Brake pad advice please?

zebrastripesrule

HI I have been advised at service that my breaks are 75% worn and to replace them in 5000 miles. But Wanted to get them done before the cold weather sets in (but on done 3000). My car is a 2003 fiesta with approx 70k on the clock...not sure if they were done before I bought the car.

I wanted to avoid the ford dealers as they can be quite expensive, but have never dealt with anyone such as kwikfit etc. Just wondering on opinions as where offers good service.

Also are there any brands I should avoid, as been offered Mintex (?) and bosch so far.

Any advice gratefully received
Thank you

davetrousers

Who did the service?

Avoid Kwik Fit always!

Ebe_Scrooge

I would avoid main dealers, try a local independant. If you're talking about disc brakes, they are a very simple job to change, no more than 1/2 hour labour for a professional. ( You could even, if you're so inclined, do the job yourself, the pads are available from any motor factors ). Drum brakes ( found on the rear of some cars ) are slightly more tricky, but still a relatively simple job.

Assuming it's just the pads that need changing, you're not looking at too much money. Even if the discs need replacing, it's still not a hugely big job, and the parts are relatively cheap.

mikey72

Both mintex and bosch are good brands, I prefer mintex personally though.
What price have you been quoted, and who from?

djheath

Bosch and Mintex are fine.

I always fit mintex to my cars.

zebrastripesrule

I had it serviced by Ford, and they have quoted me £118 for 'genuine Ford parts', when I moaned they reduced it to £80

A local independent quoted me £60 for mintex, and £70 for kwikfit bosch.

I have no idea where to start to do them myself, and as its breaks I dont fancy messing - would rather someone who knows what they are dong do it!

Thanks for quick responses though

serjoe

jack the car, take the wheel off , unscrew the brake caliper off ( 2 bolts) , take it out of the disc brake and the pads will come down withe ease. Push the brake pistons (under the pads) as far away as possible to accomodate the new pads.if you want to replace discs there is one screw holding it (philips head). Tap it with hammer once you put the screwdriver on it to loosen it. assemble everithing in reverce order. Make sure you dont leave the caliper hannging on the brake pipe. If the new pads have cable sticking out and on the old one dont cut the cable( you dont need it if there isnt one on the old ones). Ive done it on my car for 30 min per wheel and it was my first time even taking the wheel off. Read few forum posts on how to change it and WATCH FEW VIDEOS ON YOUTUBE ON HOW TO CHANGE BRAKE PADS FOR YOUR CAR. Save yourself some money and try to do it yourself. do it during day hours so if you !!!! up you can always run to the garage for help.
Hope it helps

goldspanners

do you think you will do 5000 miles quickly? how they can estimate 5000 i really don't know, how do they know your driving style?

5000 miles estimated could be a year away before you actually need pads.

but if you really want them done then the £60 one at the independant garage sounds fair enough to me.

Stigy

I'm sure even Kwik Fit Can't mess a pad change up! As has been said already, it's a really simple job to do yourself if you wish. In addition to Serjoe's post, it's advisable to remove the brake fluid resevoir cap too, as when you push the caliper pistons back the fluid will need to be released from the top of the resevoir, and with the cap on, although it'll still seep out, you're putting undue pressure on the system! I believe the calliper bolts are 13mm if memory serves me?

goldspanners

Stigy wrote: »

I believe the calliper bolts are 13mm if memory serves me?

7mm cap screws i think.
you need to remove the plastic cover from the rubber boot around the bolt head, this protects it from rusting so always put it back on.

Stigy

goldspanners wrote: »

7mm cap screws i think.
you need to remove the plastic cover from the rubber boot around the bolt head, this protects it from rusting so always put it back on.

You are right (it's been about 10-years since I done any work myself), I recall they can be cross-threaded quite easily, too? Although I'm not going to admit to that.