Question on Needed Repair
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Joined: Nov 2018
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Question on Needed Repair
Hi! The shop told me that my front brakes/pads were worn down to "less than 5 percent," which was one reason I was seeing the car-on-lift and "brake" warning lights on the dash (the other reasons were general service needed and a brake flush). Between the flush and front pads replacement I'm out over $800.
My question: why wouldn't I get a warning light sooner than 5 percent? Could the shop have been misrepresenting facts and status on pads and necessity of replacement?
Thanks
My question: why wouldn't I get a warning light sooner than 5 percent? Could the shop have been misrepresenting facts and status on pads and necessity of replacement?
Thanks
6th Gear
Joined: Jun 2013
Posts: 1,567
Likes: 57
From: Scottsdale, AZ
How many miles? Brakes on these cars are good for about 40k miles. $800 for a brake fluid replacement and front brakes (including new rotors) sound about right for a dealer. I can't really comment on the 5%; when the wear sensor goes, it's time to replace them.
Moderator
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 1,782
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From: San Francisco Bay Area
1) if you're asking for advice on maintenance/repairs, it really helps to include what year/model you have, and how many miles.
2) read the owners' manual to understand what those lights are telling you. Yes, there's a wear sensor that lets you know when your brake pads are worn and need replacing.
3) check with the NAM forum vendors to understand what parts should cost. Pads are a lot more than $15, you need to replace the sensor also, and there's some labor involved, but certainly not $800 even with a brake fluid flush. But it sounds like you had a general service done as well. Check itemized parts cost on the bill from the shop against the prices you find on line and you'll know whether to go back or not.
2) read the owners' manual to understand what those lights are telling you. Yes, there's a wear sensor that lets you know when your brake pads are worn and need replacing.
3) check with the NAM forum vendors to understand what parts should cost. Pads are a lot more than $15, you need to replace the sensor also, and there's some labor involved, but certainly not $800 even with a brake fluid flush. But it sounds like you had a general service done as well. Check itemized parts cost on the bill from the shop against the prices you find on line and you'll know whether to go back or not.
6th Gear
Joined: May 2018
Posts: 1,361
Likes: 246
From: Washington state
1) if you're asking for advice on maintenance/repairs, it really helps to include what year/model you have, and how many miles.
2) read the owners' manual to understand what those lights are telling you. Yes, there's a wear sensor that lets you know when your brake pads are worn and need replacing.
3) check with the NAM forum vendors to understand what parts should cost. Pads are a lot more than $15, you need to replace the sensor also, and there's some labor involved, but certainly not $800 even with a brake fluid flush. But it sounds like you had a general service done as well. Check itemized parts cost on the bill from the shop against the prices you find on line and you'll know whether to go back or not.
2) read the owners' manual to understand what those lights are telling you. Yes, there's a wear sensor that lets you know when your brake pads are worn and need replacing.
3) check with the NAM forum vendors to understand what parts should cost. Pads are a lot more than $15, you need to replace the sensor also, and there's some labor involved, but certainly not $800 even with a brake fluid flush. But it sounds like you had a general service done as well. Check itemized parts cost on the bill from the shop against the prices you find on line and you'll know whether to go back or not.
Keep in mind though that there is labor involved as well. That’s usually where the large amount of the cost comes in. These cars are tight room-wise to work on, and one thing I have found out since buying a Mini is that there usually is more labor involved than on most cars.
For example, the oil filter housing is a common spot for an oil leak. I was quoted over $800 to replace the gaskets at a shop. The gaskets themselves cost about $40, the rest was all for labor. It’s kind of crazy in a funny-not funny way! The labor cost is based on the time required to do said job according to a flat-rate manual. So labor costs may vary some by mechanic but hours charged should be pretty much universal.
I refuse to pay that much for something I can do myself. If it’s something I’m comfortable with taking on.
Good luck and motor on
Last edited by MrGrumpy; Nov 24, 2018 at 10:37 PM.
2nd Gear
Joined: Oct 2018
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Moderator
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 1,782
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From: San Francisco Bay Area
^ Personally I wouldn't trust my car and maybe my life (or someone else's) to brake pads that cheap. But if you're ok with the performance you get...
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2nd Gear
Joined: Oct 2018
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Let me tell you, I have had better luck with their stuff than I have with OEM parts. Rotors and brakes have been phenomenal. Always get the right part.....Been using them for many years on various models.
6th Gear
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 1,305
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From: Gulf Coast FL
Even buying pads from the local auto store,the job would be less than $50.
Last edited by Derek86; Nov 27, 2018 at 03:12 PM. Reason: Grammar
2nd Gear
Joined: Oct 2018
Posts: 72
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This is true. I had an experience with Autozone Duralast Gold Brake pads.....their premier line, lifetime guarantee...… I was driving, residential area, not going fast, hit the brakes and my foot went to the floor. Thinking I popped a brake line, I limped home using only the ebrake. When I got home, I saw a brake pad hanging out of the caliper. I pulled both front wheels and all 4 pads in the front had separated from the backing. I have never seen anything like it. What are the odds that all 4 pads would separate? Those were my last autozone brakes.
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