so when did you 'do' the front brakes?

[21Rouge]

My local mechanic says now I need servicing on the front brakes of my 05 5 speed (45k miles). I know driving habits are crucial but just wondering, looking only at the mileage, if that is about right? How long did yours last? Go with GM/Toyota parts or just after market?

[lovemyraffe]

I've got 57,000 on my '05 and haven't had to do the brakes yet.

[03vibedriver]

My 03 Vibe went to 106,000 miles on the original brake pads and there was some pad still left.

[Raven]

I just did mine at 75,000 miles, pads only, they were done. '06 manual mostly highway miles. I used Raybestos.

[ColonelPanic]

Around 60,000 mi but there was barely anything left on them...

[JohnC]

Well over 100k on my 04, brake pads still have 40% left. I do mostly hiway.

[RePo]

The brake pads themselves will tell you when they're ready. The screech tabs contact the rotor when the pad is worn to the limit. When that happens, take it in within 100 miles or so. If you change before that as a precaution that's great, but you're throwing away good pads. I never replace anything on my car(s) because a hungry mechanic is having a slow month.As evidence to that claim (fact?) I'm always annoyed by the local radio commercial for Just Brakes where they say other brake place only replace the parts that are designed to wear out. They recommend replacing all brakes components every time at SUBSTANTIAL additional cost. "Why do you do it, Just Brakes?"

[ColonelPanic]

I know of those places... not that exact establishment but ones like them. Inexpensive pad replacements turns into "oh, you need new pads, rotors, calipers, master cylinder, and brake lines!"

[bull77]

did my front pads at ~75000kms -- also replaced my front discs for the hell of it

[RIT]

90K and still haven't changed them.

[21Rouge]

Quote, originally posted by bull77 »did my front pads at ~75000kms -- also replaced my front discs for the hell of itSounds exactly where I am..almost at 77k kms with the front brakes to be done over the holidays. Btw, how much did the job comes to ie pads and discs and labour (Cdn)? Or did you it all yourself

[Sublimewind]

Quote, originally posted by 21Rouge »Sounds exactly where I am..almost at 77k kms with the front brakes to be done over the holidays. Btw, how much did the job comes to ie pads and discs and labour (Cdn)? Or did you it all yourself I have a front brake tutorial BTW, if you might need it.. it's in the DIY section.. I can't comment on costs, I haven't done the replacements yet.. all the stock stuff was good at 53kmi... I think I got a 75$(us) per rotor from Autozone though..

[djb383]

Like RePo said, listen for the screech tabs to sound off.

[bull77]

Quote, originally posted by 21Rouge »Sounds exactly where I am..almost at 77k kms with the front brakes to be done over the holidays. Btw, how much did the job comes to ie pads and discs and labour (Cdn)? Or did you it all yourself i replaced the pads but the discs were a sob to get off so I took it to the dealer -- i think that cost 80 to have them replaced. i called for quotes and if i remember it was in the 300-400 range for labour/parts...

[NibCrom]

Depends on how much you autocross it.

[ned23]

50k for my 2004. Sooner than my last 2 cars. I suspected from the beginning that the brakes were a little under-designed for the vibe. I think they were designed for a corolla. I upgraded to Akebono high-performance brakes - made in KY, USA! I put a pair on the 2004 it was a tremendous improvemenet. I liked them so much I may replace the shoes on my 2009 at about 10,000 miles just to have another pair:http://www.akebonobrakes.com/

[northvibe]

if they arent worn out dont replace them. Feel the rotors and check the pad life. Dont listen to them if they arent worn out..thats wasteful :/

[ned23]

Quote, originally posted by northvibe »if they arent worn out dont replace them. Feel the rotors and check the pad life. Dont listen to them if they arent worn out..thats wasteful :/The term "waste" is relative. The most important thing is that they they stop better and "fade" less. It's also a waste to have to replace a headlamp or bumper because you didn't make the stop.The Akebono pads leave viritually no dust on the wheels and what they do leave is easy to rinse or wipe off. Less time and energy wasted cleaning wheels and the car looks better. It's worth it to me to have the extra performance and not to have to clean the dust off of the rims. Plus, they're guaranteed for life, so if I put them on sooner, odds are I'll be able to replace them under warranty while I still own the car if they wear out.