Brakes, brakes..... and brakes

[MameXP]

Hi there,

I have questions about brakes service. What are the exact works involve in the dealership schedule for brakes? Flush brakes fluid? inspectiong? chaning pads?

Also how can we tell if the rotors are bad? and need replace or machine? I was told to run my finger from north to south if its not smooth it means its gone bad.

Any one here has done brakes by theirself? care to share experience and tips? I'm on the learning curve of mantaining cars.

Thanks
ps. is it worth to let the dealership to do the works? I think its ~$120

[FastFokker]

Ask the dealership what they do in their brake maintenance...

To tell about your rotors, if you feel vibration when pressing the brake pedal, likely they need machining.. and as you said, if you touch them and they are grooved, they will need machining.. it's tough to tell whats normal wear and what's not, a trusted mechanic will know.

I always do my brakes (well disc, I haven't attempted drums yet).. it's really easy for a DIY'er.. the first time is the steep learning curve, the second time is just repetition. Find someone who can do it, buy a case of beer and have fun one nice sat/sun afternoon.

[KelticSlob]

I plan on changing my discs when the need arises. Way cheaper. Go to a forum for whatever car you drive. There's sure to be a DIY section with instructions. Or just ask someone.

[FastFokker]

Buy a Haynes manual.. costs like $13-15 at Crap Tire and has pretty well all the information you could possible want to know about your vehicle, it's systems and the maintenance required as well as step by step how-to's.

That's how I learned.

http://www.haynes.com

There's other brands of repair manuals, but I'm only familiar with Haynes.

[arahaman]

Depending on your car you can get a cheap set of aftermarket pads for around 20-30 from CT....around same price for shoes/pads for the rear as well. There are certain specifications for different rotors on how much you are allowed to machine off. You cant do it yourself (machining rotors/drums) unless you have the machine but im sure you can ask CT how much they charge. Aftermarket rotors/drums arent that bad either...i just installed new rotors and pads on my shadow and its pretty simple.....mind you i was working with air tools and a hydraulic lift ;)

Tips when doing service yourself:
1. Dont let the brake caliper hang by the brake hose
2. If you have old pads with old linings then the brake dust might contain Asbestos....dont breathe tht garbage in.
3. If you still have a lot of lining on your pads and you arent getting good braking out of the car you will want to bleed your brake lines (I recommend getting a Haynes Manual also.....they also sell One Man DIY bleeding kits....if you dont have one of these then youll need a buddy to help you out)
4. If you are getting vibration feedback in the pedal then it is also likely that your rotors are warped and you will be better off buying new ones altogether.


Hope That Helps....

I've never got my brakes serviced by someone else before so im not too sure what they include in their price.

[TenzoR]

it's pretty fun i've been helping my dad with the brake change since .... as long as we had the car ... it's very time consuming, but rather worth it

[bembol]

Pretty easy...just Google the Helms Manual...!!! Get someone to help you out, watch/see how it works

The only DIY I probably won't touch on my RSX is the actual Suspension/Springs :)

[Azxster]

Whats wrong with the springs? I learned it in an hour and managed to swap in a few.

[TenzoR]

Whats wrong with the springs? I learned it in an hour and managed to swap in a few.

well you need the tools ..and most ppl don't have it

[FastFokker]

I don't mess with the springs because there's a lot of force held up in them and I could easily hurt myself. I'm sure with the right tools and learning once I could become competent, but considering it's a rare to never job.. I just keep it for the professionals.

[bembol]

Whats wrong with the springs? I learned it in an hour and managed to swap in a few.

See the 2 replies...!!! :)



$120 is too much for me...I remember changing me Rear Pads during the Half Time on the Steelers game :cheesygri

[MameXP]

See the 2 replies...!!! :)



$120 is too much for me...I remember changing me Rear Pads during the Half Time on the Steelers game :cheesygri


Hey bembol i see you around CRSX. Well coilovers are DIYable right? ;) basically a straight swap.

Its not my car but my gfs. My car doesnt require brake service yet, if it does most likely i will upgrade pads and rotors at the same time.

She told me her dealership schedule the brake service for next time she comes in. Ofcourse, i thought of DIY but its the brake, the most important in safety. Beside shes a girl, and the one i love. I'm rather nervious doing it myself. Especially i dont have experience, i dont know how to tell if the job was done right or what else needs to be done (ie. rotors )

So for a complete job of brakes providing i dont need to remachine the rotors, do i need to rebuild the caliber? lol sounds too much work involved...

[timmui]

well you need the tools ..and most ppl don't have it

part source has the spring compressor for loan = free

[arahaman]

You dont need to rebuild the caliper bro.....new pads/shoes and either remachine or buy new rotors/drums...and check brake fluid levels....and watch out that you dont spill any of the fluid onto painted surfaces or else youll see the paint lifted away from the surface in the morning....

[MameXP]

You dont need to rebuild the caliper bro.....new pads/shoes and either remachine or buy new rotors/drums...and check brake fluid levels....and watch out that you dont spill any of the fluid onto painted surfaces or else youll see the paint lifted away from the surface in the morning....


Thanks for the advice. I guess i will DIY brakes service :)

[waitin4BOOST]

Brake service from a dealer is a joke. You don't really have to replace anything if they're all in good condition....but they're likely to suggest something lol

$100 usually involves:
-lubing the caliper pins/sliders (caliper grease)
-cleaning the pad retainers
-re-seating the pads
-topping off fluid

This is an easy servicable DIY. All you really need is socket wrench...go out to CT and buy some Caliper Lube ($15) Anti-Squeel ($10) and Anti-seize ($10-15 *optional) ...may be a bottle of brake fluid. With those 3 you can service enough brakes for a while. And the reason for brake servicing is to promote even wear on pad/rotors making sure things are moving as they should and 100% contact between rotor/pad. The only road block I can foresee is not enough muscles to free the bolts...otherwise its bolt-off bolt-on.