I just got my car back from a very frustrating service experience. After being thoroughly abused, I’ve been informed that I need new brake pads and rotors and a fluid flush for my 2018 Civic. I’m lift trained and have some (limited) experience doing basic automotive repairs (oil changes, headlights, etc), but have never done brakes. Is there anyone who might be willing to help me learn how to do it myself, safely? Or should I just take it to a shop (not dealership…)?
Thanks!
Are you having any brake related complaints? Squeals, pulsing of the brakes or pedal, etc?
I can’t really tell from the small pic of the rotor, so you really need to do an in-person take-the-wheels-off inspection of the pads and rotors.
The fluid looks like it is in pretty good shape, but brake fluid is hygroscopic (sucks water out of the air) and needs regular replacement no matter how good it looks. There are a variety of fluid types, your owners manual should tell you the requirement for your car.
If pads and rotors need changed, that’s generally pretty straightforward. I’d also take a really hard look at the calipers if the pads are not wearing evenly. If you change the calipers, change the brake hoses too.
Thanks so much for the advice, @ozindfw! I’m just going off the inspection from the dealership, so I don’t know how the wear is.
When convenient, take into Brakes Plus (or Just Brakes)…they will provide a write-up and include all that so you can make a real decision. You don’t have to have them do your brakes unless you feel it is worth it, but you will at least know how much wear-n-tear there is on your pads/rotors and can ask them questions while they are investigating…in and out in 30 mins or so.
That was exactly my next move - thanks
If that picture is of your rear pad/rotors,(looks like it is but hard to tell)they do not look that bad wear wise. Keep in mind that the majority of the work is done in the front rotors. The rears don’t do as much work.
I’d agree also the bleed/flush your brakes.
Auto shops tend to want to sell you more than you actually need.
Hey, I am chair of the auto department, but I can help you with your brakes. Just DM me for more info.
It has been my experience that most auto places, including dealers, will look for any excuse to tell you to replace the pads with 40% of the “life” remaining. Anyone who likes to tinker with cars would do themselves a big favor by learning how to inspect their own brakes.
It takes some homework to know the lifespan of the brakes on a specific vehicle. Knowing the new pad thickness and the manufacturers’ minimum pad thickness will give you the range. For instance maybe you measure 5mm and the minimum pad thickness is 3mm with 8mm being “new”. Then it’s just a % to calculate life remaining. 2mm above minimums can be 40% on some light cars. If they don’t give you these numbers, ask but don’t be surprised if they get defensive and start throwing around generalizations (i.e. they don’t actually know).
