01 Corolla brakes and rotors question - noob

[frankienap]

Hello all,
This is my first post on the Toyota forum. I've used the info here previously to replace my MAF and and oxygen sensors. Now I'd like to know about brakes.

I have a '01 Corolla, only 33K miles. I took my car to my mechanic for a tuneup and he told me I would need new brake pads and rotors (quoted me $725). The price seems really high to me (I'm in Boston), but I need to get it done. Since I don't have my own garage, however, I think I will not be replacing the pads and rotors myself.

Instead, I am thinking about buying the pads/rotors myself and paying the mechanic for labor only. Question for all of you out there- WHAT brand pads and rotors should I purchase? I live in the city and most of my driving is around-town. Still, I am easy on the pedal and generally take good car of my car.

Thank you all for the help, this is my first time diving into brakes and I want to make sure I buy the right thing before making a big investment.
-frank

[dave1811]

$750 for just front brakes? That is riduculous. The rotors from Toyota and disc pad kit for the front are around $230 plus shipping from most online Toyota parts dealers. $500 in labor is way too much IMO.

Dave

[PhatRoyale]

Time to find a new mechanic that doesn't try to rape you on labor.

OEM pads + Brembo OEM replacement rotors.

You can get the rotors cheap through the tire rack online.

[frankienap]

Thanks for the advice. And a minor clarification - my mechanic wanted $725 for BOTH the front and rear brakes.

So front brakes -
OEM pads - 04465-AZ004-TM (got from Toyota website)
Brembo rotors - Manufacturer Part #: 25388 OR 65388 (got from thetirerack.com)

My only question left is - what about rear brakes? Sorry for sounding so ignorant, but I don't quite understand: Does the rear wheels have its own set of pads + rotors? Or do they require some other part(s)? It's unclear from thetirerack.com's list of parts.

Thanks again

[PhatRoyale]

The rears are drum brakes. Meaning you would need to purchase brake shoes if you want to replace them.

[frankienap]

PhatRoyale,
I see. So when he says the rear brakes need to be replaced, he's talking about the brake shoes? It's probably not anything else, e.g., brake drums or anything?
Thank you for the education. I spent way too many hours online trying to figure this stuff out by myself.

[dave1811]

Unless you were driving with your parking brake on or your rear wheel cylinders were sticking, the chances of needing rear brake shoes right now are probably pretty slim. About 85-90% of the stopping is with the front disc brakes. You can have the discs turned if they have never been turned before. If they are really warped bad, just put new rotors and pads on and you should be fine. Problems sometimes occur when wheel cylinders stick, causing the brakes to drag. Or by leaving on a parking brake, which my mom did with her 2002 Corolla. (I cut her some slack since she is 85 years old).

Good luck,

[2001corollaDRL]

Hey Frank, if you ever need a hand doing stuff on your own, send me a PM. I'm in the area (Arlington) and have a 2001 LE, and would enjoy the general experience of helping out with DIY stuff.

I recently ordered fog lights I'm planning to install myself, but otherwise I'm not much of a mechanic, but I have a lifetime of being my dad's helper and have a few spare tools. I'm just new to car ownership (less than a month) and maintenance but plan on getting more involved.

-Michael

[randini667]

If I lived in Boston, I'd be going to see Click n' Clack!

[toyoota]

I had similar situation way back then with to expensive mechanic and so I decide to do it myslef I'm running wagner brakes on my Toyota now and braking performance is great, low dust, no noise etc. Mate the wagner brakes with some good quality rotors like brembos and you'll have an exceprional braking system for not a lot of mone. Wagner brakes are indeed among the leaders and the most well-known when it comes to the brake and replacement parts industry.

[dave1811]

+1 on going to Click and Clack (Car Talk). I have been listening to them for over 20 years and they are great!