TLwiz

Hi All,

OK, here is the situation:

My '99 is to be returned on Feb 1 (lease is over) and my mechanic says I need new brake pads front & rear before I turn it in. I have done pads and rotors myself on my old car, but not on my TL. Is it hard to do? I dont want to spend the cash to have my mechanic do it, if it is eay enough to do myself. He wanted $200 for front & rear pad install. I know I can get cheap pads to last me three months (then I don't care), but is it easy to install, and should I do it since it is a lease? HELP HELP HELP!!!

Please reply with advice and help! Thanks!

medic

check your lease first. does your lease contract sya you have to fix those type of things or is that considered normal wear. don't let the deal try and screw ya.

TLwiz

yeah, the lease says I need to have them replaced (they are practically gone) and I even need to replace the tires since the treads are so low. Anyway, my mechanic is not at the dealer at all, so he could care less about when I turn it in. I just don't know if I can put them on myself is all.

medic

ask the dealer if the brakes need to be OEM. since you have to replace them for the lease, they may make you replace them with their stuff.

also, check to see if you have to provide proof of install from a certified mechanic (probably not). if not, do it yourself, if so then then find a shop that will let you bring your own parts for them to install, which will be cheaper then buying the parts from them.

also, buy some used/cheap tires if you want so save some more $$. just make sure their enough trend so you don't have to buy them again in 3 months.

every experience with a lease that I've heard of has been that the dealer will point out every bit of fine print in the contract and then charge you up the ying yang for it.

Bitium

Is very easy, just like any other car. I would highly recommend Wagner thermo quiet pads. They can be found in almost any local shop for a good price and they perform very well with minimal dust.