To ensure your safety on the road, it is a must for you to replace your brake pads and rotors when it is needed, otherwise, you might end up in a hospital. So, try not to take it to the limit and replace it when you are supposed to. Usually, these brake pads wear and tear quite quickly. So, it’s better to check your brake system regularly.
Sometimes, you may hear a little grinding or scraping sound and you will know that something is wrong with your vehicle. Besides, often you will notice that when you are slowing down your car or make a turn, it tries to pull to one side. Or during putting some extra pressure on your brake, it seems like a little spongy.
If anything happens like this, mechanics might suggest you replace not only the brake pads but also the rotor. It may come to your mind that “Does my car need that? or if they are trying to sell something to me that I don’t need?”. So, analyzing the cost and other features of these parts might be beneficial.
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How the Brake Pads and the Rotors Work
A proper diagnosis about the issue with your brake pads and rotors is essential. For that, comprehending its components’ placement and their corresponding work procedure might be of great help.
Brake Pads and Shims
After applying pressure to the brakes, the calipers of your car brace the brake pads into the rotors which reduce speed and hence make your car standstill. The brake pad shims of your vehicle, including some supplemental tools, help the car to brake with less vibration and noise.
Usually, the shims are made of metal or rubber and can be found between the pads and the calipers. Also, the titanium shims help protect the calipers and sometimes from the high temperature that causes damage. So a perfectly working brake pad must be absorbent to high heat and pressure.
Generally, the brake pads contain an indicator that makes a grinding or scraping sound when it is fatigued. Besides, you should always replace the brake pads and other related equipment like shims and hardware like brackets, slides, springs, and clips after every 15 to 20 thousand miles.
Even if your brakes face normal tear and wear, the hardware might get cracked or broken. So for a safer and less vibrating brake pad replacement, replacing all the related tools and hardware is always the best option.
Rotors
After putting some pressure on the brake pedal, the rotors block the wheel from spinning. Usually, the rotors are made of cast iron. So it performs well enough under extreme pressure or heat. Again, you need to replace your rotors every 70 thousand miles.
Replacing the rotors and the brake pads in pairs will provide you an efficient and even stopping performance. If you hear grinding, squealing or squeaking sound or vibration while braking. Else, if it takes longer for the car to halt, your rotors need to be replaced.
Calipers
The calipers in the brake compress the brake pad in opposition to the top of the rotor and hence slow down the car. They basically accompany other components in the braking process.
Brake Pad Replacement Cost
The highest replacement cost for brake pads can be $250 to $300 depending on the type of car you own. In that scheme, you can get the cheaper ones at only around $50. But the best value brake pads are available at the price of $100 to $150.
Along with that, you have to add the labor charge with the brake pads. For a professional, it will take between one or two hours to finish the job and they will charge you $80 to $100 per hour. So if you want the professional to do the job for you, the replacement may cost you between $150 to $400.
Rotor Replacement Cost
The expensive rotors available on the market will cost you up to $400 where you can get the economical ones in the range of $200 to $250. But the most cost and work efficient ones will go for around $250 to $300.
The average rotor replacement mechanic charge will be between $150 to $175. So the total cost for the rotor replacement will be between $350 to $500.
Calipers Replacement Cost
Comparatively, it takes fewer bucks than the rotors and brake pads to replace calipers in your vehicle. Mostly you will get the top-notch calipers in between $50 to $100. And the replacement cost will be around $100. So for a complete caliper replacement, you will need $150 to $200.
Conclusion
Lastly, if you are new to replacing car parts and yet want to save some money and do the replacement by yourself, things might go south. So it is wise to take the expert’s help in this regard even if it may cost a few extra bucks. Because you don’t want to compromise your safety.
So if you hear any unusual noise while driving or braking, take your car to the professionals and get the best deal for the replacement. And if you have your own experience inspect and replace the brake pads and rotors if needed. As the safety of yours and everyone else on the road is relying on it.