Brake Pad Replacement
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New User
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 5
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Brake Pad Replacement
I have a 1999 Ford Ranger XLT 4X4. I started to hear the high pitch squeal of, i assume, is the brake pad indicators. I took it to a place that had a free brake diagnostic and they told me I needed front brake pads and rotors. They also suggested cleaning and flushing the rest of the brake system. All for $447. If I only did the pads and rotors it would be $340. Does this sound right? I did not expect it to be so much.
The guy at the shop told me that I had at least 1000 miles left on the brake pads which made me wonder if the rotors were bad enough to replace. I may be mistaken but I thought that the rotors got bad when you ran all the way through the pads and did not replace soon enough.
I had been considering replacing the brake pads myself. I would consider myself pretty mechanically inclinded but have little to no experience with this. My first question is, How would I know if I REALLY need to replace the rotors? And if I don't, should I attempt to replace the pads myself? If the rotors are a little off/warped and I just replaced the pads what would happen?
Any advice or help on this would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks
The guy at the shop told me that I had at least 1000 miles left on the brake pads which made me wonder if the rotors were bad enough to replace. I may be mistaken but I thought that the rotors got bad when you ran all the way through the pads and did not replace soon enough.
I had been considering replacing the brake pads myself. I would consider myself pretty mechanically inclinded but have little to no experience with this. My first question is, How would I know if I REALLY need to replace the rotors? And if I don't, should I attempt to replace the pads myself? If the rotors are a little off/warped and I just replaced the pads what would happen?
Any advice or help on this would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks
Senior User
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 270
Likes: 1
From: tampa bay area
Brake Pad Replacement
You can do this job yourself for about $35. Changing the front pads is cake. The only way to know for sure if the rotors need to be replaced is to measure them on a micrometer. Most likely you can get away with having them surfaced. Many auto shops and some auto parts stores can do this for you. I think I paid $8 per rotor the last time I did it.
There are just a couple of tricks such as resetting the caliper piston. Grab a Chilton's and a cold drink and have at it.
The mechanic wants to A) make money off of you and B) do the job so that there is little chance of you coming back under warranty.
There are just a couple of tricks such as resetting the caliper piston. Grab a Chilton's and a cold drink and have at it.
The mechanic wants to A) make money off of you and B) do the job so that there is little chance of you coming back under warranty.
Freshman User
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 30
Likes: 0
From: WI
Brake Pad Replacement
I agree. I changed my front pads for about $30. At worst the rotors may need to be resurfaced but not replaced. It's not that hard of a job to do, but it helps to have someone or something to help push back the calipers.
Senior User
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 159
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From: Kentucky
Brake Pad Replacement
I use the handle of a small adjustable wrench and a large C-clamp to push the caliper piston back. I lay the flat handle across the piston and apply the clamp to the flat handle. As I tighten the clamp the piston goes in very easily. This guy is trying to rip you off.
Logistics Pro
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 4,410
Likes: 1,015
From: Central KY
Brake Pad Replacement
raj....BE CAREFUL! 1998 - mid 2000 Rangers have a PVH system (Pulse-Vacuum Hublocks). These hubs are known to squeal and make terrible noises commonly. Mine did the same thing. The reason why is the seals go bad in the hubs over time, allowing water to get in. The result is a squealing noise similar to worn brakes.
If you took your truck to a shop, and they could tell you didn't know what the problem was, they might just tell you "yeah it is the brakes" and charge you a lot of $$$ to replace the brakes.
One way to tell...is can you still hear any squealing? When you switch from 4-high to 2-high does your truck make any squealing noises?
Not trying to make you paranoid...just don't want to see anyone get taken advantage of. Hopefully the new brakes did solve your problem.
If you took your truck to a shop, and they could tell you didn't know what the problem was, they might just tell you "yeah it is the brakes" and charge you a lot of $$$ to replace the brakes.
One way to tell...is can you still hear any squealing? When you switch from 4-high to 2-high does your truck make any squealing noises?
Not trying to make you paranoid...just don't want to see anyone get taken advantage of. Hopefully the new brakes did solve your problem.
