Brake pads

[Deev]

My Leon TDI needs new brake pads all round. My stealer quoted me about 170 quid for the job. I've phoned around and had a few other prices. National Tyres and Autocare quoted me about 135 quid, and a local chain called Wilco Motorsave quoted me a mere 80 quid.

Now obviously I want it done relatively cheaply and as far as I'm aware brake pads are pretty much brake pads (unless you're fitting uprated ones but that's not the issue here). I used to fit them to my old bangers all the time but frankly these days I don't have the time or energy to be injuring myself doing that

So has anyone got any advice or horror stories regarding this? Am I as well to go for the cheaper option (Motorsave aren't a huge company but they're quite a big local chain in this region and seem competent enough) or could I be asking for trouble?

 

[ibizacupra]

brake pads are not brake pads 'm afraid.
cheapo rubbish can fade when you need em most and fall apart

 

[YerMother]

I have experienced that!

 

[Deev]

I've just called Motosave back and they say they fit either Quinton Hazell or Lockheed depending on availability. Both reputable brands are they not...?

 

[ibizacupra]

Jurid also reputable brand but they scare the bejesus out of me... one stop and they're dead.
you pays ya money and ya takes ya choice at the end of the day.

these are your brakes tho is all i'll say

goodluck

 

[Muttley]

Deev wrote

My Leon TDI needs new brake pads all round. My stealer quoted me about 170 quid for the job. I've phoned around and had a few other prices. National Tyres and Autocare quoted me about 135 quid, and a local chain called Wilco Motorsave quoted me a mere 80 quid.

Now obviously I want it done relatively cheaply and as far as I'm aware brake pads are pretty much brake pads (unless you're fitting uprated ones but that's not the issue here). I used to fit them to my old bangers all the time but frankly these days I don't have the time or energy to be injuring myself doing that

Fitting front pads is a doddle. Most of what you pay will be labour, so the best way to save money is to do it yourself.

Rears are more difficult, but I think you should look at the rear pads and check that they really do need doing. Rear pads last practically for ever, there is very little braking effort contributed by the rear end as all the weight is at the front when braking.

So has anyone got any advice or horror stories regarding this? Am I as well to go for the cheaper option (Motorsave aren't a huge company but they're quite a big local chain in this region and seem competent enough) or could I be asking for trouble?

I do all my own brake servicing, it is one of the last purely mechanical jobs that can still be done with no special tools. Disk pads are easier to change than drum shoes, and the only tool you might need is a generic wind-back tool for the rear caliper pistons. You also get to check the condition of the discs and the flexible hoses, and you know you will take more care than the garage mechanic.

The lowest bidder will be using the lowest cost materials to keep his costs down. If you are happy with that, well and good. I wouldn't be.

 

[m0rk]

Ignoring that it's a brake upgrade

http://www.seatcupra.net/knowledge_base/fitting_guides/pagid_leon_brake_guide.html

but spend the labour you save on good pads DIY it, it's a 40 min job for the 1st side, then 10 mins the other (once you work out how quick it is!)

 

[Deev]

Fitting front pads is a doddle. Most of what you pay will be labour, so the best way to save money is to do it yourself.

Rears are more difficult, but I think you should look at the rear pads and check that they really do need doing. Rear pads last practically for ever, there is very little braking effort contributed by the rear end as all the weight is at the front when braking.

Yeah had it only been the fronts I wouldn't have been too fussed as I know they're a piece of the proverbial to fit but the rears are indeed more of a pain. I'm going by what my stealer said re the condition of my brakes though. They did my MoT but warned me that my rears needed changing more or less straight away and the fronts "in the next couple of thousand miles" (and I've already done about 500 since).

What pads would you recommend then? I thought QH were a decent brand? I've used them without problem in the past...

 

[Deev]

Anyone?

(okay it's a bump, so sue me... )

 

[cordobabrendy]

because the rears are only stabilising brakes really, std pads, halfords pads etc will do.

 

[Muttley]

I usually buy Ferodo. I am just a little wary of using own-brand parts for such a critical function.

 

[Deev]

Hmm okay tell me you told me so. I took my car to Motosave after all (it was a budget thing, alright!) and they have already called me to tell me my discs are knackered too, despite my main dealer telling me less than a month ago that my discs were fine and I just needed new pads "in the next couple of thousand miles".

Only goes to show the cheaper places will try to fleece you elsewhere...

 

[si-mate]

Ask to see the discs yourself. You never know your dealer may not have looked at them properly.

 

[Deev]

Well I've just spoken to the dealer again and they say that at the time they were of the opinion the discs were fine and they aren't likely to have degraded that much in such a short period. They too are of the opinion that Motosave are just trying to upsell.

I've seen the discs myself from through the alloys - there's no scoring in them - there's a bit of a lip at the edges where it has worn over time but I would think this is normal of all discs. They're not brand new, they're just not in need of replacement yet (in my opinion, and indeed that of my dealer!)

 

[si-mate]

In that case ask to see the discs before you agree to them changing them. I'm sure if you search on here you will find out at what depth of groove you need to get them changed.

Then you can say to them that they've got another 2mm (for example) before they need changing.

 

[Deev]

Not even doing that - I've just pretty much told them to off and fit my pads as I originally asked them.