subject: Embrace The Grease: Save Money [print this page] Most of us today seem to have quite a fear of getting dirty and as a result we pay enormous sums in automotive repair costs. A good example is replacing your brakes. It takes a few tools and about an hour to change out the brake pads and rotors of most newer cars. Brake pads and rotors for a Subaru Tribeca will average about $150. A recent advertisement at a local repair shop was offering a "special deal" and would replace the front brakes "on your car" for $350, a savings of $200 just for doing it yourself.
In today's shrinking economy and budgets many of us are forgoing this important maintenance item until we have our annual vehicle inspections, risking our lives and the lives of others because we can't afford to pay the rates of auto professionals. We are doing so, for a job that just isn't that difficult. If you have any mechanical ability at all, role up your sleeves, dive in and get a little dirty.
This job usually takes a few tools. A socket set, a lug wrench, a jack to lift the car, a jack stand to rest the car on while you remove the tire and brakes, a large C clamp, a piece of wire (an old coat hanger works well) and a pair of pliers are usually all you need.
For safety reasons you will want to park the car on level ground. Loosen the lug nuts on the tire. Jack the car up and place the jack stand underneath the frame. Slowly lower the jack until the car is fully resting on the jack stand. Remove the wheel. The caliper is bolted to the axle usually with two bolts. Remove these bolts and carefully work the caliper off the rotor. Use the wire to hold the caliper from the frame. Do not let the caliper hang from the rubber hose. Remove the rotor from the lug nuts and replace it with a new rotor.
Remove the pins that hold the brake pads. Use the C clamp to push the pistons back into the caliper. Replace the brake pads. Undo the wire and slide the caliper back over the rotor until the bolt holes line up on the axle. Put the bolts back in and tighten firmly. Replace the wheel. Put the lug nuts back on until they are snug against the rim. Jack the car up and remove the jack stand. Slowly lower the car to the ground. Finish tightening the lug nuts on the wheel.
Use the same steps on the other side and when you are finished you will have saved yourself more than $200.
by: Art Gib
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