I have a 2001 Dodge Stratus. The mechanic of this new garage I just used told me I needed to replace my back brake pads and rotors in about 2000 miles. My car has NEVER been to the point where there was metal on metal. Why would you need to replace rotors if they have never been given the opportunity to be damaged?
2007-12-10 10:22:39 · 9 answers · asked by Sarah 2 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
Excuse me....Why would I need NEW rotors. My fingers are not working with my brain tonight. lol
2007-12-10 10:23:38 · update #1
Most brake shops will quote new rotors when replacing pads so that the pads have a good (true) surface to bed to. If your rotors are in reasonably good condition you can have them turned (around $6 each) provided they have minimal thickness or better after turning. (A shop that does this would have the specs)
2007-12-10 10:46:09 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
$800 for a brake job is way too much. I never go to the "stealership" unless I need parts that I can't get from anywhere else. You don't need to replace pads and rotors simultaneously. I've never heard of anyone resurfacing calipers. The pads will ware down faster than the rotors. As long as the rotors aren't cracked, warped, or damaged, there really isn't any reason to replace them. (The price difference between resurfacing and buying new rotors are very minimal, so just buy new rotors) Once you hear a squeaking noise when you apply the brakes, that's when you'll know you need to get new brake pads. (There's a metal bar that comes in contact with the rotor which causes the noise) Oil changes should be done every 3 months or 3000 - 5000 miles, or which ever comes first.
2016-05-22 22:22:10 · answer #2 · answered by ? 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
rotors do wear and they don't give a lot of room for wear on new ones. It is also often not much more money to replace as opposed to turning rotors.
Also if the rotors are rusty the pits in the rotor will be deeper then it is possible to turn. Since the us started importing parts made from cheap recycled metal rotors rust worse then ever before
2007-12-10 10:47:57 · answer #3 · answered by unaturalyaspirated 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Sounds like someone is trying to make a little extra money. Take a look at the rotors. If they aren't damaged or bent, (which they probably aren't) you don't need to replace them. If the rotors were bent, you would feel it in the brake pedal. I wouldn't trust the guy who fed you this line too much. You're right to be suspicious. How in the world would he know the pads will be worn out in 2000 miles? Brake pad wear is not dependent on mileage.
2007-12-10 10:59:50 · answer #4 · answered by Jay 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Rotors fail for many reasons, not just pad failure.
Also this may not be the first time the pads have been replaced.
I do my own work, and I find it cheaper (also faster) to just slap new rotors on anyway. But I don't have to pay full retail for the parts.
This mechanic knows this too, and he can get more money for doing the job in a way that returns him more money.
Take it to another shop for an estimate, this guy may not be in business too long if he is just trying to get a fat wallet quick.
2007-12-10 10:57:28 · answer #5 · answered by teamepler@verizon.net 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Rotors can still be worn and uneven from regular use, even without metal on metal...putting fresh pads on uneven rotors causes poor braking and rapid pad wear. See if the original rotors can be machined first and if not, it's up to you to determine whether to take a chance on replacing them or not. Rear brakes are not as critical as fronts which do most of the braking.
2007-12-10 10:37:15 · answer #6 · answered by paul h 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
They could be warped and causing pedal pulsing. Or they could be too thin to be safely turned when they do the brake job - most brake shops have to turn rotors for insurance laibility purposes.
2007-12-12 05:10:34 · answer #7 · answered by Raleigh Guy 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
sometime rotors could be worn out without the pads being worn out but if yout not sure take it to a few shops and see what they say to make sure
2007-12-10 12:34:42 · answer #8 · answered by green_hornet1957 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
they may be warped or just too thin, however the rear brakes do so little work i wouldn't worry about it and i would just get the pads replaced. see if you can find a friend to help, buy the manual, and try to muddle thru it yourself, its not really that hard and would save you alot of money. please don't forget to pump up your brakes b4 you drive away
2007-12-10 10:47:54 · answer #9 · answered by thomas r 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋