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Changing brake pads...couple questions

Posted on 3/1/17 at 2:21 pm
Posted by LSUperior
Member since Aug 2009
1238 posts
Posted on 3/1/17 at 2:21 pm
I have a 2010 Ford F150. About 2 weeks ago, I began noticing a slight squeaking noise when pressing my brakes. My father-in-law says the squeaking noise is actually a little metal tab on the brake pad that gives you a warning that your pads need to be changed. I've called several places for quotes and they are all saying that I need to "turn down" my rotors too (obviously increasing the costs). My father-in-law (who has lots of motor vehicle repair experience) says that he's never turned his rotors and that they just tell you that to make more money off of you. Here are my questions:

1. Is it absolutely necessary to have my rotors "turned down?"

2. If I buy the brake pads (he will help me change them out), should I get the ceramic ones?

3. Any particular brake pads (that Auto Zone, O'Reilly's, etc. sell) that y'all would recommend?
Posted by TheHumanTornado
Baton Rouge, LA
Member since May 2008
3953 posts
Posted on 3/1/17 at 2:21 pm to
I only use Callahan pads.
Posted by diat150
Louisiana
Member since Jun 2005
46030 posts
Posted on 3/1/17 at 2:22 pm to
if the rotors have wear on them I would turn them down. also, dont forget to grease your slide pins.
Posted by Nado Jenkins83
Land of the Free
Member since Nov 2012
62807 posts
Posted on 3/1/17 at 2:23 pm to
get ceramic and change them yourself. its easy. also buy brake fluid and bleed them to ensure proper function
Posted by tigerbutt
Deep South
Member since Jun 2006
25414 posts
Posted on 3/1/17 at 2:23 pm to
I just changed mine 2 weeks ago. 2010 f 150. Only need rotors turned IF you have grooves in them.
Yes I bought the ceramics for about $55 at autozone for the front and even cheaper for the rear. You will need a c clamp to decompress the two piston chambers on the caliper in the front. Very easy to do.
First time I've ever done and highly recommend.
This post was edited on 3/1/17 at 2:26 pm
Posted by Adam4848
LA
Member since Apr 2006
19417 posts
Posted on 3/1/17 at 2:23 pm to
Posted by CHEDBALLZ
South Central LA
Member since Dec 2009
22743 posts
Posted on 3/1/17 at 2:26 pm to
1. No they really don't do that anymore

2-3. Go to Napa, ceramic not needed
Posted by tigerbutt
Deep South
Member since Jun 2006
25414 posts
Posted on 3/1/17 at 2:28 pm to
quote:

get ceramic and change them yourself. its easy. also buy brake fluid and bleed them to ensure proper function

Don't bleed your brakes just to change the pads. Pump your brakes and you are good to go.
Posted by dbeck
Member since Nov 2014
29454 posts
Posted on 3/1/17 at 2:28 pm to
Depends on how bad the rotors are worn. How thin they are, grooves, warped, etc.

The parts aren't that expensive but the labor is ridiculous. So if you learn to work on your vehicle you can save thousands. I replaced a cracked head on my old pickup for $120. $20 used head, $80 to have it machined, $20 gasket kit.

Go price a mechanic to replace the head on an engine
Posted by lsunatchamp
Member since Feb 2009
2047 posts
Posted on 3/1/17 at 2:28 pm to
buying new rotors is sometimes cheaper than having them turned down
Posted by tigerbutt
Deep South
Member since Jun 2006
25414 posts
Posted on 3/1/17 at 2:29 pm to
Ceramics are quieter worth the little extra money.
Posted by Signal Soldier
30.411994,-91.183929
Member since Dec 2010
8461 posts
Posted on 3/1/17 at 2:29 pm to
Brake pads is an easy job that every man should be able to do.
Posted by bnb9433
Member since Jan 2015
14534 posts
Posted on 3/1/17 at 2:30 pm to
if you are changing the pads, check the rotors. both are very easy to change

ETA: get ceramic pads
This post was edited on 3/1/17 at 2:32 pm
Posted by LEASTBAY
Member since Aug 2007
15659 posts
Posted on 3/1/17 at 2:31 pm to
I usually just change my rotors unless they are perfect. They are usually fairly cheap.
Posted by LSUperior
Member since Aug 2009
1238 posts
Posted on 3/1/17 at 2:31 pm to
quote:

You will need a c clamp to decompress the two piston chambers on the caliper in the front. Very easy to do.

Any cheap c clamp will do?
This post was edited on 3/1/17 at 2:37 pm
Posted by killinmesmalls
Baton Rouge
Member since Nov 2011
163 posts
Posted on 3/1/17 at 2:34 pm to
you need to be careful compressing the pins. you can damage the ABS system on the vehicle if you compress them to fast.
Go very slow doing it
Posted by cdaniel76
Ponchatoula
Member since Feb 2008
19740 posts
Posted on 3/1/17 at 2:34 pm to
If your rotors are "floating" rotors - meaning they slide on/off the wheel studs - then I highly recommend getting them turned. It's only $15 each to get them turned at O'Reilly.

Of they're the rotors with the built-in hubs and they're not easily grooved or have hot spots (metallic discoloration) or you don't have a pulsation/vibration when applying the brakes, then I wouldn't worry too much about getting them turned.

I've been using Advance Auto Parts "gold" line of brakes on my last few brake jobs and they seem to be excellent pads with very little brake dust.
Posted by lsunatchamp
Member since Feb 2009
2047 posts
Posted on 3/1/17 at 2:35 pm to
quote:


Where can I buy a c clamp at? Auto store, wal-mart?


u can also use chanel locks
Posted by Nado Jenkins83
Land of the Free
Member since Nov 2012
62807 posts
Posted on 3/1/17 at 2:36 pm to
quote:

Don't bleed your brakes just to change the pads. Pump your brakes and you are good to go.




I did the other day since it was a used truck and just wanted to be sure everything was top flight
Posted by Jackie Chan
Japan?
Member since Sep 2012
4768 posts
Posted on 3/1/17 at 2:37 pm to
You only turn the rotors if they have damage and/or warped. It's best to not turn them. Doing so makes the rotors thinner, making them more susceptible to warping in the future.

If they are telling you this over the phone without looking at them, I wouldn't go near those people.
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