Alright guys, I need some help. I had a free brake inspection coupon from the dealership so I used it this morning. I just got a call and they are telling me I need 4 new rotors plus front shoes and rear pads and a system flush. Here's the good news... Only $1,100.00. I don't see paying that so here are my questions.

1.) What is a good price and place to buy the necessary parts to do this?
2.) What are the best ones to use? I've heard people say slotted rotors, ceramic pads. OEM pads and rotors and so on.
3.) I've never done brakes before, is this doable in my drive way and any special tools needed?

I have to tell him no pretty soon so any advice or info is greatly appreciated.

 

I am currently debating the whole pad thing but have heard good things on the Wagner rotors and they have them with limited lifetime warranty from advance auto parts, if they have them by you. Also they have a coupon code for 25% off brake orders over $100 and with the rotors being over 100 each that is a good amount of savings.

I am debating the Wagner ceramic pads with the limited lifetime warranty as well and am currently trying to find someone that has used them to get a review on them before I purchase and as a bonus if I get them with the rotors I will get the 25% off them as well taking the price form 53 down to 39 something.

If I get bad feedback on the pads will probably bite the bullet and get either hawk or EBC yellow or green stuff pads but crossing my fingers on the pads I can get for half of the others.

BTW as long as the rotors are not totally rusted to the hub full brake jobs are pretty easy with a good jack and jack stands. That being said I had one rotor on my 98 Toyota that I ended up having to cut a section out of to get it to release from the hub and had to do the same thing on the 01 escape. Just don't try using a pry bar to get the rotor off as i did that on the toyota and ended up bending the mount for the caliper and that was a BAD thing.

But anyway most of the time it is pretty easy and I am sure there is a walk through on the forums here someplace showing all the tools you need and if you do run into trouble again I am sure the peeps here can help you out of it.

thanks,

Oh and the promo code for the 25% off is "BRKX"

 

1.) What is a good price and place to buy the necessary parts to do this?

O'reilly auto parts has good, heavy duty rotors and pads that can stop our trucks well and for a long time before needing replacement. They've since stopped carrying Wagner rotors, so I'll have to point you to Advance Auto Parts.

2.) What are the best ones to use? I've heard people say slotted rotors, ceramic pads. OEM pads and rotors and so on.

I've been running wagner brakes and rotors for years now and haven't had a problem. I still to this day use the Wagner brakes and rotors and only had one incident of warping. (My fault for not tightening the hub properly) It all comes with a lifetime warranty, so while it will hurt to spend the money on this, it's the last time you'll have to.

3.) I've never done brakes before, is this doable in my drive way and any special tools needed?

It is VERY doable in the safety and comfort of your own driveway. No special tools required! I've been doing my own brakes in my driveway since the X needed it's first brake job in 2004.

The only part I find that's a pain and a little messy is removing/reinstalling the front rotor/hub assembly (if warped and needing replacement). Unlike the 4wd trucks, the hub and rotor come as one assembly and the bearings must be repacked upon removal. Other than that it's a breeze.


As far as your rotors, unless the truck shakes terribly when you brake, they may just need to be turned. Either that or they're trying to take you for a ride...

Pads front and rear won't cost much and have a lifetime warranty:

Front: Buy Wagner ThermoQuiet® Brake Pads - Front MX756 at Advance Auto Parts

Rear:
Buy Wagner ThermoQuiet® Brake Pads - Rear MX757 at Advance Auto Parts

Can't forget this stuff:
Buy Permatex Brake Lube 85188 at Advance Auto Parts

Buy CRC Brakleen® Brake Parts Cleaner 05089 at Advance Auto Parts

If the rotors aren't bad (which I doubt they would be) it shouldn't cost more than 3 bills (give or take) to git'r done.

 

Thanks for taking the time out to reply guys, this is the kind of info I needed.

 

Got the parts from AA, 101.98 - 20.00 rebate + 50.00 off next purchase. Pretty sweet deal.

 

TXtinct, you got rotors and pads and all for $101??? That is a good deal. Looks like the dealer was wanting more than taking you for a ride... should have gotten a kiss too...

 

They said that they do not give out kisses...

 

are we really going down this road again??? use the search feature there a nooumorus threads on this ... p.s. i am using the brakemotive kit on ebay $350 shipped to your house .. 4 rotors and 4 sets of pads... and there slotted and crossdrilled i have been running them for the past year and towed big loads and there still good that is as cheap as you will get

 

How do I use the search feature?

 

I reccomend not using brakes on an Ex........if you use them they will warp for sure!
Oh yeah....search is at the top somewhere