How Long Does Brake Repair Take?
When your brake pads and rotors are in need of replacement, it’s important to have the job done right. This usually requires a professional service.
Changing brake pads is typically a fairly quick service for expert mechanics, taking half an hour or less. But if rotors are required, the job will take longer.
Brake Pad Replacement
Brake pads are what make contact with your car's rotors to slow it down and stop. They wear down over time, and you'll need to replace them eventually.
Most newer vehicles have small attachments on their pads that act as a wear indicator, similar to what you see on tires. These will rub against the rotor when the pads are getting low, creating a squealing noise that lets you know it's time to replace them.
Whether or not you hear that telltale squeal, it's generally recommended to get your brake pads replaced every 10,000 to 20,000 miles. Your driving style can also play a factor in how long they last, since aggressive drivers tend to use them up faster. If you wait too long to replace them, they can cause damage to other components like rotors and calipers. They also won't provide as much stopping power.
Brake Rotor Replacement
A set of brake rotors can last 25,000 to 50,000 miles, but it depends on driving conditions and your style of stopping. You may need rotors replaced sooner if you do a lot of repetitive panic stops, which can cause them to wear down faster than normal.
You may also need rotor replacement if you experience a pulsation in the brake pedal when braking. This occurs when the rotor has more than a few thousandths of an inch variation in thickness, which causes the brake pads to rub against them unevenly and create that annoying pulsation.
Some rotors may develop heat checking, which is hairline cracks on the working surface that appear after prolonged exposure to high temperatures. This is normal, but if the cracks extend to the edge of the rotor, it is time to replace them. Machining a rotor removes material and can reduce its ability to dissipate heat, so many mechanics recommend replacing them rather than resurfacing them when they're worn down.
Brake Caliper Replacement
While brake pads and rotors have a set lifespan, your brake calipers are built to last much longer. But even with the best care, they can still see significant wear and tear. Keeping up with routine inspections can help ensure your calipers don’t have to be replaced as often.
When it comes to replacing a single brake caliper, a qualified mechanic can usually do the job in about 30 minutes. However, it takes more time to bleed or flush the system and replace the fluid.
A good tip for anyone looking to save money on a caliper replacement is to grease the slide bolts before installing them. This will prevent them from being stuck in place when tightened.
Brake Fluid Replacement
Changing the brake fluid is crucial for the performance of your car’s brakes. The fluid transfers force to your brakes, and it resists internal corrosion and high-brake temperatures. Brake fluid is also hygroscopic, meaning it absorbs water from the air. The absorbed moisture lowers the boiling point of the fluid, which can cause it to boil prematurely and contaminate your brake lines, calipers, and other components.
Most manufacturers recommend that you flush and replace your brake fluid every two years. This will help keep your brake system performing properly, and it can also save you money on replacement costs. While flushing and replacing the fluid costs $100 or less, replacing rusty brake lines or calipers can cost several hundred dollars. A professional mechanic can handle this job in 30 minutes to an hour, depending on the amount of fluid you have to drain and replace. This is also a good time to switch to the type of brake fluid recommended by your manufacturer.
Capistrano Transmission & Auto Repair
When your brake pads and rotors are in need of replacement, it’s important to have the job done right. This usually requires a professional service. Changing brake pads is typically a fairly quick service for expert mechanics, taking half an hour or less. But if rotors are required, the job will take longer. Brake Pad…