Replacing Brake Pads and Rotors

Brake Pad

Disc Brakes parts include a disc or rotor, disc brake pad, caliper assembly, and the wheel hardware necessary to accommodate the mounting of the components.  We didn't mention brake shoes because they are much less commonly used now as they are the friction base for drum brakes.  The caliper connects to the master cylinder through hoses and valves that drive the the brake fluid through the braking system.  

Eventually brakes wear out, typically after 30,000 kilometers but all cars and SUV's vary depending on weight, driving habits and other factors.  Taking care to have your brakes checked on a timely basis can keep the cost of brake maintenance down.  If you leave brake pad replacement for too long for example,  the chance of causing damage to the rotors increases and can add costs.  

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​Brakes and Rotors Cost to Replace

The cost to replace brakes is dependent on whether both pads and rotors are needed and the quality of the parts.  We recommend the highest quality parts but there can be many reasons to go with less expensive ones, maybe you are only keeping the car a short time.  We find the average cost is between $400 and $600 for 4 wheels. 

Things to Look Out For With Your Brakes

• ​You may hear noises such as scraping or grinding from the brakes when stopping.
• Brake fluid should not have more than 200 ppm of copper content.  We check and replace if necessary.
• Ever felt your brakes feeling soft or spongy when applying pressure?  They need service.
• Sometimes you may feel a vibration or shake when applying brakes, rotor or disc may be warped.
• Vehicle may pull to one side as brakes applied.
• Brake fluid level in master cylinder may low and should be checked professionally.
• Brake system Warning Lamp stays illuminated
• Sometimes there is a sense that your car is taking longer to stop or you are needing to apply more pressure than normal.

Ever Wonder How Long It Takes To Stop A Car?