Brakes question

JohnWiggy

JohnWiggy

New member
Dropped the runner off this morning to get the brakes checked out at local auto repair place. When I was in there I just asked to see how much they would charge for labor only to put in a halfshaft. I said I'll probably just do it myself, already have parts, but if the price is right... "Oh that is really labor intensive" they said. They wanted like 300 plus per side! Said no obviously but now I'm worried about my brakes. The dealer last summer said to have them checked next time I bring it in somewhere and they have been squeking pretty annoyingly.

Just wondering what questions should I ask this place if they want to sell me new rotors or god knows what else. Could someone give me price range for turning/ pads/ labor vs needing new rotors in addition? At what price should I say nevermind cuz the diagnosis is free?
 
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Replacing the pads/rotor is a really simple job - if you can do one, you can do the other. To change either, the caliper has to be removed and it's only 2 bolts... re-install probably requires some bleeding of the brakes too. All very simple stuff. An hour of labor should be all it takes, imho.

What exactly is the problem with your brakes?
 
Thanks for reply. Just didn't feel safe doing brakes cuz I never have before. They aren't vibrating or anything coming from higher speeds but they seem soft and are squeaking. So I'm hoping/ thinking just pads but afraid now they are going to try and get me to do more even if it's not neccessary.
 
Well... they listed like a million things that need done. Including something that was done by dealer (spark plugs and wires) like 8 months ago.. ?? Rack and pinion, radiator hose, all three belts.. etc. Said not now.

But the brakes they are doing for $213. Something about a "kit" for the back brakes cuz they are wearing uneven, pads and pads for front and turning rotors. Didn't seem too bad. Opinions?
 
Agreed, try to get another shop. When I first got our Limited years ago, I frequented a local mechanic who did good work at reasonable rates. Then suddenly everything seemed to be wrong with our five year old 4Runner, in particular, work that he had done only six months earlier.

After one of his "helpers" told me that our brakes were shot and unsafe, when they still had 40% or so wear left, I never darkened his doorstep again. He is still in business, though I don't know how.
 
Front and rear pads for $213 is ehhh. But if that's including rotors, not too shabby. But that means they are putting the cheapest stuff on possible.
 
Do the pads your self man. It's very easy, and not labor intensive at all.

You don't have to remove the calipers, unless you're also going to replace the rotors. It will literally take you less than an hour the first time, about 30 minutes the second time.
 
Yeah I guess I just need to learn to do this stuff on my own more...
We have this place that the fam has gone to for many years.. think they do good work but can't get out of there for under 1000's bucks it seems so I tried this other place. Sun Devil Auto for any of the local folks. Pretty annoyed so far but I guess we'll see how the brakes feel...

Thanks for replies.
 
PM user "The Kid" he's in my friends list. He made changing the brake pads and half shafts look like something my Scottish Terrier could do. I am sure he could offer some stellar guidance.
 
A.Wilson013 said:
PM user "The Kid" he's in my friends list. He made changing the brake pads and half shafts look like something my Scottish Terrier could do. I am sure he could offer some stellar guidance.
Click to expand...

Cool man will do. Been learning how to swap out halfshafts form 4x4 wire.. gonna tackle this weekend hopefully. Eventually I need to learn brakes but don't have the time right now... tundra brakes when I do!
 
i would take the calipers off just don't undo the brake line, they this way you can inspect then and make sure they are retracting properly, You can also clean the bracket and the hardware kit as well as grease the slides to make sure you get better even wear on both the inner and outer pad. You also want to resurface the rotors so you don't get vibration from putting new pads on grooved or warped rotors. Pay a little more and do it right .
 
brakes

Iam in no way mechanical and I pulled my tires and pads lubed everything and put everything back together in under 2hours last night. Just get a good manual from NAPA or somewhere similar. If you can read the manual you can do the breaks. To do the tundra break mod a friend with some experience can help.Good luck!!
 
$213 isnt too bad! the dealership I work at, we charge $189 (give or take a few dollars) and that includes (using front for example) turning the rotors, replacing the pads, and lubricating the slides and shims. if the shop quoted you $213 for front and rear, I would be leary as to whether that includes everything suching as turning the front rotors and also turning the rear drums
 
JohnWiggy said:
Something about a "kit" for the back brakes cuz they are wearing uneven,
Click to expand...

How do they know the rear brakes are wearing uneven? Did they open it up and inspect the shoes? I'd ask how they know about the rears...that is, if I even went back to that shop at all.

I'd tackle the front on my own. Changing pads is suuuuuuuper easy. If you need to change rotors, that's only suuper easy.
 
tattooedblade said:
i would take the calipers off just don't undo the brake line, they this way you can inspect then and make sure they are retracting properly, You can also clean the bracket and the hardware kit as well as grease the slides to make sure you get better even wear on both the inner and outer pad. You also want to resurface the rotors so you don't get vibration from putting new pads on grooved or warped rotors. Pay a little more and do it right .
Click to expand...

For people that have a ton of rust, this is easier said than done.

However, once you get the clip off for the rubber brake line, you should be good to go. (The brake line that goes to the caliper is solid, for those that don't know.)
 
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