miguelwhitney

Hi, I called a mechanic and they told me it would cost me $400 to replace the rear break pads and rotors, is this too much? how much should it cost? I don't have much money right now, kinda bad time for me financially so I would appreciate and input you guys might have.

USAsOnlyWay

Rockauto.com
Rear pads:
Raybestos PG plus: 46

Rear Rotors:
Raybestos 26ea

Caliper bolts you are supposed to replace:
6.52 for 2

So what like:
116.00 for stockish parts.
Now, if you have a jack and a some simple hand tools you can do this yourself.
I don't know how labor goes but there is an idea on parts prices.
Good luck.

onedef92

I would buy the parts and see if you can find a Forum member in your area to help you with the job.

That's how I did my brakes last fall and all it cost me was a case of beer!

IBEAM700

For 400.00 dollars you can buy the parts, helms manual, beer, tools, and still have money left over.
This is a basic/simple repair. Read the Service manual and dive into it.

rocco16

Brake rotors and pads are the easiest maintenance item you'll find on your Corvette. Even easier (but takes a little longer) than changing oil/filter. Get the GM manual from Helms, Inc. a torque wrench, and go for it.
Oh, yeah, $400 for ALL FOUR might be semi-acceptable, but not when it's so easy to do....
Larry

Fick

Sounds like something I might try also. What about other things that need to done/checked in the brake system? Are rotors and pads all that needs to be done? What about Calipers, Master cylinder, Fluid, when I get in there I won't know what to look for. Should rotors always be replaced? On other cars I've had them turned.

Anything special that needs to be done if I switch to ceramic pads?

90 Corvette ZR-1

That's almost more then I am paying for my SS lines and GS calipers.

runner140*

Even I replace my pads and rotors. The Haynes manual gives details and photo on how to do the job. Have patients, don't rush the job. You can do it yourself and when you do you will have a great feeling of getting it done correctly and by yourself.

1quik91

Buy the materials and do it yourself, not a tough job. Just because I've never done something didn't ever stop me, that's how you learn. Get a Corvette manual, you will always use it.

Vetterin

Not that the rotors are expensive, but are you sure they even have to be replaced? Have them checked out and you just might be able to save another 1/2 a hundred.

Jet-Jock

I agree with the others this has to be one of the easiest jobs to do on the C4.

You don't need to bleed the brakes and you don't need to replace rotors unless they are cracked.

Your under a $100. for materials.

Loosen the lug nuts, jack up the rear wheel, remove wheel, crawl under from the rear and remove the bolt. Lift up on the caliper and lift out the pad. Insert new pad, install new bolt put wheel back on lower car, torque wheel lugs. Take it for a ride around the neighborhood and bed the pads by doing 20 stops from 30 mph.

drvn2fast

$400....did my own for a lot less than that. do you have acess to an area where you can do your own??? if you do i recommend that you do it yourself. very easy job. good luck dude

ravenlunatic

DIY and put the money you save towards a nice nice mod as a Christmas present for your car, she'll appreciate it!

jay'szo6

If ya don't mind me askin', where did you get the GS calipers? How much did they run? A local vette shop had some that they wanted like $600. I thought that was for both, but he ment each!!! I thought he was crazy.

90 Corvette ZR-1

http://wheelskin.com/Merchant2/merch...Sport+Calipers

Im looking for a good deal on rears....or I may just PC mine.

miguelwhitney

Hi guys, thanks for letting me know, I wish I could do it myself but I don't have ANY tools, I just purchased my first home and Xmas is here so I really can't afford the $400 repair, Is there anyone that lives close to Naples, FL that might have some free time to help me out? I will pay for all the parts and will pay you for your time of course.
I am not sure If I need to replace everything, I got a flat tire and I was told by the mechanic that I needed to replace my rear break pads and rotors, so I just assume I need to.
Maybe some one could just help me check it out just to tell me what I need to do?
I left the car with my wife for about 2 months and now the rear breaks are making a scratching sound (pretty loud) so I know there is a problem.
Thanks everybody for the help, and Merry Xmas!!!

miguelwhitney

Wow, thanks for the prices, that is a great deal.

kwd1

What's the year and milage on your vette? I've never had to replace rear pads. From the amount of dust they make compared to the front, I think they should last 3-4 front brake intervals, so maybe 100-150k miles. Unless they are squealing or the rotors are grooved, I'd just leave them alone.

Miguel, buy yourself a craftsman starter tool set and a $50 jack and jack stands; you'll use them and it will be worth it.

I also use a C clamp to compress the cylinder before putting the new pad on so it will go on the rotor. Take the cap of the master cylinder and put a rag around it in case any fluid spills.

miguelwhitney

Ohh god, my hands are sweating just by thinking of doing it myself...
I just wish I knew a bit more about cars, I love my vette and I'm afraid I'll do more damage than repair. I just need someone to look at it and tell me what I need to replace, then I'll buy a book, parts and the tools necessary to do the job and get to it, I will keep asking around.
My car has 65K miles on it.

USAsOnlyWay

I wish I was in floriday, I'd do it for you in a flash. I garuntee once its done you you are gonna feel silly for not knowing how! I did the first time I changed pads. The hardest thing about it is taking the lugs off!

Post in your regional section, somebody sure would help you out!