Mechanics: How often should brakes/brake pads/shoes/hardware/rotors be replaced on a 97 Ford Taurus?

Question

It's been nearly three years since I had all of that done. Thank you very much!

Answer 1

When they're worn out. Some people ride their brakes and drive like idiots and need new pads every 20,000 miles. Other people are on the highway most of the time and use engine compression a lot to slow down and get well over 100,000 miles. You should get them inspected if you're not sure at least every 30,000 miles or when they change or get noisy.

Answer 2

On most brake pads there is a piece of metal that will begin to grind on the rotor when the pads need to be replaced. The person doing your vehicle inspection looks at them also and will not pass the car if it needs brakes. If you are real concerned then pull off the wheel and look at them. If they are less that 1/8th inch thick above the rivets that hold them to the metal then I would replace them.

The rotors do not need replaced unless there are deep grooves in them. Take them to an auto parts store to check them out and they will let you know if they can be turned. If not they will need replaced.

The Calipers shouldn't need replace unless they are broken. If they seals are leaking you can replace them or buy a rebuilt caliper.

Most importantly, if you change one side then change both sides at the same time. This way you will have even braking. (this does not apply to the caliper.)

Answer 3

On the rotors, all rotors are marked with a minimum thickness measurement. When the pads are replaced, the technician should check the thickness of the rotors to see if they are still within spec. If the rotors are out of spec and thinner than what is required, the rotors can have problems and ruin your new pads. The rotors can crack, overheat and worst of all, your braking performance goes down.

Answer 4

The front brakes normally last 30-40,000 mile depending on how you drive. Most franchises like LENTZ USA SERVICE CENTERS or Midas offer free brake inspections. You should have them checked about every 6 months to be safe.

Answer 5

The filter might run $7. Buy a good quality oil. ALWAYS buy good oil. I suggest: Quaker State, Motorcraft, Pennzoil. Buy a name that you know. Never get the cheap stuff. You should get what's called 10W40. That pertains to the thickness of the oil at different temperatures. In the Winter time, it acts like a thin 10 weight oil. In the summer, it acts like a thicker 40 weight oil. This is what you want.