Web Hosting Talk : Other Forums : Web Hosting Lounge : How often do you replace brake pads on cars?

[Frosty]

The brakes on my jeep are squeaking more often lately and the brake warning light keeps coming on.

LOL... the only thing i know is how to check the oil on a car. I learned this because last year the engine kind of ran out of oil and ceased and i had to pay $5K for a new engine.

I'm just curious after how many miles do you usually need the brakes maintenanced? I guess when it starts squeaking like mine.
They told me it'll probably cost $250 to get the brake pads replaced.

Damn brakes, who needs brakes anyway when there are plenty of trees.

[CR-]

$250 for brake pads? someone lied to you. you can get new front brake pads for $20-40 at autozone or somthing and have them on in a half hour or so. when your brake light comes on you really need to get them replaced though cuz they're pretty much worn beyond comprehension and you don't want them grinding metal on metal on the rotor and having to get your rotor turned or replaced at the same time.

J.

[Esr Tek]

The mileage varies on the way you drive...
but that's a different subject

Replacing the brakes and rotors may cost about $250, but just the pads alone shouldn't be over $100.
This is also bit subjective to your local area, but shouldn't differentiate much.

[THW-Dave]

sqeaking brakes doesnt always mean they are needed to be replaced.. brake dust can create alot of squeaks, but normally goes away.

and yeah, brakes shouldnt cost 250$, they normally go for like 15-23$ for each corner, and labor should be less than an hour.

[akashik]

Originally posted by Frosty
I'm just curious after how many miles do you usually need the brakes maintenanced?

The big question is, 'How do you drive?'

If you're someone who throws out the anchor everytime you need to stop you'll need them replaced more often. If you drive like a Grandma they should last a lot longer.

[fewcoin]

They are probably quoting you a price to do a brake job. The pad themselves shouldn't cost much.

However, one thing. If your not perfectly familiar with doing brakes, perhaps you should have someone professional do it for you. You don't want especially brakes failing. It could cost you a whole lot more than the cost of pads.

You also have to check the hydralic lines to the cylinders, make sure the cylinders aren't leaking etc.

Also, changing pads might not be so easy. There are many times where the cylinder plunger protrudes too much and you have to compress it in a bit. It takes more than just hand pressure.

The retainer wedge may be stuck and you might have to knock it loose. Unless you have the tools and experience, it's not recommended.

fewcoin

[phisholay]

The best way to know when to replace the breaks in your car is, when the sole of your shoes are worn out.

But seriously, have you also check the brake fluid in your car?

[Alex042]

I learned this because last year the engine kind of ran out of oil and ceased and i had to pay $5K for a new engine.

You're never borrowing my car.

Damn brakes, who needs brakes anyway when there are plenty of trees.

Been there. Done that. And that was even WITH good brake pads. The time I ran into a tree though was in the snow when their wasn't enough traction between the rubber and the road to stop the car regardless of the brakes and before ya know it the tree and the bumper make contact. Fortunately, it was under 25mph in a parking lot and I was driving my z28 beast of a car. That car was built back when they built them halfway sturdy so the car didn't sustain any damage. This was the same car that I spun off the highway at 55-70mph after an ice storm and walked away from with only needing to replace the tires and realigning the wheels. That one got kinda costly though after around $400 in tires plus alignment plus around a $200 tow bill to pull it out of the embankment.

[Amish_Geek]

I had my brakes redone earlier this summer.... total cost : $470

I needed new pads for both front brakes, along with new rotors. Also new shoes (pads) for the rear brakes, and new cylinders. Plus labor (@ $40/hr)

Yeah, I learned my lesson, when the brakes start sounding like metal on metal, to go in right away, instead of driving around duluth for a month and a half like that.

(If you don't know what duluth is like, its the sanfransisco of the midwest. There is an 800+ foot vertical difference from the top of the hill near the mall, down to the lakeside area near lake superior)

[Jon FB]

I dont even want to see my breaks . I bet you I need all new ones how I drive (acually use to drive).

[Alex042]

Yeah, I learned my lesson, when the brakes start sounding like metal on metal, to go in right away, instead of driving around duluth for a month and a half like that.

I'm sure you're not alone. It's just easier to let it for for a little while longer.. and longer. Next thing you know the price doubles or more. It's called preventative maintenance which many people ignore for whatever reason. I used to be in the same boat because I couldn't afford the initial job to be done and it would end up costing me more in the long run later. I eventially got sick and tired of doing my own jobs because I waited so long that I couldn't afford to have someone else do it.

[hostpath.com]

First, you need sulfuric acid, a torch, three quarts of unleaded gasoline, fetilizer, ball bearings, a Fetzer valve, 30-weight motor oil, and...

Oh, never mind. Here's the how-to:

http://www.advanceautoparts.com/howt...20021101db.htm

[rambo6376]

It really does depend on how you drive. I had my brakes done couple of years ago - replaced brake pads and shoes and RESURFACED rotors and it cost me about 259 dollars(both front, rear - 129 each ) it would be more if i had them replace the rotors instead of resurfacing them - dont know what exactly warrants that. you can usually find a coupon from a dealership website that sells that make of vehicle, and look up coupons from competitive dealers on the same service and get them to pricematch - quik and easy way to save money.

[hostpath.com]

Brakes aren't really important enough to worry too much about. If my brake pads don't last for the entire life of the car, then I say: screw 'em and refuse to replace them out of spite.

[dapon]

I see a part of the problem here. Not only do we come here and tell people what is too much money to spend for web hosting, now we are mechanics too. Telling someopne that a certain price is too much for a brake job without knowing anything about the specifics of the car is ridiculous.

Frosty says her brakes a re squeking and the brake light is on. She thinks she needs brake pads. Maybe the mechanic that looked at the brakes decided it also need the calipers rebuilt or replaced. And it's not a good idea to jsut replace the front pads without at least looking at the rear brake drums.

I'm sure there is jsutification for the $250 charge, which in my opion is a good price for a good brake job. But hey, if you want to trust your brakes to some guy who thinks he's only worth $50 go ahead. You don't have kids that ride with you, do you?