Brake Job Advice

About how much should I be paying for a brake job (2013 Toyota Yaris)
I can’t tell if the rotors need to be replaced, and advice that I’ve googled has been contradictory to say the least.

Can anyone recommend somewhere to get it done?

Willing to hire a DMS member to do it if there’s a chance I can learn more about basic maintenance on my car.

I used to have a friend who did this kinda stuff for me but he moved away.

I’m pretty ignorant when it comes to all things automotive, so any and all advice is welcome.

1 Like

It takes about half an hour for an experienced person to pull all the pads and discs off and replace them. If I weren’t busy this weekend I’d come by and do it with you for free.

As for brake disc machining vs replacement you’re going to need to need to find someone who can run the lathe well and is willing to help you, as it will need to be chucked up properly, checked with a dial indicator, and cut down if it is distorted and there is still sufficient material remaining.

2 Likes

Can you take a photo(straight on) of your brake rotors?
What’s the mileage on the car?

P.S. I’ll be at DMS tomorrow and can take a look at it after the bag making class.

1 Like

As suggested in other threads, it is generally recommended to replace the rotors with new ones.

Get with @TLAR replacement rotors are $26 or $30 depending on brand. The job will go faster and you’ll know its done right. I would not try to turn rotors on a lathe, if something goes wrong you now have to go get a rotor, actually, get someone to take you to get it since the car won’t be driveable.

3 Likes

I would have to agree. Quick rundown on Brakes vs Brakes + Rotors. Without even looking around, The Zone of Auto has the pads only for 80ish. Rotors + pads as a kit at 160ish. Unless money was very tight, I would suggest spending the extra bucks to know it’s been done. If you end up not replacing the rotors for whatever reason, make sure they get replaced on the next maintenance.

1 Like

As Zack has said, payment is not permitted.

I think you will find there are a lot of members willing to help you LEARN how to do this. When I did the brakes on my RAV4 (may it rest in peace) I first watched a couple of YouTube videos first on my specific vehicle. I’ve done rotors before but you’ll learn any tricks or gotchas. The ones I watched even provided a list of the size wrenches and sockets needed. Job went fast.

Edit: Watch more than one - if there is difference watch another until you get consensus. It’s a pretty straight forward job. The trickiest part for me was finding the tool to compress the caliper piston back in.

2 Likes

@Ferman 92k

@Photomancer definitely would not try turning anything myself especially given the cost.

@jottwell money is absolutely tight, but 160 is doable. Though I may have to wait til my next check to be able to afford the labor.

@zmetzing 10-4. I definitely want to respect DMS rules.

Regarding David’s comment, I’d love to learn to do this myself, but am hesitant to just show up after “teaching” myself on University of YT. Also I don’t wanna show up and just hope someone is there who can help. This is the kind of thing that I might feel comfortable doing myself after hands on training, but I’ve never seen any on the calendar.

Maybe I’m underestimating my own abilities, but it’s intimidating to someone who’s never done more than replace a battery or change my oil. (decided a long time ago that it was worth it to pay someone else to change my oil)

Since I know the first thing about auto maintenance I’m afraid I would just be embarrassing myself in the auto bay and pissing off members who need the space. Or worse, screw it up without realizing what I did wrong.

Also I haven’t been trained on the lift either, so doing it at DMS is just a non-starter I suppose. Still willing to hire a member to do it off-site.

Thanks for all the advice BTW! :smiley:

1 Like

Folks in Automotive will help you - that is what the Space is - a community workshop, is it not?
Like Zach said, you just cannot pay someone to work on your car.

I’m going to guess you are asking about front brakes…
Does your Yaris have disc brakes in the rear as well or drum brakes in the rear? Yes this matters because the front rotors are different depending on 4 wheel disc ($31ea) or 2 wheel disc($27ea).

Front pads are about $22 semi metallic / or $30 for ceramic

2 Likes

Issue was “finding them” because all makers put tools back where they belong.

2 Likes

When are you "typically at the Space?

Front brakes are less than $100 - and we can do them next to the lift (lift training fee is $20)

2 Likes

large /giant “channelocks” with an old brake pad as a buffer.

tool also makes for a great oil filter wrench for those ancient engines that use tin can oil filters!

4 Likes

This was what I ended up using.

1 Like

Looks like @TLAR has answered your question.
Acquire the parts and it can be done quickly. It’s not a difficult job particularly with the tools at the space.
If you can have the parts ready and are available tomorrow, just holler. I’ll be free until about 4:30.

1 Like

Thank you Howard Manning!

I can put the order in - you just have to pick up / pay for the parts (and tell me if it is 2 or 4 wheel disc).
The “will call” counter is about 10 minutes from the Space.
Good news is - they accept credit cards now at Will Call

4 Likes

Hooray! :smiley: :blankspace:

Brake rotors I’ve used have always been happier with ceramic pads, if budget allows those would be a good way to go.
I can get you trained on the lift too, so we can get you more acquainted with your car. :smiley:

1 Like

My google-fu is failing me here.

I seem to be getting conflicting information regarding the drums vs. discs.

Is there a site where I could find a definitive answer?

1 Like

Will you be at DMS tonight?

Yeah, probably from 7-10 or 12

1 Like