Recently when I hit the brakes, the front of my car makes a loud knocking sound. I think its my brake pads since its been 26k and I havent changed them yet. I want to change them myself although I'm not some hot shot mechanic . I can do the basic tire rotation and oil change, but when I told my friend about it he suggested I think twice since I don't want to be flying out of my car if I don't do it correctly and be unable to brake. So shall I just take it to the shop or change them myself and can someone help me verify that it is brake pads or could it be the rotors ?

 

Do the brakes make a squeal (as in the metal wear indicator touching the rotor)? If you're a hard driver, it’s possible. I believe the front pads are semi-metallic, rears are organic. If you're not mechanically inclined or don't feel confident, don't do it yourself. Either have a knowledgeable friend help you, or take it to a shop. Don't want to save $$$, just to find out you did it wrong, and end up hitting a tree.... For more info with great pics, check out http://www.motorvate.ca/.

 

Your posting suggests continuous knocking and not a single knock. Is this correct? How loud is the knock(ing)? A single knock might be something loose in the front (accelerates forward when you brake). Do you feel any pulsating in the steering wheel? This would indicate more likely a warped rotor.

A squealing sound would be expected when the pads are warn down. 26K miles is somewhat fast for pads unless you drive very hard on your brakes. You can check on the pad wear if you remove the tire. You may also be able to tell if the rotor is out of round (shiny spots on the rotor) but this is easily missed so don't necessarily assume its not a warped rotor.

Something loose in the front might show if you rock the front of the car. Hope this helps.

 

Thanks for the replies guys. Aj I think it might be the warped rotors cuz it is a continuous knocking of 2 or 3 times when I step on the brakes hard during high speed and the steering wheel vibrates a little too. Good news is I have only 26k miles, but bad news is that I have had the car over 3 yrs. Anyone know approximately how much its gonna cost if I take it in to the dealer if its not under warranty ?