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

 

[Craig.]

Asking a question about any skilled job will be a very subjective conversation. What someone finds easy another person won't be capable of doing at all. Plus anything in-between.

Is changing brakes easy? For me, yes as I have the correct tools (and consumables), equipment, documentation access and previous knowledge from doing it in the past. Without one of those, it's no longer easy (maybe still not "difficult" but would consume much more time and carry a much higher risk of errors than someone with experience for sure). Plus I have an analytical mindset and understanding of physics and mechanical workings.

Am I industry qualified to do mechanical work? No. Should you trust my answer? No as the answer applies to me and my capabilities. No one knows your capabilities except you so you need to decide for yourself on if YOU think changes brakes is easy after looking up the tools needed and the process involved such as from the official documents from Seat.

Should you trust when someone else like a mate says they can do it? Trust but verify, ask them for their history with brake changes. If they changed 1 set of pads 15 years ago, maybe approach with caution and have a plan B.

I find my primary skill within my industry easy to understand and work within but over 90% of the same industry avoid it like the plague. Outside of the industry is even worse.

 

[SuperV8]

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?

It's not rocket science - but depends on you and your space/tools? Do you have a drive, floor jack, axle stands and a socket set, torx bits and a 200nm torque wrench?
Once the wheel is off you only have 4x bolts and a small torx screw to undo per side. Your rear brake will need a diagnostic tool to wind back and re-set the caliper piston.
If you are DIYing & want a cheaper option than the OE brake parts - I would recommend picking some from friction manufactures and NOT the big name brake system manufactures. Avoid budget brand pads!
If you are using a garage - I would just let them pick the parts (ask them what brand parts first though, not many garages fit parts supplied anyway!) - then their warrantee is not an issue if there is a problem!

 

[nd-photo.nl]

400 for discs & pads is cheap in my opinion.

If you have the 370mm brakes (Performance Pack), get Zimmermann discs as they are less prone to warping. The Brembos are known to warp.

I have the 340mm brake setup and was very pleased with how it went (quite an easy job). I replaced it with Zimmerman drilled discs (1 piece) and ATE Ceramic pads. I'm very happy with the setup and brake dust is down to a minimum. The Ceramic pads have good initial bite in my opinion. I don't track the car and use it as a fast daily.

Protip: add the Audi RS3 brake deflectors. Partnr: 8V0407811 / 8V0407812

It helps with getting as much air to the brakes to cool them

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