1st brake job having to replace all 4 brake rotors

[jtwooassoc]

Has anyone encountered this same issue. I have 50k miles on my GTP and was sent in for it's first brake job. I was told I needed all new pads and rotors. Is this common. I thought you were able to get a few re-surfacings on the rotors before they became out of spec for turning? I checked around with other shops and they say it is possible. I requested the old rotors and haven't measured them yet to see for myself.

Regards,

Jim

San Jose, Cali

[GTPgirl]

You should be able to have the rotors turned two or three times at least before having to replace them...did you send the car to a dealership for a brake job, somewhere like Midas, or to some little hole-in-the wall mechanic shop?

[GTPCatz]

Its a common scam for brake places to tell you "you need new rotors, and your rotors can not be turned"
I have even been told my Calipers were shot....all lies

Dont go to national chains....learn to do it yourself or shop around for a respecable shop.

BTW: Midas is who tried to screw me over

[jtwooassoc]

The service was done at "wheel works", but I had it counter quoted by a dealership. The dealership said it wasn't likely that the rotors needed to be replaced and that they would do it for $600.00 all around. I called Wheel works back and they counter offered to do the job from $1100. down to $755.00 I accepted the counter offer after finding out that the dealerships cost was less rotors. I didn't tell Wheel Works that. Cost to do front brake jobs run $150.00 to $300.00 and the rotors anywhere from 100 on up. After calculating the costs, I feel I came out ahead. I also learned that all BMW's always have thier rotors replaced on every brake job no matter what. I plan on taking the old rotors to another Wheel Works to see if they can have them resurfaced. If they say it can be done, I am going to give the other shop that serviced my vehicle a courtesy call!

Thx for your replies!

Jim

[GTPCatz]

Rotors dont cost 100 and up!

I got both Rotors for 50 bucks!

[kilroypr]

Unless you are getting special purpose rotors like drilled or slotted the ~25 figure is correct. Installing pads is the easiest job you can do on your car. Just spend ~130 on OEM American(No Canadian) brake pads.
And in 1.5 hours you can have them all replaced. If your car does not vibrate when aplying the brakes and they do not have surface inperfections then you do not need to replace rotors.
I agree with the assertion that the big chains will try to scam you. Usually when you get their to allign your car they will want to rebuild the whole front suspension. When buying tires they want to change all brake pads and rotors.
Big chains really suck.

[gtpguy]

if u don't wanna spend lotsa $$$ and don't wanna go through the hassle of doing it, go to pep boys, sears, walmart or something similar. they charge about 150-200$ per axle, break-pads, machining rotors included, and are usually so busy have no time to scam

[yokimota]

ok so question on kilroypr's words...if there is no vibration when applyin the brakes then all i need to do is just the pads? cuz i need to change the brakes in my girlfriends moms 01 grand prix (brownie points greatly need tho) n i havent driven it yet so im not sure

[jchavis]

Originally Posted by yokimota

ok so question on kilroypr's words...if there is no vibration when applyin the brakes then all i need to do is just the pads? cuz i need to change the brakes in my girlfriends moms 01 grand prix (brownie points greatly need tho) n i havent driven it yet so im not sure

WTF are you doing in this forum geo-boy!

[adblink182]

now-a-days rotors normally can only be turned once, without going past the machine to rating. Rotors are alot thinner then they use to be

[rubberman]

geez, learn to do it your self. I bought 2 rotors and a set of pads and re-did the rears for $70. i think they are giggin' you on labor charges. it takes more time to go out and buy the parts then it does to actually disassemby/reasssemble.

[GTP Dad]

I have to agree with the others who posted replies here. You are getting taken by the shop. You can buy excellent pads for less than $50 per axle and rotors usually cost $50 and up depending on the model. With the slide on/off rotors it only takes a few minutes to change them even though you have to take off the mounting brackets. I had my GTP done with parts and labor at a local garage for less than $500. All four wheels. I didn't have time to do them myself.

[v8soldier]

Well if you wanna go with decent stopping power and longer life you could go with ceramic pads and drilled/slotted rotors. You should be able to get all that for $400 or less. If you just wanna put pads and get the rotors turned on it you can get by for $200 or less. All those prices are from experience but I did it all myself. Luckily I worked at a shop once so I kinda knew how to get the best stuff for the best price.

[guitarfish]

I drive mostly highway, so I hit about 85,000 before having to touch the brakes. I just put four new rotors on along with new pads. I bought Raybestos Quick Stop Ceramic pads - top of the line. I got Raybestos rotors for the front, and Wagner for the rear. Anyway, $400 for all the parts, and I did the job myself. Only way to go. I order my parts online at DiscountAutoParts.com

I've never had rear rotors cut, they're usually throwaways. The front rotors however, you can usually have cut a couple times.