When you want to save money on auto repair, and you want to change/repair your own brakes, you will need some tools and equipment to do the job. Most repair technicians can elevate a vehicle off the ground with a hydraulic lift just enough to remove the tires and get to the brakes. They also have hydraulic torque wrenches that make the work fast and easy. Unless you plan to spend a fortune turning your garage into a repair shop, you will need other tools and equipment to accomplish the same repair job on your brakes. 

Lift Blocks

Lift blocks allow you to drive up and roll the vehicle's wheels onto platforms as wide as the wheels themselves. When properly locked, the lift blocks allow you to get under your vehicle safely and reach up to undo all of the brake bolts holding your brakes on and in place. Then you can place a jack to hold the vehicle up to remove the lift blocks and start removing the tires.

Jack

You absolutely need a jack. The jack elevates the car so that you can remove the lift blocks, remove the tires, and then finish removing the old brakes off of the axles. Once the new brakes are properly installed, greased and the brake lines are bled, you can put the tires back on and release the jack.

Socket Wrench

A socket wrench will provide enough torque to remove the bolts holding the old brakes in place. If you come across an especially stubborn bolt, a little rust prevention oil should loosen it right up. Likewise, when you reverse the process and want to tighten bolts on the new brakes, the socket wrench can make that really tight too.

Shop Creeper

Since you should never try to lay on hard concrete or cement while attempting to wiggle underneath a car, you need a shop creeper. Thankfully, if you do not want to buy one of these, they are commonly rented. The creeper is on wheels and will allow you to lay flat while underneath the car and working on the brakes.

New Brakes

Finally, do not forget to buy the new brakes. This includes the brake pads and brake shoes, both of which are usually necessary to replace simultaneously. If you are not sure if you need to replace both the brake pads and the brake shoes, it is better to replace them both and worry about it later.

If you need expert help, talk to mechanics at garages like White Pass Garage. If you don't have the equipment above, you may decide to opt for professional brake repair.