I have a car which i just spent over 280 dollars to get just the back brake rotors and pads replaced on. I have just found the same kind for about 38 dollars for a pair. Is it possible to install them with simply the jack in the back of my car? take the wheel off and then what?
2007-11-21 15:35:50 · 5 answers · asked by Anonymous in Cars & Transportation ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
Never work on a car with just the jack! It's a good way to die. I knew someone who died when their car basically crushed them to death with only a jack supporting (or should I say not supporting) the car.
A brake job is not a difficult task, but it should be done correctly.
1. Get a Jack and Jack Stands to ensure the car won't fall and remove the tires.
2. Remove bolts holding caliper to the brake bracket.
3. Remove the bracket.
4. A shop will always machine your rotors. It's always best to get them machined when doing a brake job, and I don't recommend doing a brake job without getting them machined. Most places that do brake jobs will machine them for $20/rotor. If they need to be replaced, it will typically cost you $50/rotor.
Always check for leaks. Any leaks should always be repaired immediately.
5. Rear calipers must have their piston pushed back by twisting the piston. Front calipers are usually a simple push back in with a C-Clamp.
6. Replace Rotor after they have been machined.
7. Re-install brake caliper's bracket
8. Install new pad
9. Install brake caliper
10. Repeat for other side.
11. Step on brake pedal to ensure brakes come in contact with rotor.
The task is not difficult, but it should be done right. Your life, and the life of someone else is not worth saving a few bucks.
2007-11-21 15:40:16 · answer #1 · answered by hsueh010 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Brake Rotors and Pads for the rear for $280 installed is a GOOD price if quality parts were used. The $38 a pair rotors and pads are Junk, they have to be. If you have never done brakes yourself, don't start now. It's not difficult, it requires mostly standard tools, but you have to know how to bleed brake lines, install new grease seals, other important things. Remember, if you screw up, your car doesn't stop and people get hurt. That being said, if you go down to Auto Zone they will sell you good parts and provide you with a sheet of instructions. Place your automobile on jack Stands, not using the bumper jack. TRY VERY HARD TO GET A HELPER WHO HAS DONE BRAKE WORK BEFORE, DO NOT TRY AND DO THIS BY YOURSELF, GOOD LUCK.
2007-11-21 15:48:45 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
You will need some tools. An allen wrench or allen wrench or allen socket( it might be bolts...depending on your vehicle) to take the 2 bolts out of the caliper and a large C clamp to squeeze the piston back in to the caliper.
Install the new brake pads and reverse installation. If the rotors need to be replaced you will have to remove the large nut that holds it to the axle.
Replacing just the brake pads should take about an hour.There is also no need to bleed the brakes unless you have had prior issues.
2007-11-21 15:42:14 · answer #3 · answered by caper007 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
i wouldn't spend any time near a car that's being held up with a jack that came with the car. by the time you spend the money for a real jack, jack stands, a manual to show you how to do your brake job, parts, etc., $280 is a bargain. and you get a warranty on the work and your hands don't get dirty.
2007-11-21 15:40:58 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
brakes are a MAJOR part of a car, as they stop you. if you have no clue about brakes.... don't even touch them. you can do more damage than good.
2007-11-21 15:39:50 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋