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Calling all car experts

My brakes are squealing when I apply the brakes. Does this mean new brake pads are needed, vs. just checking brake fluid?
If so anyone know the approximate price of a brake pad job?
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Fungirlmmm · 51-55, F
If it is just squeaking you are at the wear indicators. Get them checked and get a quote on changing the brake pads. Could be front or back or both. Lots of variables there. Do not wait to long to get the brakes looked at though because once they start grinding chances are you will need rotors too.
fun4us2b · M
@Coralmist Bring it in...do you have annual inspections? Also, are Disc brakes in front and back??
HumanEarth · F
@Fungirlmmm spoken like a professional
fun4us2b · M
@HumanEarth I agree!
Convivial · 26-30, F
Brake pads often have a small light metal tab built into them so that when they do wear down it makes contact and hence the noise to let you know that need replacing....
If it sounds like metal on metal, brake pads.
@Lilnonames Really. Shop here still offers it.
Coralmist · 41-45, F
@Sojournersoul What is "turning" them?
@Coralmist If they have enough metal left on them, they can make them smooth again.
Sapio · 51-55, M
It depends on the sound. If it's a high-pitched squeal, then it's most likely an accumulation of brake dust. If it's a metal-on-metal sound, more like grinding, then the pads are worn and need to be replaced.
Cheesecake · 61-69, M
Squealing usually means a build-up of brake dust so may just need a good clean. Brake pads, if needed, is not too expensive a job. Obviously if discs are also worn and need replacing, the cost starts to rise. I think they're called rotors over there.
If the sound is not metallic, which would mean at least new pads, then fingers crossed it's just a cleanup job 🤞
Coralmist · 41-45, F
@Cheesecake unfortunately it is a metal sound..ugh. I hope it's not a lot to repair..I'm not working currently 😣
Cheesecake · 61-69, M
@Coralmist oof that's tough. As others have said on here, that might just mean pads (sound could be the wear indicators) and if just the fronts - which take more punishment so tend to wear quicker - shouldn't be too bad. I paid around £100 in the UK last year for new front pads for my Skoda Octavia (VW group), at my regular and totally trusted independent garage, so whatever that is in dollars would be reasonable. If you can, take a pal who can speak cars. If not, ask them nicely to do the minimum for safety for now and say you'll go back to them for more work when finances allow. You might find a kind mechanic.
I wish I lived near you - I'd come and do them for you for just the cost of parts. It's an easy enough job. How frustrating! Wishing you luck 🤞
Coralmist · 41-45, F
@Cheesecake Aww that is kind of you🌷 I hope it goes ok as well. Ty friend. 🪻
Iwillwait · M
Could just be "brake dust" causing the noise. Have a mechanic look at the pad life and they'll let you know.
Zaphod42 · 51-55, M
A high pitch squeal is probably the warning pegs letting you know to schedule service soon. A grinding sound means you missed the squeal and you’re now rubbing bare pads on the rotors.

Brake service for just the pads around here is roughly $100 to $150 per axle, and anything more, like resurfacing or replacing the rotors or repairing any line or caliper leaks, will bring that up sharply.
LordShadowfire · 46-50, M
@Zaphod42 Thank you. I was driving myself crazy trying to remember how much it costs.

@Coralmist The good news is, if you get them replaced right now while they're just squealing, you probably won't have to have anything done with the calipers.
calicuz · 56-60, M
Could be dust, but most likely the brake pads need replacing. Shop around for a decent price on replacing them. Brake pad replacement is one of the biggest scams in the auto repair industry. The parts may cost as little as 50 dollars and it only takes an hour to change both front and back, but shops can start pricing at 300 dollars.
Coralmist · 41-45, F
@calicuz Right I'm looking online and some say they were charged 600 ....oh man!!
calicuz · 56-60, M
@Coralmist

That's horrible. Try smaller shops where the owner and mechanics are just trying to make a living and not get rich.
Coralmist · 41-45, F
@calicuz I do have a trustworthy mechanic I go to occasionally.. hopefully the quote will be reasonable. Ty cali🪻
JohnnyNoir · 61-69, M
Hopefully it's just the pads and not the rotors. Get it checked soon
TheRascallyOne · 31-35, M
Normally pads
This message was deleted by its author.
Coralmist · 41-45, F
@TheRascallyOne sorry this was to another member, I apologize!
Coralmist · 41-45, F
@TheRascallyOne Ty for your response 🌻
Muthafukajones · 46-50, M
Squeaking means time to replace the pads. Cost can vary a lot. Maybe $600-1200 depending on whether it’s a mechanic or a dealership.
Coralmist · 41-45, F
@Muthafukajones I just got a brake pad coupon for 50 bucks off..at a dealership. But I typically get repairs done at a local shop. I guess I could call up each one and get an estimate?
Cheesecake · 61-69, M
@Coralmist stay away from dealerships. They're known as stealerships over here for a reason!
SW-User
This is why we have mechanics
Coralmist · 41-45, F
@SW-User Yes but it's good for someone to know possibly what is going on .. some Mechanics will take advantage if we don't know.
SW-User
@Coralmist true, you can always ask a couple of different shops
HumanEarth · F
@Fungirlmmm nailed it
LordShadowfire · 46-50, M
Yeah, they're actually designed to make that noise when they get worn down to a certain level. If you keep going, the next thing you'll hear is a grinding noise.

To answer your other question, I don't remember what it cost me the last time. But you should stop in while you still can.
Lilnonames · F
Most places will charge u bout 700, but if you can get someone put them on cheap like I do, less than a $100
Lilnonames · F
@Anon066 most will put new rotors on as well
Anon066 · 31-35, M
@Lilnonames ya i saw your other comment after posting mine and figured you meant with rotors too lol.
Cheesecake · 61-69, M
@Lilnonames shouldn't if they're not necessary though. My last front pads disintegrated unexpectedly from old age after a long trip and although the discs (aka rotors) were the same age and a little worn, there was no damage serious enough to warrant changing them at that time. I'll get both done together next time around. I was very lucky 😏
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Cheesecake · 61-69, M
@SandWitch of course, because all of sw knows what a troublemaker I am 🙄
Cheesecake · 61-69, M
@SandWitch erm it's not yours actually, it's Coral's - although you seem to be trying to hijack it with your chip firmly on your shoulder. Your behaviour has been very rude 🤨
Coralmist · 41-45, F
@SandWitch I am inspired and surprised too of a few great comments on brakes by women as well. One may think mostly men talk cars , but there are many women who love them and are damn good at it too. ! Those are some great illustrations you posted.

 
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