dolemite420

Got a 2006 TSX w/ 40k miles. Have had it for 3 years.

I took it into Midas for a brakes inspection. I haven't heard any squeaks or anything, just wanted to get em looked at. I was pretty set on getting new front brake pads, I even requested it from them.

They told me that I still had 45% of my front pads remaining, and that there was no need to replace them. However, there was only 15% left on the rear pads.

They suggested I get the rear pads AND new rear rotors. They said that the rear rotors were "single-plated" (unlike the fronts, which are double), and that the rear rotors are not meant to be machined. The cost for everything was about $350 parts and labor.

Now, I've done some online research and evidently it is normal for the rear pads to wear out earlier than the front. But what I'm wondering is, do I really need new rear rotors? They never said that they had problems, just that they couldn't be machined and that new ones were needed.

Any advice is appreciated. Thanks,

nbtx

New pads only. Rotors only if they are badly grooved and worn below the minimum thickness, which yours probably are not with 40K miles.

moda_way

First of all, Midas is a shyte place to take your car in my experience. Second, they aren't totally incorrect in this case about the rear pads (fyi, it is vented verses solid rotors; Midas is using simplistic terminology). The easiest thing to do is see if there is 1. a deep outer ring on the rotor. This would indicate significant wear on the rear rotor and suggest you might want to get new ones. I have over 90k miles on my original rear rotors with no significant wear. 2. as dolemite420 suggested, unless there are lots of grooves or even a few significant ones, then you might want to investigate getting new rotors. Grooves can cause noise and less braking force initially.

Midas makes its money on selling parts and services. Now you are informed.

litesout

I don't have any experience with Midas specifically, but every other place I've taken my previous vehicles to has told me to replace the rotors when they've gone anywhere close to them. Truth is, unless the rotors are badly scored, worn or warped, they're fine. If they're warped, you'll get a vibration when braking. If they're scored or worn, you can tell by running your finger across them. Some unevenness is normal, but a huge pit is not. And at 40k, they shouldn't be worn enough to warrant replacing. Midas is just trying to make a few extra bucks off you.