Do I really need new brake rotors?
10-06-2006, 09:31 AM
#1
Junior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: May 2000
Posts: 664
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Do I really need new brake rotors?
I got new front pads and rotors on my brakes, probably about 30-40k miles ago. My car now has 85k miles on it.
A few days ago, the brake wear light came on. I took it to the shop and they tell me that I need new front pads and rotors, the total with labor will be $510 ($113 for the front pads, $82 to install, $249 for the front rotors, $48 to install, plus tax).
It seems like I just had this all done. I understand that the pads are worn but is it typical to need new rotors so quickly?? Could I get away with just changing the pads? I wasn't expecting to have to spend so much money.
A few days ago, the brake wear light came on. I took it to the shop and they tell me that I need new front pads and rotors, the total with labor will be $510 ($113 for the front pads, $82 to install, $249 for the front rotors, $48 to install, plus tax).
It seems like I just had this all done. I understand that the pads are worn but is it typical to need new rotors so quickly?? Could I get away with just changing the pads? I wasn't expecting to have to spend so much money.
10-06-2006, 09:38 AM
#2
Member
Join Date: Dec 2003
Posts: 3,035
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Part prices are twice what they should be. Labor about 50% to much. Rotors replacement will depend
on the thickness. Possible that they are worn at that mileage. Just saving on the parts will make it not so bad.<ul><li><a href="http://www.ttstuff.com/performance_brake.php">Get your brake parts here.</a></li></ul>
10-06-2006, 10:25 AM
#4
Junior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: May 2000
Posts: 664
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I just called them again...
The prices do seem expensive, especially the parts cost for the rotors which is twice what it should be. Their labor rate is $80/hour which seems to be typical for around here.
It makes sense that the pads are worn after 40k miles, but worn rotors after only 40k seems a bit unusual even though I do a lot of city driving. I asked them if they could just replace the pads for me and I would get the rotors done later. They gave me a hard time and said that the rotors were worn so that the edge of rotor formed a sharp edge that was cutting into the pads and would quickly ruin any new pads that I put in. I asked them if they could file the edge down or something and they said the rotors were too worn.
I told them to forget about it and I'd bring the car back next week. I'm not going to. I'm going to get a second opinion, and if the rotors do in fact need replacing I'll buy the parts myself (at half the price) and take it to somewhere with a cheaper labor rate. How long is a reasonable labor estimte for front rotors and pads? One hour? Two?
Is it possible I could do this myself, or do you need special tools to change brake pads/rotors. I have the bentley repair manual but it's at home so I haven't looked at it yet.
It makes sense that the pads are worn after 40k miles, but worn rotors after only 40k seems a bit unusual even though I do a lot of city driving. I asked them if they could just replace the pads for me and I would get the rotors done later. They gave me a hard time and said that the rotors were worn so that the edge of rotor formed a sharp edge that was cutting into the pads and would quickly ruin any new pads that I put in. I asked them if they could file the edge down or something and they said the rotors were too worn.
I told them to forget about it and I'd bring the car back next week. I'm not going to. I'm going to get a second opinion, and if the rotors do in fact need replacing I'll buy the parts myself (at half the price) and take it to somewhere with a cheaper labor rate. How long is a reasonable labor estimte for front rotors and pads? One hour? Two?
Is it possible I could do this myself, or do you need special tools to change brake pads/rotors. I have the bentley repair manual but it's at home so I haven't looked at it yet.
10-06-2006, 10:30 AM
#5
Audi rotors are not the greatest. I've seen the dealer change them at 20K miles under warranty
it really depends on your driving.
your rotors may be bad.
did you have them measured?
your rotors may be bad.
did you have them measured?
10-06-2006, 10:43 AM
#7
Junior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: May 2000
Posts: 664
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
no, I didn't even know about that you could measure them
It makes sense. I'd like some kind of quantitative answer rather then them telling me "they look too thin" and me saying, "well they look find to me." When I take it somewhere else next week, I'll ask them to be measured.
