New Brakes - Front Only

JohnnyCash · **Posted:** Fri Feb 19, 2010 9:53 pm

Les Schwab said my front brakes need replaced.

I was thinking about getting the Napa Rotors and Napa Ceramic Pads, but I want somebody else to install them.

First of all I see Napa has Premium and Ultra-Premium rotors. Does it matter which ones I get?
Also they have Adaptive One pads and Ultra-Premium pads. Which one do I want?

Also I don't know much about mechanics. Can I just call one up and tell them I bought my own parts and want them to install them or do you have to use the parts they recommend or how does that work?

PCT 1981 · **Posted:** Sat Feb 20, 2010 1:45 pm

You should be able to find a mechanic to install supplied parts, however the job is quite simple to do yourself if you have the tools. Look in the tech section of this forum for the "how to". I had never replaced brakes and found it very easy. I purchased Powerslot rotors and NAPA adaptive one ceramic pads.

tommudd · **Posted:** Sat Feb 20, 2010 1:48 pm

Ask at your local NAPA store, they maybe able to suggest who in the area does good work and is reasonable.

JohnnyCash · **Posted:** Sun Feb 21, 2010 1:25 am

Ok...........screw that !!!!
I don't think I can bring myself to pay $250 to $350 to get my brakes & rotors replaced.
I guess I'll learn to do it myself.

1st Question: Is there any reason I have to use jack stands? Can I just use the little jack that came with the jeep to jack up one side at a time. I won't be under it, so I don't see any danger.

tommudd · **Posted:** Sun Feb 21, 2010 1:27 am

It could still slip and fall off the jack and over onto you

mikey1273 · **Posted:** Sun Feb 21, 2010 6:18 pm

DO NOT USE A LITTLE TIRE CHANGER JACK!!!!! The jack that tthey give with a car is not stable enough to be torquing around on the cr while thats holding it up. Use jack stands to support the vehicle or a large and stable floor Jack and do one wheel at a time. I had a friend use a sissors Jack to change the breaks on her Neon. The car fell on her and BROKE HER LEG. Don't be cheap go buy or borrow what you need to do it safe. I set of jack stands is cheaper than paying labor and you will have them to use over and over.

PCT 1981 · **Posted:** Sun Feb 21, 2010 9:57 pm

Maybe there is a member here who is close to you who could loan you the stands.

ATXKJ · **Posted:** Mon Feb 22, 2010 9:51 am

Do not work on Brakes without someone who knows what they are doing.

You can make a mistake and end up causing a wreck - then that $350 - would have been really cheap.

It's not that it's really hard - but there are details that you can't mess up.

(and they're likely to at least have jackstands)

Budke · **Posted:** Mon Feb 22, 2010 11:31 am

Jack stands at walmart-$25
2 ton jack at walmart- $25

Save your legs and get them.

Replacing the pads are easy as pie. I've checked my pads quite a few times due to bad squeaking but they we're fine

But I think you should just do it yourself. Saves you money this time and many times in the future as well.

Sport · **Posted:** Tue Feb 23, 2010 9:41 am

Changing brake pads is easier than doing the oil. I did my rear over the weekend and took 45 minutes from start to completion. :rockon:

Focus2010 · **Joined:** Mon Feb 22, 2010 12:09 am **Posts:** 22

Where in Oregon? I'm a commercial account manager for O'Reilly Auto Parts and selling parts to shops around Gresham is all I do. I can tell you what shops will install your parts, which ones will be cheaper, etc.

JohnnyCash · **Posted:** Tue Feb 23, 2010 8:34 pm

Focus2010 wrote:

Where in Oregon? I'm a commercial account manager for O'Reilly Auto Parts and selling parts to shops around Gresham is all I do. I can tell you what shops will install your parts, which ones will be cheaper, etc.

I'm in Beaverton. Total cost from Les Schwab and the dealership was the same at about $350. That includes new rotors. That's why I was planning on just learning to do it myself. As easy as it sounds I don't see how they can charge $350.......seems more like $250 would be the max.

Focus2010 · **Joined:** Mon Feb 22, 2010 12:09 am **Posts:** 22

Well Schwab has their 'replace everything' policy. Even if your calipers show no sign of failing they replace them. They use the same rotors we do and Raybestos loaded calipers. Their policy is what it is.. I even try to set something up with them on our delivery trucks and they wouldn't budge. The dealer is just charging more for the parts. Even when I pay jobber they want a lot. Meineke does our shop trucks. They don't mind our parts and I know they've let Joe Blow bring in their own parts before but they are independantly owned and operated so each location has different rules. Call your local auto parts store and ask for their version of a commercial or wholesale manager, and ask them what shop they would recommend. If two or three say the same shop you're probably pretty safe.

All of that said - it really is pretty basic. The rotors are slip off and the calipers use bolts and have pistons that compress easily. Not one of the trickier systems. And starting tomorrow all O'Reilly stores will have 50% off the POwerbuilt and AllTrade tools we used to sell as Schuck's so a jack and set of stands will be cheap.

JohnnyCash · **Posted:** Wed Feb 24, 2010 6:12 pm

I just saw that ad last night about the 50% off at Schucks. Jacks are only $20 total if they still have them when I get off work.
Get this..........I called the dealer to see how much pads and rotors were. I thought maybe it wouldn't be too bad because I can get 25% off.

Rotors were $163.90 per rotor.
Pads $132 for a set.
Wow !!!!! A grand total of $459.80 ($344.50 with my discount) Now I'm wondering if he made a mistake.

Getting the entire job done by their service dept was only about $300 total with a 15% off coupon I have.
The grand total for parts at Napa was $189.18 (adaptive one ceramic pads, ultra premium rotors).

JeepinJarhead03 · **Posted:** Wed Feb 24, 2010 6:19 pm

yup, you can do a set of brakes out of napa, advance, O's, autozone etc twice out of what most dealers charge, ya figure labor is about as much as the parts

if you have a laptop + a PDF of the service manual, or .. well basically any of the KJ service manuals, or wireless internet, I guarantee someone would be on the forum to answer any brake job questions you had

and yeah, ours is a very simple setup

nothing like having to touch your nose with your tongue while using a c-clamp and one of those stupid square GM style caliper "wrenches" just to get the piston compressed

ugh..

if i knew who designed those things, i'd make them eat a brake pad

bmrrwolfe · **Joined:** Fri Dec 11, 2009 4:24 pm **Posts:** 132

I just got a set of rear rotors and their premium pads for the rear of my KJ, hopefully will get them done this weekend, it was nice my dads buddy has an account there and gets a great deal $80 out the door for the rotors and the "premium" pads!!

JohnnyCash · **Posted:** Thu Feb 25, 2010 7:49 pm

I watched a few videos on a brake job; looks pretty easy, but I have a few questions.

1. Do I need to grease anything except for the back of the brake pads and the caliper pins?
2. Do I need to clean everything with brake cleaner or can I skip that step?
3. Do I need to put anti-seize on the middle of the rotor or can I skip that step?
4. The pads came with Caliper Abutment Clips.........what do I do with those?
5. The instructions on this site say to use either a 21mm or 22mm socket......which is correct?
6. I only have a 3/8'' socket wrench. Is that ok or do I need to buy a 1/2''?

That's all.

New Brakes - Front Only

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