Thursday, September 22, 2011

Can I replace my brakes/rotors myself?

I have a 1999 Honda Accord and it needs new brakes and possibly rotors. I know brakes are easy to do but how about the rotors? Are any special tools needed to change or turn the rotors? I dont have a big shop or anything but do have the tools to do most repairs. Just wondering if this is a job to take somewhere or do it yourself. Thanks!Can I replace my brakes/rotors myself?
Its cheaper to get a new rotor ($20) than to have a shop lathe it for you. With the wheel and caliper off. To remove the rotor all you need to do is remove two screws in the middle of the rotor. It takes a fatheaded Phillips screwdriver.



I would rate it a 3 out of 10 on the difficulty scale.Can I replace my brakes/rotors myself?
Disc brakes are probably on of the easiest things for a do it yourselfer. If you've never done it before either buy a repair manual or have someone with experience help you. If the rotors need to be turned you can't do them yourself unless you have a brake lathe. Most auto parts stores like Autozone, O'Reilys, Carquest, NAPA, etc can turn them for you. It's pretty easy.Can I replace my brakes/rotors myself?
You can change your own brakes and rotors! For the rotors you have to have a rotor tool. It is a three pronged tool to pull the rotors off.Can I replace my brakes/rotors myself?
ya listen to them they know what there talking about, but ya take it to a repair man it will get done in no time and its not real exspensive if you already have the part. hope this helps.Can I replace my brakes/rotors myself?
Actually it is EXPENSIVE they will charge you about $50 just for changing the pads and that you can do in 30 minutes. so unless you make like 50 dollars an hour. DO IT YOURSELF IS NOT SO DIFFICULTCan I replace my brakes/rotors myself?
What I do is easy. Take the car and put jack stands under both sides and remove both tires. Now working on one side at a time remove the cal. and the rotor. OK, now put it back together in reverse. If you forgot how, to use the other side to reminder you. You should still have a repair book with you. Good wrenchingCan I replace my brakes/rotors myself?
It's is esy to change brakes and rotors DIY. To remove the old rotors you need to remove brake caliper brackets first. Once the brackets come off, the rotors should be easy to remove. There are screws that hold the rotors down, use lots of WD40 on them and use appropriate screw driver to take them out. If the rotors are hard to come off, use the screw(one you take out from rotors) to drive them out(there should be screw hole/s on the rotors). If you already have tools to do most repairs then you don't have to worry about special tools, but a torque wrench would help to tighten nuts and bolts to manufacturer's specifications.Can I replace my brakes/rotors myself?
When you pull the wheel off and there are bolts through the hub,you cannot ,without replacing the bearings,replace the rotors.They are pressed together.

I wish all the Wannabes would find another category to B/S in.

Brake Rotors?

How often do brake rotors usually need to be changed? I got a 1996 bmw sedan and i changed the brake rotors maybe 8,000-10,000 miles ago and know the brakes are starting to make some noices again so I was hoping its just the pads not the rotors also.Brake Rotors?
The rotors won't typically make the noise by themselves.



The pads will wear a lot faster than most rotors. When you have a brake job done, they typically will replace the pads and measure the rotors to see if they are still within specifications. If they are, and can be machined, they will machine the rotors. Which basically makes the rotors smooth again to give the brakes a good surface to press against.



If you let the brake pads either %26quot;bite%26quot; into the rotors by going metal to metal or even some squeal plates make a gouge in the rotors they won't be able to machine them and you'll need to get them replaced.



If you are just starting to hear noise, go get the brakes inspected before they %26quot;bite%26quot; into the rotors too deeply.Brake Rotors?
Extremely helpful but wrong. Brake rotors can absolutely cause noise and on German cars the rotors wear at the same rate as the pads. That is how they are engineered. I've replaced thousands of german brakes, I know.

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Brake Rotors?
if it squeaks every 2 seconds its the padsBrake Rotors?
Its a BMW. As is typical of European design the pads and rotors are engineered to wear out at the same time.Brake Rotors?
Rotors are ok I would have the pads inspected see how much life is left to them if you need brake pads then they will resurface the rotors. If you have drum brakes in the rear have them or you perform a clean and adjust this will help extend the life of the front pads cause they wont have to work as hard. If you have disc brakes in the rear do the same as the front. Also all rotors have a measurement to them and where you get your work done should be taking measurements of your rotors before performing any work. I hope this info is helpful.Brake Rotors?
If you do not have a pulsating feel when you apply the brakes, it isn't the rotors.



Did you change the pads yourself?

Did you use brake grease on the caliper pins when you reinstalled them? This is an overlooked item. Not greasing those pins will cause the caliper to not float freely, the brakes will bind up and make your brakes squeal.

Do you drive hard?

You may have overheated the brake pads and heat-cracked them.

The only way to check them is to take them off again and inspect the pads for heat stress cracks.Brake Rotors?
If you replaced them 10,000 miles ago they will not need to be changed.

Have the pad's changed and the rotors might have to be turned, which is where they put the rotors on a lathe and cut a clean straight surface on them. This can typically be done twice before they have to be replaced.

If when you put the brakes on the car shudders slightly this is an indication that they need turned. If there is any kind of audible noise it's most likely just the pads.Brake Rotors?
forget the other answers. The squealing is caused by %26quot;squealers%26quot;, they are attached to the brake pads and come into contact with the rotors when your brake pads become worn. Unless your steering wheel vibrates when you brake and the rotors are within a certain thickness, they should be fine.Have the pads changed by a Reputable shop, and if possible watch them do it as alot of places will rip you off.Brake Rotors?
Ever since Asbestos was outlawed for use in brake pads the industry has had to make more agressive friction material. These agressive brake pads grind the rotors at an advanced rate but 10,000 miles is too fast even for the new pads. You may need to change rotors everytime you redo the front brakes but they should last for 30,000 miles. Probably something else is making the noise but check the linings first just because it is the easiest thing to do. Then look to see if anything is gouging the rotor, and what it is. Check the wheel bearings too. If the caliper has frozen on one side it will have used up the other pad quickly. Do your home work. You will find it.Brake Rotors?
Get a micro meter and measure. Most BMW automotive books can tell you the acceptable thickness of the rotor. Generally, BMW rotors will last up 80K - 120K miles.



BMW cars have computer controlled pads wear sensors. They are located in Front Left wheel, and Rear Right wheel. So if it is a pads wear problem, your %26quot;brake lining%26quot; light would come on, telling you to replace the pads.

What do i need to do for 100k serviceing in a 00 740i?

How do i reset my check engine light?Also i am changing all my break pads,rotor also sensors,is that going to reset my check break light too?What do i need to do for 100k serviceing in a 00 740i?
Change oil and oil filter while engine is at normal operating temperature.

Reset service interval indicator.

Replace microfilters.

Check overall thickness of front and rear disc brake pads using special tool. If replacement is necessary: Examine brake disc surfaces. Clean brake pad contact points in calipers. Grease wheel centering hubs. Check thickness of parking brake linings only when replacing rear pads.

Remove and install front and rear disc brake pads, check overall thickness. Examine brake disc surfaces. Clean brake pad contact points in calipers. Grease wheel centering hubs.

Check parking brake actuation. Adjust if necessary.

Check rear axle for leaks.

Half-shafts: Check for leaks at flexible boots.

Visually check fuel tank, lines and connections for leaks.

Check condition, position, and mounting of exhaust system. Examine for leaks.

Check power steering system for leaks. Check power steering fluid level; add fluid if necessary.

Check steering for absence of play, condition of suspension track rods, front axle joints, steering linkage and joint disc.

Check overall thickness of front and rear disc brake pads using special tool. If replacement is necessary: Examine brake disk surfaces. Clean brake pad contact points in calipers. Grease wheel centering hubs. Check thickness of parking brake linings only when replacing rear brake pads.

Remove and install front and rear disc brake pads, check overall thickness. Examine brake disc surfaces. Clean brake pad contact points in calipers. Grease wheel centering hubs.

Check front control arm bushings for wear.

Check brake system connections and lines for leaks, damage and incorrect positioning.

Check parking brake actuator. Adjust if necessary.

Check all tire pressures (including spare). Correct if necessary. Check condition of tires (outer surface [left/right]), tread wear and pattern; in case of uneven tread wear, readjust wheel alignment if requested (invoice separately).

Inspect entire body according to terms of rust performation limited warranty (must be performed at least every two years).

Read out diagnostic system.

Check engine cooling system/heater hose connections for leaks. Check coolant level and antifreeze protection level.

Add coolant if required.

Check level of brake/clutch fluid in reservoir. Add fluid if required.

Check windshield washer fluid level and antifreeze protection. Fill up and/or correct if required.

Check air conditioner for operation.

Replace microfilters. (Note: reduce replacement interval in dusty operating conditions.)

Reset service interval indicator.

Check battery state-of-charge and charge if required.

Check lighting system, i.e.: headlights, foglights, parking, back-up, license plate, interior (including map reading lights), glove box, flashlight, illuminated makeup mirrors, luggage compartment/area lights.

Check instrument panel and dashboard illumination.

Check all warning/indicator lights, check control.

Check turn signals, hazard warning flashers, brake lights, horns, headlight dimmer and flasher switch.

Check wipers and washer system(s); wiper blades, washer jet positions.

Check condition and function of safety belts.

Visually examine all SRS airbag units for torn covers, obvious damage or attachment of decals, decorations or accessories.

Check central locking/double lock.

Replace batteries for alarm remote controls in all master keys.

Check operation of all latches.

Check heater/air conditioner blower, rear window defogger.

Check rear view mirrors.

Replace air cleaner element. (Note: Reduce replacement interval in dusty operating conditions).

Replace IHKA recirculated air filters.



Time / Mileage Based service as follows:



Replace brake fluid every 2 years (time interval begins from the vehicle檚 production date - Look inside driver's door to find production date label).

Replace coolant every 4 years (time interval begins from the vehicle檚 production date).

Replace Oxygen Sensor every 100,000 miles.

Replace spark plugs every 100,000 miles.What do i need to do for 100k serviceing in a 00 740i?
If you dont have the owners manual you can always call your local dealer to find out ,

How do i check for error codes on a 1992 mitsubishi diamante??

I cannot get this car to run.. I have changed the spark plugs, rotor cap, spark plug wires, fuel pump, fuel sending unit, and it still will not start.. %26lt;PLEASE HELP%26gt;How do i check for error codes on a 1992 mitsubishi diamante??
Put in a reman brain. Your capacitors have leaked and took out the board.

I wonna know if i can take my 1986 oldsmobile ninety-eight to a GM dealer to get a good tune up and about how?

much would it cost basically i wonna change the plugs plug wires,rotor cap and rotor fuel filter and oil change and . also look at all the hoses and the fan belt.I wonna know if i can take my 1986 oldsmobile ninety-eight to a GM dealer to get a good tune up and about how?
If it is a good shop, or a dealer it will be in the $400-$500 range maybe more.You pay for what you get. Make sure they use AC Delco spark plugs, not any thing else. It is a GM car put GM plugs in it. Also make sure they use premium Ignition wires and fuel filter, cap and rotor. Make sure they don't use cheap stuff from autozone or advance auto parts.I wonna know if i can take my 1986 oldsmobile ninety-eight to a GM dealer to get a good tune up and about how?
sure you can take it to them. it will cost mabye 150I wonna know if i can take my 1986 oldsmobile ninety-eight to a GM dealer to get a good tune up and about how?
Unless you have too much money in your wallet I would recomend you take your car to a reputable neibourhood garage (get recomendations from friends or your father's friends) A dealer will charge you 2-3 times more.

Go in and get written estimates that show parts and labour separtely before taking your car in. Some mechanics will let you buy your own parts and that can save you money sometimes.

In my area in Ontario I would expect to pay about: $50 for wires. Cap %26amp; Rotor $10-15. Fuel filter $2. Oil %26amp; filter $15-20.

I would guesstimate total labour at $100-$300.

Why not do the Cap and Rotor and wires yourself, it is pretty simple. Just pull off and replace one part at a time. One wire at a time so you don't get them mixed-upI wonna know if i can take my 1986 oldsmobile ninety-eight to a GM dealer to get a good tune up and about how?
sure, they will tune it for you. after all, its a gm product.
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  • How do you know when a brake rotor is bad? How do you know when they need to be turned?

    I've looked everywhere for answers to these questions. I've just changed my brake pads but am unsure how brake rotors are supposed to look or feel. What does turning them do? If a rotor isn't perfectly smooth, what effect does it have on your brakes? Thanks.How do you know when a brake rotor is bad? How do you know when they need to be turned?
    get rid of that Toyota van already, Ray!!! do you see many of these on the road? there's a reason why not......How do you know when a brake rotor is bad? How do you know when they need to be turned?
    Rotors over time wear thinner in thickness..... for each make/model there is a minimum thickness of the rotor before it is deemed unusable or unsafe..



    if the rotor isn;t perfectly smooth it will wear the brake pads abnormally or faster sicne it has to grind itself down to fit the grooves of the rotorHow do you know when a brake rotor is bad? How do you know when they need to be turned?
    If the rotor needs turned you will feel a vibration while braking.

    They are usually stamped with the minimum thickness that they should be turned to near the wheel stud area.

    I personally never turn them, and just buy new ones because the new rotors usually cost only a few more dollars than the cost to turn the old ones.How do you know when a brake rotor is bad? How do you know when they need to be turned?
    the rotors should be turned everytime the brakes are replaced so the pads break in evenly and you get full pad upon brakeing, the symptions of a bad or warped rotor is a pulsating feeling in the brake pedal when applying the brakes.How do you know when a brake rotor is bad? How do you know when they need to be turned?
    Typically a bad rotor will either be warped (high bumps in random places) or wavy (high and low spots radiating out from the center). You can use a straight edge to see how straight the rotor is in various areas to get an idea if its ok or not. But honestly with the low price of imported rotors at most parts stores, virtually no one turns rotors anymore. My friend who runs his own shop sold off his rotor resurfacer several years ago, you can't charge customers 15 bucks a rotor to turn them when new ones are 25, so you don't waste your time you just sell them the new rotor and make your money marking those up and installing them.How do you know when a brake rotor is bad? How do you know when they need to be turned?
    If your steering wheel shakes when you apply the brakes you should have them turned. If you noticed that the rotors looked as if they had grooves worn around them, you should have them turned. If you had hot spots or discoloration, it wouldn't hurt to have them turned. If you've had them turned more than once or twice and a lot of material was removed then you should consider having them replaced. The guy turning them should be able to put a set of mics on them and tell you if they are getting too thin to turn again.How do you know when a brake rotor is bad? How do you know when they need to be turned?
    i own a shop and you can look at them and see if the have grooves cut in them or odd markings on them that shouldn't be there,they should look smooth,you can also tell this by if they wobble when you put your foot on the brake pedal also,if you feel it go up and down a lot this means their warped,most of the time you can just remove the wheel and rotate the rotor a little and see if it wobbles or has deep grooves in it,if you see any of this you either need to get these turned or get new ones for it,good luck with it,i hope this helps.How do you know when a brake rotor is bad? How do you know when they need to be turned?
    a brake rotor has a musurement on each car,most of the time marked on the inside of the rotor.if you put pads on its a good idea to have thrm turned.reason is there can be high and low spots on the surface and this can cause the brakes to shakeor make the car jerk when applied.most rotors get damaged by the driving habits of the driver,if you drive fast and hit your brakes to make a quik stop,that causes the rotors to get the high spots in them.also riding the brake will cause this.if you drive regular and not alot of stopping involved,you wont have to cut the rotors too much.just enought to get the layer off the surface of the rotor from build up.How do you know when a brake rotor is bad? How do you know when they need to be turned?
    a good brake shop will take a micrometer that measures thickness and measure each rotor,then compare results to the measurements that is stamped on each rotor/hub if within limits they usually turn them and that provides a smooth surface for the brake pads -----with a un-even surface or a ridged surfaced that will cause the pads to be ridged or not wear evenlyHow do you know when a brake rotor is bad? How do you know when they need to be turned?
    the rotors make a squeeking noise and when you stop you kind of have a buzzing sound and it will harm your brakes life and its better that you change them as soon as possibly because the brake life will go out and it will get ruinedHow do you know when a brake rotor is bad? How do you know when they need to be turned?
    Your rotors can be spot checked with this trick. If you can not write a smooth line across the surface of the rotor with a regular ball-point pen; it needs to be turned if it has enough thickness to be machined. What I mean is to try to write your signature in several places on the %26quot;cleaned%26quot; rotor, without any blank spots or skipping, if you can; the rotors are smooth enough for good pad contact.



    This only works on solid faced rotors; this is Yahoo Answers after all.How do you know when a brake rotor is bad? How do you know when they need to be turned?
    the rotors should be turned every time you replace the brake pads. they should be as smooth as a babys butt on the surface that they touch the brake pads. rotors can only be turned down to a safe minimum thickness which is measured in hundredths of an inch. take them to your local parts store to have them measured and possibly turned. if you dont have them turned, the uneven ness (sp) and grooves take away from the total surface area that your brake pads touch them and your brakes will overheat. the excessive friction on the smaller surface area creates intense heat. the pads and the rotors should mate up together nice and smooth. if you dont turn them and the heat builds up the rotors will warp, or become out of round laterally causing a pulsating feeling in the brake pedal.How do you know when a brake rotor is bad? How do you know when they need to be turned?
    when your rotors are bad,you will get a pulsation in your brakes,and when you get the rotors turned,you should get even braking action,without pulsations.

    How do I turn off my traction control on my 88 IROC-Z 5.7 Liter 350?

    One more question.



    I am buying new brakes for my front end on my IROC. I am probably buying the friction performance brakes that are made of CM or carbon metallic. Do I need to change my front rotors as well or can I keep the ones I have now with the new brakes?How do I turn off my traction control on my 88 IROC-Z 5.7 Liter 350?
    Your understanding of what is happening is very, very backwards. Spinning of tires is a direct loss of traction. Traction control is there to stop traction loss and keep the tires from spinning. An 88 Camaro has no form of traction control. What you may be talking about is a limited slip differential, which distributes available power evenly. Fixing your problem is a matter of upgrading parts, tire, or driver.



    Always have the rotors resurface or replaced when replacing pads.How do I turn off my traction control on my 88 IROC-Z 5.7 Liter 350?
    ummm.. Its a 1988 camaro.. It don't have traction control. So to to turn it on or off you will need to sell the car and buy one a few years newer lol



    Your stock rotors will work with those pads, just be sure to turn rotors if any grooves are in them. Also be sure to clean rotors good with brake parts cleaner before putting your calipers back on.



    I race a 1988 camaro as well. I use auto zone's duralast brake pads due to the life time replacement. I run through 1-2 pairs a year. Just pull em off and take them back to an auto zone sorry to get them replaced for free



    Now as far as traction %26quot;control%26quot; goes.. Mine comes in the form of

    jegster adjustable torque arm

    Spohn adjustable LCAs

    Spohn LCA brackets

    Spohn adjustable panhard rod

    KYB AGX adjustable rear shocks

    Moog iroc rear springs

    Air lift drag bags in rear springs

    Worn out front struts

    Stock v-6 front springs

    Nitto 555R 275/60-15 drag radials on rear

    Detroit locker in rear (ford 9%26quot;)

    Spohn SFC

    S%26amp;W 10 point roll cage



    That gets me 1.60's 60' times pulling the front wheels about 4%26quot; off the track



    My 0-60 mph times are avg of 3.2 seconds but have pulled a few 2.9's