What should I expect to pay for front brake pad replacement? My dealer quoted me $312 for pads, resurfacing of rotors, and labor.

Also how long should pads last for this vehicle? I know every driver will have different results based on driving habits. I have 27,000 miles and drive pretty easily.

 

Many things go into the equation, do you need just stock pads, then NAPA pads or Autozone pads are fairly inexpensive, do you need rotors, or a resurface?
Main question is are you mechanically inclined and have the knowledge to replace the pads and rotors? the E-bay and Amazon sellers are fairly a good place to shop.
My 2 cents worth I go with new Ceramic pads and new rotors and swap them out in my own driveway for about $180.00 parts and shipping in about 30 to 45 minutes. on average every 35 to 45,000 miles.

 

I thought that the HHR rotors were replace only? I could be wrong, but I think I read somewhere that they were at min thickness right out of the box.

 

Did you know that there is a very nice SEARCH tool at the top of every page?

mongo is incorrect. You can get at least 1 cut unless they are really trashed, I have had 2 before. Many will say just replace them, since you only save half the price cutting them.

$312 at a dealer does not sound bad. Any shop should be able to do the job, don't limit yourself the GM dealers, the techs go to the same trade schools.

Keep your rears adjusted and you should get 60-70 K out of the Original front pads, Replacements usually get me 50K or, so. But I replace them sooner than most people do.

 

This is probably what I was thinking of. That and the fact that the stock rotors warp easily. I put new pads on mine at 60,000 miles, no work done to rotors, no problems. At 70,000 miles right now.

 

Seeing the life you guys are getting from your pads makes me wonder if I really do need pads at only 27,000 miles. Maybe my dealer is trying to get over on me.

 

If your dealer didn't actually take you back in the shop and show you the worn brakes, then NO, I wouldn't believe them.

 

Hozer,

I would make some phone calls to reputable auto mechanic shops. I had the front pads replaced for $75.00 last year. Rotors were fine. GM dealers are higher for any kind of work.

Boydie

 

1st set of pads and rotors lasted 70,000. Second set of pads lasted 110,000 additional miles before I had to replace. Rear shoes are still original pushing 200k (80% highway driving).
Ceramic pads are a good choice and can be purchased online for $20-$30.

 

$312 is not a bad price if they do need replacing. Generally they should tell you how much wear is left, in either as a percentage (ie: 20% left) or in mm (ie: 2 MM left). You sometimes can check it yourself without even removing the wheels by using a flashlight and looking at the clearance between the metal backing on the pads and the rotor, to see how much pad is left.



Or, just trade it in on a mustang.