Dealer price expensive?

[BCKGUY]

So I either need new rotors or they just need resurfaced. So I called the local toyota dealership and they quoted me $280.00 plus tax to resurface rotors and new brake pads all around. Now, I'm not sure I even need pads, so that might be out of the question. I have an 04 SR5 with about 53,000 miles on it. What do u guys think? Is that expensive for a resurface and new pads or cheap? Should I just get new rotors or have them resurface the current ones? I'm somewhat mechanically inclined, so if it would be a lot cheaper for me to just replace them with new ones myself, than i'll go that route. I just havent priced it yet. Thanks for the input......

bckguy

 

[Jeff Kleb]

That sounds a bit on the high side, but not outrageous for a "stealership" price. Some other shop (Midas, Tuffy, Meineke, etc.) may be able to do it for less, but you might not be getting OEM parts.

If they replace all of your brake pads (4-wheel disc brakes, of course -- no shoes unless you had drum brakes), resurface / turn / machine all four of your rotors and re-pack your wheel bearings, $280 would not be a very bad price. Provided they do it properly, the peace of mind might be worth $20 or $30. Your call, sir.
:girl:

Are you sure that you even need brakes yet? 45k is a bit on the low side, but maybe you do a lot of "urban" driving. When I turned in my 4Runner with 33,000 miles, the brakes still had well over half of the lining remaining - even in the front.

I suggest getting a second opinion. Good luck!!
:bigok:


P.S. I got 78,000 miles from the OEM front brakes on my '02 Sentra, but I had to get brand-new rotors when the first set of pads were replaced. Hopefully, the ones on the 4Runner are a bit thicker.

 

[<<<<]

Odd that 2004 needs new rotors. But if you have to have them redone - just get new ones. Those are piece of cake to install. For little over $280.00 you'll get new rotors+pads from Autozone.

 

[cknsls@adelphia]

Brakes

Would suggest going with Brembo rotors and OEM pads.

Try Tirerack.com for the rotors.

 

[BCKGUY]

I wasnt told that i need new rotors by anybody, I'm just assuming that's the issue because I get a steady vibration when braking and only when braking. And I'm 99% sure it's the rotors, not the alignment or anything like that. Now brake pads on the other hand could be in great shape. So maybe it's just rotors that I need. I'm just trying to get some ideas and input...thanks again, I appreciate all the knowledge and suggestions. I'm leaning more towards doing it myself. Know I just have to find the time!

Josh

 

[cknsls@adelphia]

I wasnt told that i need new rotors by anybody, I'm just assuming that's the issue because I get a steady vibration when braking and only when braking. And I'm 99% sure it's the rotors, not the alignment or anything like that. Now brake pads on the other hand could be in great shape. So maybe it's just rotors that I need. I'm just trying to get some ideas and input...thanks again, I appreciate all the knowledge and suggestions. I'm leaning more towards doing it myself. Know I just have to find the time!

Josh

It's the rotors with what you are saying. If you turn the rotors, in a short time the same thing will happen. Buy new ones.

 

[wolfgang]

If you can take them off - rotors can be turned for about $15-20 each. If only a little had to be removed to make them true that they will most likeley go another 50k miles. If those are original pads in the front - I'd replace them. I prefer genuine Yota brake parts. Aftermarket pads invaritably squeal and I've bought cheap rotors that had spots that turned blue from poor quality steel. Even turned OEM rotors are better than new rotors that are MADE IN INDIA or CHINA. There are places that can trurn the rotors on the car - but not sure if they are easy to find or the cost.

 

[greasefingers]

I have rotors turned all the time. They can be turned several times before the thickness is at a specified minimum (contrary to popular belief) The Factory service states a minimum but I can not remember it right now.

Having said that, I love Brembo steel (if you have the larger Sport rotors than you are sh_t out of luck) as Tirerack has them on back-order indefinitely.

The first thing to do is make sure that one of the 4 pistons is not seized.

 

[CJ3Flyr]

I prefer genuine Yota brake parts. Aftermarket pads invaritably squeal and I've bought cheap rotors that had spots that turned blue from poor quality steel. Even turned OEM rotors are better than new rotors that are MADE IN INDIA or CHINA.

:iagree: I agree 100%. I have had good luck with Brembos as cknsls@adelphia & Greasefingers mentioned. Another good one seems to be the Gold Series Napa rotors. Either one of those and factory pads would be my choice.
:cheers: