I just noticed that my car breaks are in pretty bad shape, they definetly need replacement. I’m wondering how to know if the rotors need it too? they are making a weird noise when I drive sounds maybe like metal on metal. It’s also hard to stop now. The brakes were smoking after a hard run around the block to test my clutch. I know the rotors and pads were replaced about a year and a half ago probably about 35,000km.
Any help would be appreciated.
good rotors/pads?
thanks
JAY
take it to a brake shop and have them measure your rotor thickness. they’ll tell you if they’re re-surfaceable or not. if you hear metal to metal you might have ruined your rotors already, the pads are probably gone and you’re stopping with the metal backing on the pads.
I hear the noise while driving, its on both sides. It happens when I dont apply the brakes too…
It could possibly be that your calipers are sticking. It happened to me about a month ago. The piston in the caliper freezes in place holding the pad up against the rotor. The pad will then wear down very quickly and soon you’re down to the metal backing on the pad which makes a nasty grinding noise and tears apart the rotor. I took apart the caliper and replaced all the seals and dust boots in it and cleaned all the dirt and rust from everything and it seems to have done the trick. I picked up some rotors and AEM pads from nopionline.com and am satisfied with my work especially knowing that I probably saved myself hundreds of dollars doing it myself. Oh and nopi also has rebuilt calipers if it comes down to that. HTH.
what kinda tools do I need to replace it?
never done a brake job before
thanks
JAY
i need new rotors as u might, and have been researching for awhile, and i’ve come to find that Brembo OE blank rotors are the best bang for the buck…around $100 for all for, but if you wanna spend more on either slotted or drilled rotors, they’re gonna cost ya…i’ve heard good about Powerslot, Rotora, and again Brembo…its all about what kinda money you want to spend…then there’s always the big brake kits, which require a larger wheel…I’ve heard good about AEM,wilwood, and again, Brembo, i’m sure there’s others though…
as far as pads, i personally think i am going with the AEM pads…but i’ve heard good about Hawk HP+, Stillen Metal Matrix, Axxis, and a couple others…so look around and research whats best for you…an average cost for a full set of performance brake pads all around is ~$100…
HTH. 
If I were to replace the rotors/pads myself what kinda job am I looking at, thanks
JAY
Originally posted by integra91jay
If I were to replace the rotors/pads myself what kinda job am I looking at, thanks
JAY
As long as the bolts cooperate, it’s an easy job. I highly recommend buying an IMPACT screwdriver set. You’ll need one for the rotor.
Regards,
Oz
where would be a good place t get some info on the install? I know the rotors have been replaced before so the bolts shouldint be that bad
thanks
JAY
Get yourself a manual… Helms of course is the best way to go, but quite expensive. I changed my brakes with the aid of my old Haynes manual. You can pick it up at CDN tire for like $15 or less.
The cost of OEM replacement rotors is so cheap now that it is now worth turning the rotors. Once they are turned (machined), the metal is thinner and easier to warp. You are better off paying the few extra bucks and buy new rotors and pads. On our cars the rotors are anchored to the hub with 2 phillips head screws that are usually frozen. I don’t have an impact screwdriver but anything else I tried including a compressor just strips the head. I ended up drilling the screw with ever increasing sizes of drill until I could break the head of the screw off. Then used EZ out to get the screw out of the hub. Some hubs have four screw holes. If so , you might be able to grind down the ones you broke off and use the other two holes with new screws. The rotors might also be corroded to the centre of the hub. Just tap it with a hammer to get it off. You also have to take off the complete caliper to get the rotors off. Be careful not to stretch or otherwise damage the brake lines. Once you get the rotors off you may find that one or more of the calipers is damaged. Then you have to decide if you fix or replace. I recommend replace unless you want to get into disassembling a rusted corroded caliper. Once you disconnect the brake line from the caliper then you into bleeding the brake lines when you assemble everything.
Originally posted by integra91jay
where would be a good place t get some info on the install? I know the rotors have been replaced before so the bolts shouldint be that bad
thanks
JAY
If you’re in Montreal and need a hand, give me a shout.
Regards,
Oz
friend of mine showed me this trick
instead of using an impact screw driver find a big screwdriver that can take a little abuse
use the screwdriver to turn the screw while hitting the back of the screwdriver with a hammer
works everytime
do I have to worry about torgue specs for the bolts?
how much nuts have to be taken out
thanks
JAY
No matter what the job on your car, always check for torque specs when you’re putting things back together. These can also be found in any manual.
Taking it apart is pretty easy. As long as everything cooperates, you can have the calipers off in no time. The hardest part you’ll probably run into is removing the rotors because of those screws. You should even be able to rent an impact screwdriver if you don’t want to buy one. Best to start with the proper tool, instead of stripping the heads and having to fight with it for hours, imo.