i am at about 35k and i think its time to get my brakes done. looking at my calipers, they look pretty close to the rotors. i am usually a do-it-your-selfer, but i have never done brakes before. that's not something i would want to mess up as the margin of error would be much more serious than say, an exhaust leak. anyway, does anyone have a recommendation on where to get them done on the cheap? i don't do any auto-x'ing so not really looking to upgrade pads, but i wouldn't be opposed to trying some better pads. i am near the berkeley/el cerrito area.

spanks!

 

We're on the same boat...I bought new tires last month and noticed my brake pads at a 20% front, 40% rear..I ordered a set of Hawk pads on Tirerack...they have a few varieties depending on application. On the other hand, SpeedElement sometimes have brake pad specials with or without installation. I think they just had one last month (maybe still going on). They're one of a few good shops around...price and service.

* I just missed their thread by a day after I already ordered online

 

It's true that the failure mode of a bad brake job is alarming, but changing pads isn't too bad. You don't have to bleed the brake system or use any specialist tools to change out the pads. Just a 10mm wrench (IIRC), some brake cleaner, some brake anti-vibration compound and some 150 grit sand paper.

I mention this 'cause I was thinking exactly the same thing, but ended up doing a caliper/line upgrade etc. that included new pads, and it really wasn't anywhere near as scary as I expected.

 

might as well do it yourself. Cheaping out on stuff never gets you anywhere.

 

i just recieved my brakes in the mail, and i am actually doing them with another member here on this site. this is my first time doing my brakes but i still want to learn how to do it. i guarantee you that you can find someone who is willing to give you a helping hand. goodluck