is the warranty going to void if i am changing from brake pad myself? - Toyota Nation Forum : Toyota Car and Truck Forums

heng1028 · 10-28-2003, 12:18 AM

i wonder is the warranty going to void if i am changing from brake pad myself?

recently i went to dealer to get oil change and the brake pads has only 10-15% pads left, they will charge 280CAD for just changing the pads and machine the rotors

is the rotor resurfacing necessary??

i would like to save some money since changing the pads is no complicated job...

thanks

5Sfte · 10-28-2003, 02:25 AM

The answer to your question is no. Just keep a log of all maintenance you do yourself (Day, maintenance performed, products used, and receipts). This will save you hassle if the dealer tries to pull any funny stuff.

Second, the rotors only need to be resurfaced if the surface is warped or damaged in any other way. I do not resurface rotors every brake change even though some people recommend it. You can only resurface rotors until they reach a certain width before they have to be replaced, but I do not have the specs. Maybe someone can jump in at this point and help me out.

Pooter8D · 10-28-2003, 09:53 AM

u can kinda resurface them urself

get a steel wool addon thingy for a drill and get a can of brake cleaner liquid stuff and spray a little on the rotor and then use the drill to buff the rotor and keep spraying once it looks dry.. do this for about 3-5 min while spraying every 30-60 sec and u should be good

always go in a circular motion
Its also good if u have a partner with u that will rotate the rotar while the other is using the drill.

5Sfte · 10-28-2003, 06:52 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Pooter8D
u can kinda resurface them urself

get a steel wool addon thingy for a drill and get a can of brake cleaner liquid stuff and spray a little on the rotor and then use the drill to buff the rotor and keep spraying once it looks dry.. do this for about 3-5 min while spraying every 30-60 sec and u should be good

always go in a circular motion
Its also good if u have a partner with u that will rotate the rotar while the other is using the drill.

This is true, but you can't be sure you have shaved it evenly, you may still get vibration when you are braking because they are warped. It doesn't cost much to get them turned at a shop.

Pooter8D · 10-28-2003, 09:16 PM

well that is true.. but if it warped already and ur having problems stopping and stopping squeel free.... then ya go pro! ... otherwise the free alternative is just as good if ur rotors are still top notch

heng1028 · 10-28-2003, 09:47 PM

my brakes are working very fine

no vibrating....

that is why i dont think the 280CAD is worth while.

5Sfte · 10-29-2003, 01:36 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by heng1028
my brakes are working very fine

no vibrating....

that is why i dont think the 280CAD is worth while.

280 to turn the rotors?

threedom · 10-29-2003, 02:11 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by 5Sfte
The answer to your question is no. Just keep a log of all maintenance you do yourself (Day, maintenance performed, products used, and receipts). This will save you hassle if the dealer tries to pull any funny stuff.

Second, the rotors only need to be resurfaced if the surface is warped or damaged in any other way. I do not resurface rotors every brake change even though some people recommend it. You can only resurface rotors until they reach a certain width before they have to be replaced, but I do not have the specs. Maybe someone can jump in at this point and help me out.

Minimum thickness specs are machined into every rotor, oem or aftermarket. They apply to after machined, not before. They are important so your pads don't come out of your calipers, as well as heat buildup etc.

jhbhatia · 10-29-2003, 05:06 PM

Question: Do you mean warranty as in ordinary warranty or EXtended warranty. Cus' who's replaced brakes within their warranty? I know on our ES the OEM ones were great till 75K miles. On our camry, i got them resurfaced and replaced at 62K miles. On my solara....I'm still on the new set for 34K miles....

I've heard that pepboys does resurfacing for 6 bucks a pop....but you got to take it in yourself..meaning car on jackstands for a while (since your doing a diy). Good pads should run you close to 45 for the front only (i don't think if your calling it under warrnty, your rears need replacement). So the way i see it...close to 75-95 bucks (brake parts cleaner, dot3 brake fluid, pads + shop resurfacing) should help you out. I'd get a second opinion before i venture into this..cus' NO one i know has replaced brakes under warranty (unless they were upgrading)