Replacing Brake Pads

[jforget1]

Anyone do their own replacement of the brake pads? Mine are up and I am wondering if this is something I can do myself. My brother has done his on his minivan, so he could help me out. Any tips on what is needed for these is appreciated. Anyone have a link to any stuff from the service manual for changing these? Or should I just go to Midas on Saturday morning for $120 per axle.

[csimo]

Replacing brake pads is not difficult, and a common practice, but not the right thing to do without at least truing up the rotors. You can still do this yourself, but you need to remove the rotors and have them turned.

The Midas $120 is a little high, and they'll usually try and sell you some other unneeded services, but to many people it's worth it.

[ChrisM]

Originally Posted by csimo

Replacing brake pads is not difficult, and a common practice, but not the right thing to do without at least truing up the rotors. You can still do this yourself, but you need to remove the rotors and have them turned.

It seems that the auto parts stores in my area have figured out that it is more profitable to sell new rotors than to turn used ones. There are practically no shops in my area that will turn them anymore. I have to pass 9 auto parts stores that turned rotors in the past to get to one that still does.

[jforget1]

Originally Posted by csimo

Replacing brake pads is not difficult, and a common practice, but not the right thing to do without at least truing up the rotors. You can still do this yourself, but you need to remove the rotors and have them turned.

The Midas $120 is a little high, and they'll usually try and sell you some other unneeded services, but to many people it's worth it.

My dealer was at just over $800 and that was just turning the rotors.

[jforget1]

Would it still be cheaper to go with all new pads and all new rotors? What would the whole package run and does that add a difficulty in changing the rotor?

[ChrisM]

Originally Posted by jforget1

Would it still be cheaper to go with all new pads and all new rotors? What would the whole package run and does that add a difficulty in changing the rotor?

Changing the rotors is easy. Once you have the caliper and wheel off, the rotors just slide off the wheel studs. You usually have to smack em' with a mallet once or twice because they are rusted on the hub.

[jforget1]

Looks like I can do all new rotors and pads from the dealer for about $260, may be giving this a try. Anyone know if there are any link to docs with the step by step for replacing this stuff?

[csimo]

Originally Posted by ChrisM

It seems that the auto parts stores in my area have figured out that it is more profitable to sell new rotors than to turn used ones. There are practically no shops in my area that will turn them anymore. I have to pass 9 auto parts stores that turned rotors in the past to get to one that still does.

I think some of this is due to frustration. Nearly all manufacturers have lightened up the rotors to the point that it's difficult to "turn" them in the tradition sense of the word and still be above the minimum specifications. They don't come from the factory with enough thickness to be used for 45K miles (or whatever the number), be turned and put into service. The best you can hope for is to just true the rotors up and go for it.

To just put new pads on the used, untouched rotors is not a good idea in my opinion.

[jforget1]

I would rather pay the same as I was going to for just the pads and get all new hardware that I know will last probably till I sell my RL, for another RL of course. Doing it myself seems like a good option. Is my best option to get the parts from the dealer or can I go to a parts store and have good luck? Are the ones from Honda ceramic or is that something I can upgrade to at a local store?

[RRIDER]

Originally Posted by jforget1

Looks like I can do all new rotors and pads from the dealer for about $260, may be giving this a try. Anyone know if there are any link to docs with the step by step for replacing this stuff?

I don't think you're going to get all 4 new rotors and both sets of brake pads for $260. HandA is selling the pads for about $45 per axle, rotors for over $90 a piece.