How to replace brake pads and rotors step by step?

Brake problems stress everyone out. Noisy brakes, poor stopping, or constant replacements waste time and money. Many mechanics or distributors ask me how to fix these issues for good. It starts with proper installation.

Replacing brake pads and rotors step by step ensures safety, better performance, and prevents costly mistakes. Choosing certified products like Runex brake pads makes the process smoother.

I’ve worked with garages and distributors for years. One mistake I saw often—poor-quality brake pads and mismatched rotors. That’s why I help partners switch to our Runex pre-matched kits, saving time, reducing noise complaints, and boosting customer satisfaction. Let’s walk through the full process.

How to change brake pads and rotors step by step?

Many mechanics or fleet operators rush brake jobs. I’ve seen it cause noisy brakes, premature wear, and customer frustration. Doing it right matters for safety and long-term performance.

To change brake pads and rotors, follow these steps: lift the vehicle, remove wheels, inspect components, replace rotors, install new brake pads, and bed them in properly. Always use certified, high-quality parts like Runex brake pads to avoid problems.

Step-by-Step Replacement Process

Here’s the breakdown I recommend to garages and distributors using Runex brake pads¹:

I’ve helped garage chains reduce install time by 30% with pre-matched Runex kits². This avoids size mismatches, ensures correct fitment, and cuts down callbacks. Mechanics appreciate the consistent quality, and distributors like Joe see higher reorder rates.

Our Runex brake pads meet ECE R90 standards³, providing quiet, reliable performance. This means fewer customer complaints and stronger business relationships.

What is the 30/30/30 rule for brakes?

I often get asked by fleet operators or distributors how to properly "break in" new brakes. If you skip this step, even the best brake pads can perform poorly or wear out fast.

The 30/30/30 rule means: make 30 gentle stops from 30 mph with 30-second intervals between. It helps new brake pads and rotors bed in evenly for optimal performance.

Why the 30/30/30 Rule Matters

Here’s how I explain it to clients:

When you install new brake pads and rotors, they need time to mate properly. If not, you risk uneven wear, noise, or reduced braking power. This is where the 30/30/30 rule⁴ helps.

In my experience, skipping this process is a common reason for noisy or vibrating brakes. One of my UK clients faced this. Their customers kept returning, complaining about poor braking and noise. After switching to our Runex certified pads and following proper bedding procedures, returns dropped, noise stopped, and their sales team finally had peace of mind.

Runex brake pads⁵ are designed with optimal friction materials, making the bedding process⁶ smoother. When combined with our matched rotors, the result is consistent, quiet braking and longer lifespan.

Do you replace brake pads or rotors first?

This question comes up all the time, especially for procurement teams managing stock and service schedules. I tell my clients—both matter, but timing is key.

Replace both brake pads and rotors together when possible. If rotors are worn, resurfacing rarely helps long-term. New pads on old rotors reduce performance and lifespan. Runex offers pre-matched kits for consistent results.

Pads First or Rotors First?

Let me explain with real examples:

• Rotors still within thickness spec? You can replace just the pads, but inspect carefully for scoring or warping.
• Rotors worn, grooved, or warped? Replace both to avoid uneven braking⁷ or premature pad wear.
• Fleet or high-performance vehicles? I recommend always replacing both. Downtime and safety matter more than small upfront savings.

In my work with garage chains, I’ve seen mechanics waste time trying to reuse rotors. It often leads to comebacks and customer dissatisfaction⁸. That’s why Runex developed pre-matched brake kits⁹—rotors and pads engineered to work together, reducing install time by 30%, improving fitment accuracy, and boosting customer confidence.

Joe, managing procurement at Carlson Auto, faced issues with mismatched parts from various suppliers. After standardizing on Runex kits, his team reported fewer complaints, faster installs, and better margins.

What is the break in procedure for new brake pads and rotors?

Even with perfect installation, brakes need a proper break-in. Without it, you risk noise, vibration, and poor performance. This is one area I always emphasize to distributors and garages.

The correct break-in procedure includes the 30/30/30 method: 30 gentle stops from 30 mph, 30 seconds apart. Avoid hard braking during the first 300 km to let pads and rotors seat properly.

How to Break in New Brakes

I’ve guided many partners through this to avoid customer complaints:

Runex brake pads, with their optimized friction material, make the break-in process smoother. But following proper steps remains crucial. One distributor I worked with skipped this advice, leading to noisy brakes and frustrated customers. Once they implemented full break-in guidelines, complaints vanished.

We include break-in instructions with all Runex brake pad shipments to support our partners. Our goal is to help distributors like Joe reduce returns, boost satisfaction, and grow sales.

Conclusion

Replacing brake pads¹³ and rotors isn’t just a technical process—it affects safety, costs, and customer trust. Doing it step by step, using certified products, and following proper break-in procedures make a big difference.

At Runex Auto, we support garages and distributors with pre-matched brake kits, certified performance, and practical resources. By choosing the right parts and processes, we help our partners reduce complaints, improve efficiency, and deliver confidence to their customers.