Procrastinating on a typical brake job could result in having to purchase not only new brake pads but new brake rotors, which can range from $50 to $250 per wheel. Even if normal wear dictates rotor replacement, preemptive maintenance can help save needless repair costs in the future. Here are some general tips for taking care of your brakes:
• Invest in top-quality brake pads.
• If any rotors are marginal for continued service after refinishing (too thin or very close to the minimum thickness specification), have them replaced. Your technician should be able to compare the specification dimensions and the rotors’ actual thickness upon request. If you own an older vehicle equipped with Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) rotors, be prepared to replace them.
• Have the brake calipers inspected to ensure any moving parts (such as slides and bleeder screws) haven’t corroded or frozen up.
• Don’t always take the lowest quoted price for your brake job. A low price quote could mean you’re not getting the complete brake system serviced. Beyond basic brake pads and rotor replacement or resurfacing, ask for quotations on expanded parts and services.
• If your brake hydraulic system has never been flushed, have it serviced to remove moisture and impurities from the reservoir, lines, calipers and wheel cylinders.
• Have rubber-type flex brake hoses replaced when they’re hard, cracked or simply old.
• When your rotors are being resurfaced for reuse, request an inspection of the wheel bearings. For rear-wheel drive cars and trucks, have the seals replaced and the front wheel bearings inspected and repacked with new grease.
• For drum brake applications, ask to have a new brake hardware kit installed when the brake shoes are replaced and the drums are refinished. Your technician should ensure that each assembly’s wheel cylinder pistons, starwheel adjuster and bleeder screw aren’t sticking or seized.
• Have your emergency brake assembly tested periodically.
When shopping around for a mechanic to service your brakes, it’s important to ensure the company has the latest diagnostic and repair equipment. “It used to be that any competent mechanic could order a part and just install it in the car,” says Rob Service, owner of Central Automotive Service Center in Walnut Creek. “But now, all the parts have electronic sensors on them, so if the shop doesn’t have the equipment to handle modern electronics, you’re taking a real risk.”
