The brakes on your vehicle are an essential safety feature, and it’s important to keep them in good working order. Over time, the brake pads will wear down, and they will need to be replaced. In this article, we will provide a step-by-step guide on how to change the brakes on most vehicles.
Our transmission went out while we were traveling with our family, and Charlie’s Foreign Car truly went above and beyond during one of the most stressful parts of our trip.
They welcomed us to stay in the lobby while we figured out an Uber and our next steps. They made sure our kids had Wi-Fi, snacks, and drinks, and even recommended hotels near the beach so we could make the best of an unfortunate situation.
Our insurance company was incredibly difficult to work with, but Charlie’s handled everything with professionalism and patience. They kept us informed every step of the way and knew exactly how to navigate the insurance process. They actually could have had our truck repaired in just a few days, but they waited to make sure the insurance company approved every part of the repair before moving forward, which ultimately protected us.
We had to leave our truck with them and head back to Oregon. Within two weeks, they had a brand-new transmission installed. They also sourced the transmission directly from the dealership, so it came with a warranty, giving us extra peace of mind.
I can’t recommend Charlie’s Foreign Car enough. They didn’t just fix our truck, they treated our family with kindness, honesty, and genuine care during a really stressful experience (and not just one person… ALL OF THEM DID! Front desk to mechanics). If you’re looking for a shop you can trust, this is it.
This is a great shop. Niko was a great honest guy. Helped me with a 78 porsche 911.Will def be back when i have another car in need of service. Very friendly and straight forward. gave me honest feedback and recommendations. I now know why so many of my neighbors service their cars here
Brent did such a great job on my Prius oil change. It was done after only hour. Highly recommend! I was visiting from Germany & it was nice to trust somebody in the USA with my car. Best auto shop in so cal💘💘💘
Sent in my speedometer/odometer to fix a broken gear. The quality of work is amazing along with the visual documentation of the steps. If only I was closer I’d bring the whole car in to get it to 100%!
Brought my 718 Spyder to Charlie’s for a new exhaust installation. These guys were thorough and quick, and fairly priced. I love the small family vibe of this coastal shop and everyone I worked with was awesome. Will be coming back for maintenance and future car work!
Excellent technicians with the ability to take the time to diagnose and discuss the issues in layman terms. I would not take my porsche anywhere else.
Response from the owner
2 years ago
Thank you for your kind words, John! We're glad to know that our technicians provided you with clear communication and excellent service. Your trust in us with your Porsche is greatly valued.
Best place to send your car if you want to have no problems with your car once it is out of the shop. They don’t mess around, sure you can find cheaper service elsewhere but you seriously get what you pay for
Response from the owner
2 years ago
Thank you for the fantastic review, Yash! We appreciate your understanding of the quality of service we provide.
Had a high quality experience today. Tom was very patient and spent time with me as I explained the issues with my vehicle. They communicated with me every step of the way and completed the work in a timely manner. I would work with them again in a heartbeat and trust the work they do.
Response from the owner
2 years ago
Thank you so much for your thoughtful feedback! We're thrilled to hear that Tom was able to provide a patient and communicative experience, ensuring everything was handled smoothly with your vehicle. We appreciate your trust and look forward to working with you again in the future!
Everything from vehicle knowledge, mechanical skills, customer service, car community events, and everything in between, there is no one better.
They have not only repaired my cars to an A+ standard many times through out the years, they have also taken the time (sometimes hours!) just to help me with anything from understanding my repairs to getting a new vehicle. They're also a fun bunch to chat with.
Charlie's is a gem. There just aren't many shops like them anymore. I highly recommend them and truly wish I could give them 6 stars.
Response from the owner
2 years ago
Thanks for the feedback Aaron! We are very happy you continued to recieve positive experiences over the years.We appreciate the 6 stars 😃
Drove from LA to get the speedometer repaired on my 911. I was told it would be ready by the end of the day but they got it done in a little over an hour! I was home by lunch time. Great experience.
Response from the owner
2 years ago
Thank you, Gabriel. Niko repairs the speedometer's himself. It's a fun and rewarding service to perform (installing new gears inside the speedometer).
Recently, I took my E46 to Charlie’s Foreign Car to address concerns with the IRP v3 shifter. From the onset, Niko, who I had the pleasure of interacting with, stood out as a beacon of professionalism. He is exceptionally friendly and possesses a depth of knowledge that is both impressive and reassuring. Niko quickly identified that the shifter, a sophisticated mechanical linkage system, had been previously misinstalled by another shop. With his expertise and the support of the team, they rectified the issues, ensuring optimal performance. Niko is a true auto expert, and his passion for cars is evident in the quality of work and care he extends to each vehicle. Charlie’s Foreign Car, under the guidance of professionals like Niko, continues to uphold its reputation for excellence in automotive care. Highly recommended!
Some Procedures to Changing Brakes
Step 1: Preparation Before you begin, park your vehicle on a flat surface and engage the parking brake. Loosen the lug nuts on the wheel you will be working on, but do not remove them yet. Next, use a jack to lift the vehicle off the ground and place jack stands under the vehicle for added support. Once the vehicle is secured on the jack stands, remove the lug nuts and remove the wheel.
Step 2: Removing the Brake Caliper Once you have the wheel removed, locate the brake caliper, which is typically mounted on the rotor with bolts or pins. Use a wrench or socket to remove the bolts or pins and then remove the brake caliper. Be careful not to damage the brake line, as this can cause brake fluid to leak out.
Step 3: Removing the Old Brake Pads With the brake caliper removed, you should be able to see the old brake pads. These are typically held in place by clips or pins. Carefully remove the old brake pads, being careful not to damage the brake rotor. Inspect the rotor for any signs of damage or excessive wear. If the rotor is damaged or worn, it may need to be replaced.
Step 4: Installing the New Brake Pads Take your new brake pads and apply a small amount of brake grease to the back of each pad. This will help reduce noise and prevent vibration. Install the new brake pads into the caliper, making sure they are properly seated and secured in place.
Step 5: Reinstalling the Brake Caliper With the new brake pads installed, it’s time to reinstall the brake caliper. Use a C-clamp or brake caliper tool to compress the caliper piston back into the caliper housing. This will allow room for the new, thicker brake pads. Once the piston is fully compressed, slide the brake caliper back over the rotor and reattach it with the bolts or pins.
Step 6: Putting the Wheel Back On With the brake caliper reinstalled, it’s time to put the wheel back on. Tighten the lug nuts by hand as much as possible, then use a lug wrench to tighten them the rest of the way. Be sure to tighten the lug nuts in a star pattern to ensure even tightening.
Step 7: Test the Brakes Once the wheel is back on, lower the vehicle back to the ground and remove the jack stands. Tighten the lug nuts one final time with the lug wrench. Before driving your vehicle, pump the brake pedal a few times to restore pressure to the brake system. Test the brakes at a low speed to ensure they are functioning properly.
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A car can overheat for a variety of reasons, but the most common cause is a problem with the engine’s cooling system. The cooling system is responsible for regulating the engine’s temperature and preventing it from overheating.
