Cupra 300 Brake Pad/Disc Replacement DIY? Local Garage?

[QTom]

Just wondering what peoples thoughts are on replacing discs/pads.

About too book my yearly servce, last service I was advised my front discs/pads were getting low, and the rears possibly need doing too. I take it to a local VW dealer for the service as they actually do a basic service for a reasonable price, but they quoted a ludicrous ~£850 to replace just the front discs/pads.

Considering that on euro car parts I can get new brembo discs and pads for all 4 corners for £400, that seems like a lot of money.

Is it particularly difficult to replace pads/discs yourself?

The other option would be go to a local place, possibly ask them to fit pads/discs that I provide?

Just wondering what others usually do, OEM vs other brands, doing it yourself, local garages etc?

 

[James_R]

1. Run of the mill "brembo" brakes thay Euro sells are not very good in my opinion. I had them on my Mk3 Leon and they were dreadful. I had the cupra brake setup like you, that I fitted as an upgrade. The front pads clattered about and the rears squeaked all the the time. I swapped them out in less than 25 miles for genuine parts.

2. On a critical safety system as important as your brakes, if you haven't done the job before and have to ask any questions (especially those related to fitting them), you might be best leaving the job to a professional.

 

[tracktoy]

Try a local VAG Specialist they are normally also cheaper than the main dealers.

 

[QTom]

Yeah I am probably unlikely to do it myself but was curious if people think it's an easy job.

In which case does anyone know what is a typical/reasonable for pads/discs front/back? Considering I was quoted 800 for the fronts then I'd assume rears would be something like £600 so £1400 all in.

What would be a reasonable quote from a dealer or local place?

 

[Pinky]

Doing your own brakes can be rewarding. It's time, and having somewhere to do it. I don't think it's a difficult job but not everyone has the those or the tools.

Re Brembos. I put them fr/rr on my FR and they've been fine. Good enough to not hit Mr Pheasant yesterday.

 

[eltawater]

It depends very much on whether you plan to keep on doing them in the future and how much kit you already have. Things like trolley jack, jack stands, wire brushes, disc retaining screw, impact drivers for the disc retaining screw, lubes, caliper rewind tools , brake cleaner cans, torque wrenches rated high enough for the front caliper carrier bolts, breaker bars long enough to loosen the bolts in the first place etc.

The price of all these (especially the bolts!) can all add up on the job if you're only doing this as a one off, but are obviously better if you plan to keep doing it in future. You can "get away" without some of this stuff but there's a risk of swearing heavily on the driveway when all the motor factors have shut...

A local trusted garage quoted £120 labour only on my supplied parts for the front disc and pads last year. The OEM discs and pads came from our forum sponsor cox motorparts with forum discount and I had enough of the kit to change them myself, but I've been changing wheels and brakes for years.

As others have said, it's very rewarding but it helps if you are committed to doing them again in the future to balance the maths

 

[QTom]

It depends very much on whether you plan to keep on doing them in the future and how much kit you already have. Things like trolley jack, jack stands, wire brushes, disc retaining screw, impact drivers for the disc retaining screw, lubes, caliper rewind tools , brake cleaner cans, torque wrenches rated high enough for the front caliper carrier bolts, breaker bars long enough to loosen the bolts in the first place etc.

The price of all these (especially the bolts!) can all add up on the job if you're only doing this as a one off, but are obviously better if you plan to keep doing it in future. You can "get away" without some of this stuff but there's a risk of swearing heavily on the driveway when all the motor factors have shut...

A local trusted garage quoted £120 labour only on my supplied parts for the front disc and pads last year. The OEM discs and pads came from our forum sponsor cox motorparts with forum discount and I had enough of the kit to change them myself, but I've been changing wheels and brakes for years.

As others have said, it's very rewarding but it helps if you are committed to doing them again in the future to balance the maths

Was wondering where I could get OEM parts if needed, £700 for the pads and rotors from COX, not too bad, about how much was the forum discount? If I can get those fitted somewhere for a reasonable price that might be a good way to go, thanks.

Yeah I have a few tools but would probably need more if I was going to do it myself, could be a fun project but I will probably leave to the professionals

 

[eltawater]

Post on their subforum says 5% but worth checking in with them to see what it currently is.

Exclusive website discount for ALL forum members!

Do you have a phone number so I can place an order ?

www.seatcupra.net