Advice...? Off Topic?

[Zamdrist]

What could possibly be off topic here anyways?

I feel foolish asking this question anywhere else. You see, I'm not an especially mechanical guy and I'm having a crisis with my 96 Honda Accord. The rear brakes are going out. I took the car to the dealership and got a free estimate (big surprise right?)

They suggested one of two course of actions:

1. For $323 they can resurface the brakes/rotors

2. For $500+ they can just replace the rotors

My question, how long can I reasonbly go on these failing rear brakes? If I can wait until the end of January I'll have the money to replace the rotors (I'm assuming that's a better long term solution?)

The reason I know they need work (besides the inspection from the dealership) is that when I come to a stop and use my brakes there is a very distinct 'scraping' noise coming from behind me, sounds like I'm dragging a rusty muffler or something, which I'm not.

Thoughts? Advice? Appreciate it...

Zamdrist

 

[MissTaken]

Scraping is a bad sign and you need to get it taken care of right away.

I don't suppose there was the occasional squeaking sound before?

Well, I would do whatever you can afford.

Is it possible the rotors could be turned and make it okay> Even so you need pads or shoes or whatever.

I am no mechanic!

 

[MissTaken]

AFter thought...

I try to stay away from dealerships for my service. They are way too pricey.

Do you know another garage?
You may be surprised to find out how little they may charge by comparison.

 

[Guest]

 

[Zamdrist]

Thanks MissTaken...

Clarification...the car stops just fine and I was told the front brakes are good.

 

[erosman]

Zam, I'd just replace the linings yourself. The new linings will 'wear' in to the worn rotors. Brake jobs have a lot of liability attached to them, so shops have to take a tough stance. New linings will get you by until the end of Jan, and then you can redo the whole lot. Just my two cents.

 

[Zamdrist]

Thanks Emerald_eyed...

Like Maaco or somewhere would be cheaper I suppose.

I drive the car very little actually, just five minutes to the Mall of America and ride the bus to work, so it doesn't see a lot of milage, certainly not during the week.

 

[Azwed]

That sounds really really pricey even for honda parts which are a little expensive.

Are you sure the rear brakes or rotor/calipers and not drums/shoes?

Replacing calipers is easier then replacing drums and should not cost nearly that much. You could probably even do it yourself if it is just replacing the back rotors and no work needs to be done to the calipers.

I would rate it as a 4 or so beer job.

 

[Zamdrist]

Thanks but I doubt I have the capability, tools/equipment or knowledge to do that.

Zam, I'd just replace the linings yourself. The new linings will 'wear' in to the worn rotors. Brake jobs have a lot of liability attached to them, so shops have to take a tough stance. New linings will get you by until the end of Jan, and then you can redo the whole lot. Just my two cents.

 

[erosman]

Like Azwed suggests, they are probably rotors with pads. At most a 4 beer event. Don't sell yourself short. Ask a neighbor for help. It's not rocket science.

 

[Zamdrist]

Are you sure the rear brakes or rotor/calipers and not drums/shoes?

The estimate says: "Worn rear brakes and rotors."

 

[Guest]

Re: Thanks Emerald_eyed...

 

[Guest]

 

[Zamdrist]

Like Azwed suggests, they are probably rotors with pads. At most a 4 beer event. Don't sell yourself short. Ask a neighbor for help. It's not rocket science.

Good thought...I'll ask someone at work for help.

Thanks!

 

[Zamdrist]

HUGE SUGGESTION
get a Spring tool To help with the springs

that will save a lot of cursing

Spring tool...and when I'm at the auto parts store and ask for that, and they look at me like I'm a complete fucking idiot, what shall I say next?

 

[erosman]

Tell them EE suggested that you have one

Then of course, they'll ask who EE is, and well, it could really be entertaining.

 

[Guest]

 

[Zamdrist]

LOL...

Just tell me I'm not going to 'total' the car or create a bigger problem by driving it for a month or so...sparingly.

 

[Guest]

 

[Azwed]

Zam i could probably walk you through all you need to do but I can't be right there so that makes it harder. What would be easier is to get the book for you car. Go to the local library and find the Haynes or chilton book for you car. Try and get the Haynes since they are better books. Go find the section that has to do with rear brake replacement and then photocopy it.

That should tell you everything you need to know and any terms or procedures you can't figure out someone here will be able to.

I know several people here(WH, STG, LC, off the top of my head) have good mechanicle experience and any one of them could help probably help you out.

 

[erosman]

Zam, your car probably has rotors and pads, but it doesn't really matter. The brake pads have rivets and when the material is sufficiently worn, the rivets contact the rotor when you brake - metal to metal - hence the grinding sound. It is possible that you could get by without doing anything. But, if you buy new pads, or shoes as the case may be, you can just replace those for now. It isn't that difficult. Ask your friends. Ask your friend's friends. Hell, stop by, and I'll help you myself. You could possibly get by. ASK AROUND FOR HELP.

 

[Zamdrist]

Ok...ok...

I do have ratchets and sockets of all sizes. But I don't have anything to lift the back end up with (Other than the tire jack that comes with the car I suppose) Would I need to? Which tools might I likely need? Thanks...

 

[glamorilla]

i hav no idea what this thread is about~just wanted to say happy holidays zammy!



good to see you.

 

[erosman]

some of what you wrote there, scares me, Zam

The car jack will be enough. Yes, you will need to remove the wheels/tires. Where do you live, Zam? Ask your neighbor. Like you mentioned, ask at work. I have a friend whose colleagues from work pool their time and talents and fix everything on each other's cars. Network.

 

[Zamdrist]

i hav no idea what this thread is about~just wanted to say happy holidays zammy!



good to see you.

Thanks Glam, you too!