Hi -

I took my 96 2.5TL to Merlins today as the front brakes were really starting to squeal and they've done great work for me in the past. They call awhile later and say that the rotors on the front are slam-on or something to that effect and difficult to remove and so the labor would go up a little. No worries. They called again to say that they could not get the rotors off without worrying about damaging the bearings. There was enough there to go awhile longer, but they will need to be replaced at some point down the road.

Did they miss something? Are the front rotors -that- hard to change? These guys have always been honest with me, but I just want to know what I am facing!

Thanks!!
Kevin

 

yes......they are. do a search for rotors and look for my thread....info in there about em. it will be expensive to have them changed.....the 2.5s are 'special' like that.

 

it's very true that when they try to remove the rotor and hub the wheel bearing can be damaged. These guys are being honest with you, I don't think most shops would even mention that to you or warn you. But as long as the bearings aren't near their end and they do the work carefully then you'll be fine. From the way they keep on updating you it seems like it's an honest shop.

 

Yeah, the guys there have been honest with us every single time we've dealt with them, but I'd never heard of this configuration before. They machined the rears for the final time six months back so my next trip for brakes is going to be costly. Given I drive in Chicago traffic 50 miles r/t each day it racks up quick.

The nice thing with my local Merlin in Downers Grove is not only have they been great keeping me up-to-date, they've been terrific with my wife, too.

Thanks again for confirming what they were telling me!

Kevin

 

hey the brakes are pretty cheap man.. if u dont go origal u can pick up some cheap ones from NAPA.. i got my from there for 90 for both... this is canada too.. and the fronts are cheaper then the rear and i really dont know why but they are..