There are certainly differences of opinion when it comes to when to replace parts on brakes and I’m in the position of having to “trust” the mechanic and the reputation of the shop I take it to. I consider the ability to stop quickly and easily vital to road and personal safety. I don’t want to risk the security of my dogs, my precious travelers!
Bruce’s Auto had given me the A OK on the LT brakes yet suddenly they started squeaking. My Ford has had squeaking brakes as a mater of course, I keep taking it to my tire place, they rotate the tires and tell me everything’s fine. I can still get more use out of them, not to worry. The same is not true for my little RV. It’s very heavy so stopping it takes a lot of force. The squeaking worried me; I’ll be hitting steep mountainous roads soon enough so I figured an extra opinion would be worthwhile. I bought my tires at Ians, so that’s where it is now, at an Ians; they pride themselves on doing top quality work. As the serviceman told me, they use the better parts, of course these cost more, but (hopefully) one can expect a greater longevity.
Perhaps ethics is at issue here, one can save money on a vehicle they don’t plan to put a lot of miles on. If you’re thinking you may sell or trade up your RV in a year or two you can shirk on high quality parts, but I never like doing that. Ians told me my front pads were less than 15% and the rears 10%; not a sure thing for continuing a long road trip if I planned steep mountain driving; on the freeways, maybe. He then explained “to do it right” the front rotors should be done; he quoted me a heart stopping price. . . I could spend a large chunk of my travel budget just for brakes! In the end we settled on new pads for the front and new pads and shoes for the rear; enough, he said, to see me though 20,000 miles or so. The front pads will wear quicker than normal since the rotors are not smooth, this can also cause squeaking so that may continue even with the new pads on the front. In the end it will cost $450 without the doing the rotors. Lucky me, I’ll save that for somewhere down the road.
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The bill was $309.. . . more reasonable, but they left greasy hand prints all over including on my steering wheel cover. And of course I thought I heard a new noise, a growling, knocking sort of noise. Dear mechanics of the world, sure I know your boss is telling you to hurry but can’t you use the door handles. Cleaned up the grease. Will have the engine re-inspected tomorrow. Seems weak on hills and at about 60 – 65 – 70 mph it still makes that nasty whining sound.
Hi Jamie,
Hope your rig is doing better. Did Bruce tell you the percentage of the breaks or that they were just ok. The 10% range is a good point to get them replaced however. I did the whole shebang on the wagon, expensive as you found out. Has the squeaking stopped?
I wonder if the western US is windy. It has been a windy year so far up at the cabin. Have your allergies settled down?
I enjoy your writing and the photos.
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Bruce just said they were OK. Need a recheck, pedal really low this morning, no squeaking. They muttered about master cylinder or could be a simple adjustment. Another mechanic is looking at it this morning. I told the brake place, I think they’re honest but you never know.
Waking with some fever and sore / clogged throat so probably allergies. Considering allergy shots big time.
You would love the birds in Oakhurst, Amazing songs by that little pond!
Thanks for your reply!!!
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I went through a trial and error with the master cylinder in my ’95 standard shift car…. will try to remember what they got wrong. Their mistake, they fixed it, but you can’t be dealing with mechanical do-overs on the road now can you! Master cyclinders are easy fixes if I remember correctly, easier than replacing rotors. Listen to what they aren;t saying and second guess them if you have to. -Chris
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Opting for a better shop on Monday that’s my second guess! Has put a dent my my schedule. I once drove a car with spongy brakes for a long time, nothing seemed to help it. I think the wrong brake pads had been installed.
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