I need new brakes on my car. What are the right questions to ask and what do I look for in order to avoid getting ripped off? If they replace the pads/drums, should I ask to see them prior to removing them? If so what do I look for. Finally, are the big chains that do brake jobs reputable - places like Midas, Meineke, Sears, etc?
2007-01-10 05:39:41 · 7 answers · asked by J 2 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
Brake jobs are relatively straight forward if you are just replacing the pad/shoes.
Any reputable place should turn your drums or rotors. Make sure your drums and rotors are turned. (Ask if you are unsure) this should be included in the price of a brake job.
Most modern cars can only have drums/rotors turned once or twice. So don't be surprised if the mechanic tells you that the rotors are too thin to be turned and must be replaced.
If during the replacement process they tell you that there is a leak, ask to see the leak. There will be obvious moisture and wet brake dust before authorizing. They shouldn't have a problem showing you this if you have a leak.
I recommend the ceramic pads if they offer them, they are quieter than semi-metallic. However semi-metallic typically seem to last longer. So if you can put up with some squeal, you may want to consider the semi-metallics. I however recommend ceramics.
2007-01-10 05:49:33 · answer #1 · answered by hsueh010 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
All rotors have a minimum thickness specification. Most are stamped on the rotor. I have seen a couple of vehicles that had close minimum tolerances. This is not common and if a rotor does not have a wear lip, or evidence of the pads going to metal, there is usually enough tolerance to clean and true up. I have found, if there is serious rotor galling or warped(on vehicles with rear shoes) , but the brake pads did not wear to metal, that the back adjusters are not working. If you have rear pads there can still be a problem causing far more stopping power to be absorbed but the front brakes. This will always cause premature brake problems. You made the same mistake that only about 90% of others do in that you ask a specific question without specific information so this will be a generic answer to a generic question. It is not a bad idea to get a 2nd(3rd counting this site) opinion. It is possible a mechanic could be trying to increase revenue at your expense. There are certain repair shop chains that have been known to do this. Have you noticed any brake pedal pulse when stopping? This is an indication of warped rotors. I am not sure what being in the yellow or red is about. If there is .10 to .15 thousands over minimum thickness the rotors can be turned unless really warped. Yellow, it would appear to me, means they are not in the red(I guess too thin) and can be turned at least once. My opinion is for you to get another opinion.
2016-05-23 05:01:14 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Your car is going to tell you if it needs Brakes. It won't stop. Or doesn't stop right away. In order to not get ripped off make sure you go to a Rebut-able brake shop and ask around, standing in line to have your car looked at (ask the customers) did the shop do a good job and what were the out come on the work they've had done. If who ever inspected your brakes comes in and tells you something is wrong that doesn't even concern your brakes, go to a different shop and get another opinion. Don't tell the Second Mechanic what you were told about your car, but keep notes and compare prices, time consumed, and when it can be done to your convenience.
2007-01-10 05:56:20 · answer #3 · answered by George D 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Obtain a few estimates. If there's anyone you know, you can seek their advice and possibly they could refer you to a reputable source.
If a tech is doing an inspection, I would have them point out to you the wear that is on your brakes. If you are unfamiliar with what normal wear looks like, have them compare new boxed ones to yours that are on your vehicle.
If you decide to go with a big chain, you can always get online and check the Better Business Bureau to see if they've had any complaints against them. Usually your bigger chains are more expensive though. Smaller businesses many also be listed in the BBB but it might be harder to pinpoint.
Good luck to you!!
2007-01-10 06:06:50 · answer #4 · answered by Nunya 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
if you want to avoid getting ripped off do it yourself or have a friend do it. its easy. if you take it to a shop, ask for your old parts back.
2007-01-10 05:53:19 · answer #5 · answered by ManFromMumbai 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
go to cartalk.com they will guide you to a mechanic STAY away from all the big names
2007-01-10 05:48:52 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
http://pages.sssnet.com/alfsoftware/tech/tech5.html
2007-01-10 14:37:28 · answer #7 · answered by tronary 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋