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Old Nov 18, 2024 | 02:28 PM
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Default Brake and Rotor replacement

I have a 2021 C8, 16k miles. Brakes are noisy and won’t stop making noise regardless of how I brake.

Dealership is quoting 2,100 for pads, two rear rotors, labor, and tax. Because it’s the dealership, I’m assuming there’s a lot of markup. Anyone know what a fair ballpark price should be? I called a few local shops and getting anywhere from 1,500 to 1,800. However, they are not “corvette technicians” as GM is claiming to have (and don’t even know if that matters IMO).

SoCal area
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Old Nov 18, 2024 | 02:39 PM
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OEM pads and rotors for all four are a little over $1400 at Rock Auto so I think that’s fair.

Bubba’s OEM “equivalent” will be less than half price.
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Old Nov 18, 2024 | 03:12 PM
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Have you tried a brake burnishing procedure? Here's one example but there are others:
https://www.hotrod.com/features/tech...982-1310-78-1/

Brakes that are slightly used without hard stops can get glazed over and make noise, especially Z51s (you didn't state what you have). If you replace the brakes and drive the same it it'll just happen again.

Last edited by RKCRLR; Nov 18, 2024 at 03:37 PM.
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Old Nov 18, 2024 | 03:32 PM
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Especially in reverse for me.
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Old Nov 18, 2024 | 04:02 PM
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Originally Posted by RKCRLR
Have you tried a brake burnishing procedure? Here's one example but there are others:
https://www.hotrod.com/features/tech...982-1310-78-1/

Brakes that are slightly used without hard stops can get glazed over and make noise, especially Z51s (you didn't state what you have). If you replace the brakes and drive the same it it'll just happen again.
What he said. They shouldn't need to be replaced in 16k, unless you're driving really hard. And I wouldn't think the rear discs would wear out first.
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Old Nov 18, 2024 | 04:09 PM
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Originally Posted by sjw91
What he said. They shouldn't need to be replaced in 16k, unless you're driving really hard. And I wouldn't think the rear discs would wear out first.
That is one of the reasons I was wondering if the OP had a Z51. The base rotors are coated and, per the service manual, can't be turned. The Z51 front rotors aren't coated and can be turned but the rear rotors have a coating that gets close to the swept area so the manual says they can't be turned.
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Old Nov 18, 2024 | 04:18 PM
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Originally Posted by RKCRLR
That is one of the reasons I was wondering if the OP had a Z51. The base rotors are coated and, per the service manual, can't be turned. The Z51 front rotors aren't coated and can be turned but the rear rotors have a coating that gets close to the swept area so the manual says they can't be turned.
Ahh... I learned something new today. I don't have a Z51, but it's still something to note.
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Old Nov 18, 2024 | 04:25 PM
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OP, as others have said, you shouldn't need new rotors and pads at 16K miles. I would check with another dealer or independent shop and see what they say.
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Old Nov 18, 2024 | 04:26 PM
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Might just need some grease on the back of the pads.
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Old Nov 18, 2024 | 06:20 PM
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I went with Power Stop, all 4 pads and new drilled and slotted rotors for $550. $275 for installation at a local high performance shop. I was sick of the brake dust (I have a z51). I’ve used Power Stop in several other vehicles including other sport cars and they are excellent.
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Old Nov 19, 2024 | 11:22 AM
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Originally Posted by Mhagerty12345!
I went with Power Stop, all 4 pads and new drilled and slotted rotors for $550. $275 for installation at a local high performance shop. I was sick of the brake dust (I have a z51). I’ve used Power Stop in several other vehicles including other sport cars and they are excellent.
I did the same thing on my non Z51. Honestly the only reason I changed was to get fancy rotors for looks lol. My OEM brakes have about 5K if I were to guess. Perhaps at these prices I just hang on to them. OP look into Powerstop, many have gone this route.
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Old Nov 19, 2024 | 03:20 PM
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Originally Posted by Dho25
I have a 2021 C8, 16k miles. Brakes are noisy and won’t stop making noise regardless of how I brake.

Dealership is quoting 2,100 for pads, two rear rotors, labor, and tax. Because it’s the dealership, I’m assuming there’s a lot of markup. Anyone know what a fair ballpark price should be? I called a few local shops and getting anywhere from 1,500 to 1,800. However, they are not “corvette technicians” as GM is claiming to have (and don’t even know if that matters IMO).

SoCal area
Such a ripoff... No way in hell you need brakes and rotors with 16k miles. More likely, debris is in there causing squeaking or that the pads just need brake pad grease. Assuming it's just the rears making noise, I could do that one rear corner PROPERLY for you in less than 30 mins. I've spent more time cleaning the wheels and ceramic coating the wheels/calipers than I do changing the brakes.

I suggest watching some youtube channels (there are many) that show you how to do the brakes and save some serious money. It will also allow you to bond with the car. Good luck either way!
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Old Nov 21, 2024 | 04:36 AM
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Originally Posted by Mhagerty12345!
I went with Power Stop, all 4 pads and new drilled and slotted rotors for $550. $275 for installation at a local high performance shop. I was sick of the brake dust (I have a z51). I’ve used Power Stop in several other vehicles including other sport cars and they are excellent.
I swapped out the my pads with Power Stop also. Had this done by dealer when I did my 7500 mile service. Just charged a couple hundred bucks. Have not had any brake dust since on my Z51….so nice and worth it.
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Old Nov 21, 2024 | 05:54 AM
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I put Power Stop pads on my Z51 but I did not break them in properly so they made dragging noises (not squeal) until I went for a long drive thru the hills and got them really hot.
They seem to be perfect now.

You may need to burn off the glaze, or you might need new pads, but why new rotors?
Post by Mhagerity12345 above has the right prices, don't pay more.

Buy some tools, do it yourself. Save a bundle.
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Old Nov 21, 2024 | 06:34 AM
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Like the others have posted, the rear brakes should not need replacement after only 16k miles, the fronts do most of the braking
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