How expensive is brake pad replacement?

white1864 · Post by **white1864** » 15 Nov 2009, 18:38

Hi everyone? How expensive is replacing the brake pads? Would you recommend changing every one of them or some of them? Thanks for your input.

Post by **polskamafia mjl** » 15 Nov 2009, 18:56

I would recommend doing at least the front ones. You have to do pad replacement in pairs, i.e. front brakes or rear brakes. You cannot just replace the pads on 1 wheel or on only 1 side of the car. Hopefully you are doing this yourself =] so the pads should be no more than 40 dollars depending on what you get.

mister_merl · Post by **mister_merl** » 07 Dec 2009, 19:06

Do you have to change the rotors when you change the pads?
I have a 2001 V70 and the brake warning light came on. The mechanics said it was down to 10% and need to change them soon as well as the rotors because they're made of softer metals than American cars. He gave me a quote of $500 and some dollars for this. This seemed way to expensive to me.

J5T · Post by **J5T** » 09 Dec 2009, 22:11

mister_merl wrote:Do you have to change the rotors when you change the pads?
I have a 2001 V70 and the brake warning light came on. The mechanics said it was down to 10% and need to change them soon as well as the rotors because they're made of softer metals than American cars. He gave me a quote of $500 and some dollars for this. This seemed way to expensive to me.

Did you try topping off the brake oil to make the warning light go out?

Post by **polskamafia mjl** » 11 Dec 2009, 00:20

First check the master cylinder and see what the level of the brake fluid is. If it is low then add more fluid and that should take care of your light. Rotos usually go through 2-3 sets of pads before they need to be replaced. Once again, brake jobs are great DIY jobs for a first time project, so I would suggest replacing the pads and your rotors yourself. Rotors themselves are only around $200 for a set of four and labor is free if you DIY.