Brakes

[imxelite]

Hi,
I wanted to know what brake and rotor type would y'all recommend for my Toyota corolla 2005? My dealer wanted $400 to replace the brakes and rotors I didn't know if this was a fair price or not so I came here for advice. Would it be cheaper if I brought the brakes online and had a independent mechanic install them?

[PhatRoyale]

Brembo blank brake rotors and Wagner thermoquiet brake pads are a good OEM replacement combo.

You can get them all from Tire Rack.

[imxelite]

Originally Posted by PhatRoyale

Brembo blank brake rotors and Wagner thermoquiet brake pads are a good OEM replacement combo.

You can get them all from Tire Rack.

Thanks for the recommendation. I don't see Wagner as being in stock from tirerack is there another brake that is just as good or another source for getting the Wagner?

[PhatRoyale]

You can also check out some of the Akebono pads that they offer which are currently on special, those are good as well. Whether you get the ProACT's or Street Performance pads really depends on if you value less noise with less stopping power or more stopping power but don't mind sacrificing a little noise.

[matrixjim]

Which Akebono pad or other brand is closest to OEM pads?
What's recommend for OEM brake shoe replacement?

[NMGeorge]

I spent $30 and 60 minutes replacing my pads. Easiest brake job I have ever done!

At 55,000 miles, my rotors were fine. Have you considered this? If you're not comfortable doing it, perhaps a friend may help. Saved a ton of money. Good Luck.

[paseobeater]

your lucky i got a 2005 xrs matrix (same as the corolla xrs) and it's 1600$ in parts only... 2 rear calipes, 4 discs and 4 pads...

[aspen007]

I assume you are talking about replacing only the front brakes. $400 for front brake pads and rotors is about normal for a Toyota dealer. Sometimes you can save $50-100 if the dealer is running a special.

The cost of the brake pads and rotors will range from $60 for the lowest quality parts ($20 for the pads and $20 each for the rotors) to about $150 for original quality parts ($50 for pads/hardware and $50 each for rotors). If you want high performance parts, the sky's the limit. If the rotors can be resurfaced instead of replaced, you can usually get the rotors 'turned' for about $10-15 each.

I suggest you make sure your independent mechanic will let you provide the parts before buying them. Also, some mechanics will charge more for installation if they are not going to get the markup they build into the parts. I expect an independent mechanic would charge $50 -100 labor for installing the front pads and rotors. Possibly a little more if you ask them to replace the hardware and clean/grease the caliper pins (Something I highly recommend).

Hope that helps.