters

Many workshops hesitate to perform a pad-only replacement¹ because they fear issues like noise, vibration, or poor fit. But with Runex brake pads², these concerns don’t come up. That’s by design.

What to check before pad-only replacement

Checkpoint	Why it matters	Runex Advantage
Rotor Thickness	Worn rotors reduce braking efficiency	Pads designed to work with factory specs
Rotor Condition	Deep grooves can damage new pads	OEM-spec chamfers and slots reduce risk
Pad Shape Match	Poor match leads to noise and poor braking feel	Runex precision-molds every pad

Our story

A UK distributor once called after a shop delayed a pad replacement job, thinking rotor pairing was required. They used our fitment guide and confirmed the rotors were fine. Pads went in fast. Customer was back on the road in 40 minutes.

Can you install brake pads without hardware?

This is a question I get from both mechanics and procurement teams. They wonder if skipping hardware affects safety or performance.

Yes, you can install brake pads without new hardware, but only if the existing hardware is in excellent condition—and your pads are made to exact specs, like Runex Auto's.

Understanding hardware kits

Brake pad hardware—like clips, shims, and bolts—can wear out or corrode. In cases where these are in bad shape, skipping a hardware refresh may cause issues. But Runex pads³ are different.

When to skip hardware, when not to

Scenario	Should you skip hardware?	Why Runex helps
Clean and corrosion-free clips	Yes	Pad backplates have anti-rattle coating
Slight rust or loose fit	No	Hardware kits available for exact fit
Lost or mismatched components	Never	Use our full install kits

Why our design matters

We precision-mill backing plates to tight tolerances. That means less wiggle room and reduced hardware dependency. A garage in Leeds told us: “With other brands, we need the clips. With Runex, we don’t even notice the difference if we skip them.”

Do I need a special tool to replace brake pads?

This is where most confusion happens. Newer cars often include electric parking brakes (EPB), and some shops think a diagnostic computer is mandatory.

In most cases, no special tool is needed. Runex brake pads are designed for easy fitment and manual reset—even with EPB systems on many modern vehicles.

The myth of the scan tool

Yes, some vehicles use EPB that requires scan tool⁴ retraction. But many don’t. And even those that do can often be handled manually if you know how. That's why we include simple guides with our pads.

Scan tool vs smart part

Problem	Typical Solution	Runex Solution
Rear piston retraction	Scan tool	Manual reset with our guide
Pad wear sensor reset	Dealer software	Pre-installed sensor wire with reset tip
Caliper reassembly	Torque settings lookup	Included torque card with each set

A real case

One of my clients called in a panic. His team thought they needed a scan tool to install rear pads on a late-model SUV. I explained our pads were designed with a reset tab and didn't need computer input. They were done in under an hour. That saved them time and proved why they trust our products.

Is replacing brake pads an easy job?

Garage owners often ask me: is brake pad replacement beginner-friendly? The short answer: it depends on the part and the guide you follow.

Yes, it can be an easy job if you're using high-quality brake pads that fit well, come with clear guides, and don’t require extra tools—like the ones we make at Runex Auto.

What makes a job easy?

There are two factors: the part, and the process. Cheap pads with poor fit cause alignment issues, sticking calipers, and noise. But pads that are well-designed make the whole job smoother.

Why garages love our install process

Step	Common Issues	Runex Fix
Pad fit	Oversize tabs, hard insert	CNC-precision mold5
Wear sensor	Misaligned, breaks easily	Pre-fixed clip, flexible cable
Bedding-in	Noise, fade	Factory-scorched surface for faster bed-in
Instruction clarity	Generic, unclear	Vehicle-specific install card in box

A partner’s story

One garage partner in Bristol told me: “I used to assign one guy just to figure out the rear pads with scan tools. Now with your pads and those simple install sheets, any tech can get it done under 45 minutes. Game changer.”

Conclusion

Changing brake pads⁶ doesn't have to be complicated. You don't need a computer. You don’t need special tools. What you really need are parts designed with the installer in mind. At Runex Auto, our brake pads help garages save time, avoid mistakes, and keep customers happy. When parts fit right the first time, service gets faster—and trust gets stronger.