98 Front Brake Advice

[cja]

Hello,
I recently picked up a nice low mile '98 Camry XLE with 55,000 miles.
Due to my job I've quickly gotten it up to 60,000 now in only a couple months. It does have ABS.

The front brake indicators just started squeaking so its time for pads.
Couple questions for all you with similar vehicles:
1. Do you think these are the original pads at this milage? How long do they usually last?
2. Do you think the rotors can just be turned and reused at this milage?
3. I can do my own brakes, but I know sometimes its just worth having them done at the dealer. I've always had my Hondas done at the dealer because they are hassle free for many miles. Do you recommend having a Toyota dealer do them on this model year? Any pad type recommendations?

I have to admit the braking system on this car is a bit of a letdown. Getting off the highway at times if they get heated up they can shudder a bit. Maybe its normal or maybe its because they are almost shot or the previous owner put crappy pads on. Not sure.

Any advice appreciated!
Chris

[Mike Gerber]

cja,

I also have a 98 Camry XLE and just recently did the front brakes. I have a couple of suggestions for you. First, use the new Ceramic pads. I used Rabestos Quiet Stops. They really improved the stopping power and pedal feel on my 98. Also, if you are feeling a pulsation when "getting off the highway", your rotors are slightly warped and need to be turned or replaced if there is not enough meat left to turn them. No one can speculate here on how much meat is left. You need to check them with a brake micrometer. The place you take them to be turned will check them before attempting to turn them. Finally, check for a stuck (frozen) slider pin. I had one stuck on my 98.

I would also suggest you do the work yourself if you feel comfortable doing it. There's a lot of $ to be saved by doing it yourself and you know it's done properly.

Mike

[Brian R.]

Make sure the new types of pads don't wear out your rotors more quickly than the stock pads. You don't want to replace your rotors each time you replace the pads.