Should I do my own brakes?

[Flip-Side]

My vibe is due for new brakes now(at 40,000 ), and due to problems I've had with past brake jobs, I am left wondering. Is it ok to just change the brake pads instead of getting the drums and rotors "turned" as well? I don't want to get my brakes done at a shop for $200+ dollars if I can use high grade pads for half the price myself. I also have no clue how to bleed the brakes on the vibe either. What brake pads are ok to use with stock rotors and drums and where should I get them? Please don't say autozone...Albany brake pads are trash.Oh, I own a 2003 base vibe.

[joatmon]

Quote, originally posted by Flip-Side »My vibe is due for new brakes now(at 40,000 ), and due to problems I've had with past brake jobs, I am left wondering. 1. Is it ok to just change the brake pads instead of getting the drums and rotors "turned" as well? I don't want to get my brakes done at a shop for $200+ dollars if I can use high grade pads for half the price myself. 2. I also have no clue how to bleed the brakes on the vibe either. 3. What brake pads are ok to use with stock rotors and drums and where should I get them? Please don't say autozone...Albany brake pads are trash.Oh, I own a 2003 base vibe.1. it depends on what shape the rotors/dums are in. If they are deeply scored, then they really should be turned, especially if you want he new pads to last well2. There is no need to bleed brakes unless you actually open up a brake line and get air in one of the tues/hoses (or run so low on brake fluid that air gets in the lines from the top). Should be able to relace the pads, and if necessary remove/replace the rotors/drums without disconnecting any of the brake cylinders, so you shouldn't need to leed the brakes. 3. IDHAC (i don't have a clue) where the best Vibe brakes are soldAre you having symptoms that indicate you need to get the brakes done, or are you just assuming they need it since you have 40K miles?

[kostby]

I sympathize with you about having bad experiences with prior brake jobs. Years ago, I took my Audi to a national retail store chain garage and they screwed up the pad-wear sensors AND lost a very expensive stainless steel hubcap. It ended up costing them way more than the parts & labor charge for a brake job just to fix my car back the way it was before they touched it! I learned my lesson too, about taking a 'foreign' car to a place used to working on Chevys & Fords.Being the cautious type, I always ask myself if I want to be responsible (= legally liable) if something goes wrong. That said, I'd still have no problem replacing the front pads. Beyond that, I'd liken it to doing my own cornea transplant. Yeah, I could probably do it, but it would take a very long time, and I'd have a LOT of difficulty. I'd MUCH rather leave it to "the professionals".

[DavidPIL]

Hi Flip-Side..Are you sure the pads need replaced or are you just going by mileage? Had my pads checked a month ago at around 41,000 miles and they said they almost looked new. My rotors are starting to get tiny grooves and might need to be resurfaced though. Well, if you know for sure then excuse my (removed)-in'ed-ness...Dave

[Nervous_Dog]

Check Tirerack for brake pads. They have them for the Vibe starting at $24 per set. Check out some of the independant auto stores in your area and see if they turn drums and rotors. We have a local chain in MI called Murray's and they turn rotors/drums(cheap), loan tools, offer free oil/battery recycling, check alternators, etc.

[MJN2]

I've always done my own brake jobs. Other than needing special tools occasionally (haven't really looked at what the Vibe's brakes require for removal), it's not a big deal at all. Just have to pay attention, especially when changing drum shoes.Also gives an excuse to upgrade the brakes lol. Which I've every intention of doing once my GT is due.When I upgraded the brakes on my last car, I got them from http://www.kvrperformance.com. Best money I ever spent on a car, IMO. The difference was that noticable.

[Flip-Side]

Quote, originally posted by joatmon »Are you having symptoms that indicate you need to get the brakes done, or are you just assuming they need it since you have 40K miles?Had my pads checked a month ago at around 41,000 miles and they said they almost looked new. My rotors are starting to get tiny grooves and might need to be resurfaced though.I thought my pads were fine until I started hearing subtle squeeks coming from the front end. When I went in to get my tires re-balanced because of a vibration, I noticed that my right inner brake pad was worn a bit more than the outside pad. My brakes all looked fine with about a half inch of pad still left except that one. I just wanted to do some preventive maintenance very soon, which includes the front brake pads and greasing the calipers so they squeeze evenly as they should. I have only helped with brakes before, but I hope to be able to stumble through changing the pads.My rotors look fine so I don't plan to bother with them. I never was good about doing my brakes on my past vehicles so at least I am adament about doing them ahead of time on this car.

[Rico Rose]

My Vibe just turned 74000 mi and the pads are looking to be replaced sometime soon. if they last till the weather warms i think i will do it myself. you can get pads at Pep Boys or just about any parts store. You get what you pay for...

[Raven]

I took my front brakes apart the other day to inspect them. They are the easiest brakes to work on I have ever seen. I had them apart and back together in 1/2 hour including removing the wheels. You don't even need some weird huge Torx bit to remove the calipers like most GM cars. If I remember correctly they were 12mm bolts. My pads and rotors were in great shape with 53,000 miles. That is mostly highway miles though.

[russ257]

vibe pad changes are easy. all you need is a jack, lug wrench ( these are in your car) a couple metric deep well sockets ( forget wich size) new pads. and something to compress the cylinder ie a set of chanel locks or your thumbs if you are strong) although i am sure they make an expensive tool