I have a 2002 Honda Civic and I have been quoted $200 for parts and labor to replace the front brake pads. I am wondering if I can't do this myself for a lot cheaper. Any input/links to how-to sites would be appreciated.
2006-06-20 12:44:20 · 8 answers · asked by John J 2 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
OK don't do it! these techs charge alot to do it because they've busted & bled knuckles trying to learn how to do it. now they've got the tools & the know how to make a very effective brake service work well. an amateur/novice will encounter problems out of their league then what happens. you're stuck in between a rock & a hard place. if a brake hose ruptures, if the rotors are rusted, if the piston doesn't collapse evenly slow or not at all or does not return well if at all, or if the fluid is black(moisture inhibitors are depleted),if the wheel cylinders leaks or a metal brake line breaks or if the hardware screws are worn/stripped when starting/removing or worse yet, finishing/replacing and you don't have extras to use, or if any other conditions arise during the process where you'll need fire or extreme heat to loosen metallic parts or even if the lug nuts are stripped or worse break off when removing or installing back......what do you do? if you're not in a shop, the answer may not be made in a safe manner. no brakes and you die, crash or kill someone. any wheel assembly issues during the process and you have a steering or wheel safety issue now from a brake service & it can happen on 04' & o5 cars and even these are fairly new but heat & friction know no age & that's why it's important to make sure you get a solid service. your life may depend on it. i have seen a wheel come off from a car 30 feet from me in the middle of the road because the fool didn't listen to me when i told him not to drive the car & tow it. he had 2 lug nuts on his right rear tire when he left. he made a u-turn, the wheel popped off & rolled about 15 feet from the car. the car skidded deep in the road resting on his brake rotor. he didn't want to take the time after i warned him he could die if the wheel came off.please be careful and remember i'm looking out for you
2006-06-20 13:55:16 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 1⤋
Yup, pretty simple...although I just use a C-clamp and the old brake pad to compress the caliper piston -keeps you from possibly having to bleed the brakes afterwards. Pick up a repair manual for about twenty bucks, It will tell you every step necessary to change them -some car have pads that can be changed without removing the caliper. But you will save money, even if you get really good premium pads. I used to sell parts to repair shops, and more often than not, they use the cheapest, crappiest pads possible in order to make money.
2006-06-20 12:55:08 · answer #2 · answered by Harry 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Fairly easy job, but i wouldnt recomend opening any bleeder valves like you were recomended. Once air gets into the system, you will then need to bleed the brakes free of air. I would just take off the master cylinder cover and remove some fluid (best for most of it) out of the master. When you put the pads on then top off with fresh brake fluids.
You can go to www.autozone.com and look under the maintenence section for a brief description on how to replace your brakes.
PS........ If your pads hit the metal on the rotors, you will have to resurface them to true the new pads to them for better stopping power. If you have deep grooves in the rotor , then you may need to rteplace the rotors also.
Good Luck............you can e-mail me if you run into any problems.
2006-06-20 13:10:14 · answer #3 · answered by mailbox1024 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It all depends on the condition of your rotors, when you do break pads, its extremely smart to get your rotars machined, resurfaced or milled down whichever you call it. you can get that done by a machine shop or even a local shop for about 15 a rotor. The pads should cost anywhere between 40- 80 dollars depending on the quality and usage rating of the pads. Plus getting the tools needed to do it from sears will cost you 30 dollars, and thats being generous, but i do recommend getting a calliper expander, its going to be a life saver. the rest you can do with sockets wrenches and a pair of pliers. Getting a manual from your local parts store like haynes or chiltons is a good idea they break down how to take them apart and if you have to do your rear if they are drums they can be tricky.
2006-06-20 13:14:01 · answer #4 · answered by Adam K 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I've done this numerous times myself. It's fairly simple. It's just a matter of jacking up the car, removing the tire, removing two bolts that hold the caliper on, open a bleeder valve, force the caliper open wide, remove old pads, put in the new pads and then reverse the process to put the caliper and wheel back on.
2006-06-20 12:48:45 · answer #5 · answered by seek_out_truth 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Thin pieces of wood (to protect the pistons and the back of the calipers), pipe wrench (G-clamps, welding size mole wrench can be substituted), gentle force. I don't think the ABS will affect this without the ignition being switched on – but you wouldn't want to do this and discover you have knackered a sensor or the ABS system – and, given that brakes are fairly important, you might want to get advice from a BMW mechanic.
2016-05-20 06:33:56 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
It very Easy and you will save money doing it. The disc brake are that easier
2006-06-20 12:50:31 · answer #7 · answered by sony19390 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's very easy. It will cost you less than $50. Good luck1
2006-06-20 12:52:22 · answer #8 · answered by luxuriousdee 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋