DIY brake service

I haven't done it yet on the xB, but just changing the pads should not be that hard. The problem comes in if you have to cut the rotors. You're still going to have to take them somewhere to be cut, so why not just take the car in and have them done, whether it is a dealer or a brake shop.

gr8scape said:

I haven't done it yet on the xB, but just changing the pads should not be that hard. The problem comes in if you have to cut the rotors. You're still going to have to take them somewhere to be cut, so why not just take the car in and have them done, whether it is a dealer or a brake shop.

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I'm in agreement, unless you just change the pads out prior to needing to turn/cut the rotors....as for me I'll take it to a brake shop when needed.

Brewski

I just swapped out my front pads to wagner thermoquiet ceramic. The stockers are supposed to be ceramic but man the wagners stop way better than the factory pads. I was not even half way down on the pad material but I did not like how it stopped.
Stainless lines are next as well as a better rotor up front.

The reason I do not like going to the brake shops is that most of them are dishonest. Last time, I took my old car, instead of telling my rotors cannot be resurfaced (it's on it's limit), they resurfaced it anyways. So what happened you ask? A few thousands down the road, after the service, my rotors started warping. So, instead of bringing it back to them, I did the service myself, replacing both the rotors and pads. It only cost me $120, thats with ceramic brake pads. Plus, I learned how to do it.

Toyo wanted to charge me $200 for front pad service. I called local brake shop, if need be they can turn rotors for 15$ each, Pads ran me 69 including brake cleaner so in the end with rotors turned I would only pay 100$ with a savings of 100 or just the 69. thats a savings of 130!!

i'm rebuilding my brake system. as i complete this project i will posted pics and info. i will try to cover everthing from brake lines to calipers to rotors. when i'm done i'll put together a DIY and members can glean whatever they feel useful.

Sometimes it is worth just replacing rotors. Depending on how much the machine shop wants to cut the rotors, it may be cost effective to just buy new ones. It is pretty simple to replace rotors.

I don't know the cost of replacement rotors for a Scion since I'm a newb with only 350 miles under my belt. So I may be out to lunch on the cost of the rotors.

Gordon

the OEM front rotors retail for $102.96 ea. and OEM rear rotors retail for $120.34 ea. that's $446.60 plus tax. dealership charges $240 +tax & shop fees turn a full set of rotors. i agree if you are paying a dealership to turn rotors you may want to consider new. but new OEM rotors will not give you anymore stopping power than properly resurfaced rotors.

you could look to the aftermarket for less $$$ but you would need to do some research. i pay $60 per set to get mine resurfaced and they are like new as long as they are within specs and the shop will let me know when they're not.