Need new Brakes

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Sep 25, 2003 | 03:43 PM

Jakea

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Need new Brakes

I was just told by brakes plus that I need new front rotors and pads and one boot is torn and i need new caliber sets to the tune of $485. I am definitely a rookie at fixing cars, but am willing to try to save me money. Is it too difficult a job for me to tackle? any pointers or instructions from any of you experts would really be appreciated. Remember though I am not really familiar with cars, but am eager to learn to keep my 91 4.0 2wd rolling along.

Thanks!:

Sep 25, 2003 | 08:47 PM

xrayjock

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Joined: Aug 2003

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From: North of Pittsburgh

Well I did the same brake job to my 91 AWD regular length when it failed PA inspection in May. The shop quoted me $500.00 plus 6% sales tax. I got all the parts at Advance Auto including the tax for $271.00. After I took the old calipers back I got back a core charge of $50.00 reducing the price to $221.00. This included premium bendix pads, rebuilt calipers with steel pistons, new rotors, new brake hoses, new caliper slides, and a pair of anti-rattle clips. The calipers with plastic pistons are cheaper, but I don't have any experience with them.

Look in the forum for instructions. There are plenty of posts on this subject. Also, if you are replacing the calipers then by all means get new hoses for them.

This should take you about on hour per side since you have never done it before. If you are trying to use the scrawny scissors jack that comes with the van be real careful. At a minimum use a jack stand. Since you are saving at least $200 buy a hydraulic floor jack for about $30. They last practically forever and will save you lots of time.

Sep 26, 2003 | 07:25 AM

agelder

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Joined: Apr 2003

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From: Acworth, GA

Now, I don't have an AWD, but replacing the rotors on my shortie was pretty easy (and while you're in there, repack the bearings). I wholeheartedly agree on the floor jack, I don't trust that POS scissor thing the van comes with. Loosen the wheel lugs, jack up the front as high as you can, drop stands under the frame & chocks under the back wheels. Pull the front wheels, remove the dust cap, cotter pin, then nut. The hardest part was getting out the caliper pins. That took some work with a hammer and punch, but was not all that complex. Good luck, use a torque wrench, and test in an empty parking lot

Sep 26, 2003 | 09:40 AM

aerocolorado

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Joined: Apr 2001

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The AWD rotors are separate from the bearing hub and are a piece of cake to replace - slide off, slide on - that easy. No bearing to pack on the AWD, they are permanently sealed.

Brake work is an excellent place to begin learning how to maintain your Aerostar. All the pieces fit just one way and it is really hard to screw things up. Have some extra brake fluid on hand to bleed the lines afterwards.

You'll save lots of money and have the sense of pride and satisfaction of a job well done.

Sep 26, 2003 | 11:56 AM

Jakea

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Need New Brakes

Thanks everyone, I will try to tackle this weekend. I will let you know how It went.

Oct 6, 2003 | 05:58 PM

Jakea

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Need new Brakes

Thanks everyone for your input, I did my brakes with the help of a neighbor and yes the toughest part was getting the Calliper pins out. But I fixed the front brakes for a whopping $57.00, instead of $485. Whew!! You guys have saved me once again!