sharpWheels

Acura TL Gurus,

I took my car to a Firestone this morning to get the brakes checked - I've had a grinding noise from the front wheels pretty much every time I brake since yesterday. They told me the front pads are gone and the front rotors are worn out as well, plus the left front caliper is stuck/frozen to the piston is what I think he said. I got the following quote:

Brake pads $84.99
Rotors $79.99 each
Calipers $144.99 each
1.5 hour labor $157.50

He said he'll give me a $50 discount, making the total $642 + tax. I asked if the right caliper was ok - he said it was - but because the car has 84,000 miles - for proper calibration and functioning, I should get both the calipers changed.

I understand there is a problem with my brakes and I need to get it fixed, but do not want to get ripped off.

Please advise what is reasonable and what you recommend. Also, if you know of any place in North Jersey - around Jersey City/Secaucus/East Rutherford/Wallington - where I can go tonight or tomorrow to get this done. I do want to get this fixed ASAP - tonight or tomorrow - so buying parts online probably would not be an option for me.

Thank you very much!

Turbonut

iTrader: (1)

Don't know any shops in the area, but they will charge list for parts and labor as depicted, not an outrageous price. Riding on the brakes until you get it fixed won't cause you any harm as the brake pad backing is stopping on the rotor and grinding away. I'd be surprised if the caliper has a stuck piston, but the only way to determine this is inspection, or if that caliper isn't releasing the brake pressure, then again it could be an internal break in the rubber line. No problem in replacing only one caliper if stuck, as long as the other is fine.

I'd get some tools and do the job yourself if at all possible. If the piston goes in easily the caliper is fine, and the job can be done for about:
Pads Wagner $26
Rotors $73 ($36.50 each)
If needed Caliper $41
Lube and anti-squeal solution maybe $10

Plenty of DIY in the 3G garage

sharpWheels

Hi Turbonut,

Thanks a lot for your prompt input. I would get the parts and do it myself except I don't have the skills. I think I could save myself some money if I order from a place like rockauto.com tonight and get the parts installed.

Would you be so kind as to check the catalog on rockauto.com :

http://www.rockauto.com/catalog/raframecatalog.php

Please recommend front brake pads, front rotors and front calipers. I drive a 2005 TL with auto transmission.

I was thinking I could have them shipped and installed from one of the recommended installers on tirerack:

http://www.tirerack.com/installer/In...=07310&srch1=B

All advice is sincerely appreciated.

Turbonut

iTrader: (1)

QC787 Wagner Ceramic Front pads with a rebate
980220 Raybestos rotors

Calipers are your choice as they may not be needed and could be a waste of money:
FRC11119
FRC11120

For a 5% Discount, use code B8565626D56E, expires 5/13/2012

How's the rear????

Bearcat94

Or, just got to NAPA and pick up a set of 'premium' rotors and stop by AutoZone on the way home for a set of C-Max Gold Pads.

No shipping, no waiting.

Turbonut

iTrader: (1)

Problem with NAPA, the prices are out of site for the same product compared to Rock Auto:
NAPA Ultra Premium Rotor Front A/T UP 880220 $93.98
Cross reference, same Rotor Raybestos 980220 $57.79

This is not for the TL, but just happened across the conversion:
NAPA Rotor UP 86849 $44.87
Raybestos 96849 $24.79

Shipping may be slightly more than the local taxes though, but the overall total cost will be way less, especially when the 5% discount is applied..

sharpWheels

Firestone said the rear brakes were fine. I took it to Sears to get a second opinion :

They said front calipers are fine. Only need to change front pads and rotors. Cost $489.
Also, back pads were at 172 and 180 - specs min is 160. Because of uneven wear on the 2 sides in the back, they recommend resurfacing back rotors. Cost $68 - new pads in back are $70 additional I am thinking I will pass on that for now and just get the front service done.
SInce shipping is going to take several days from rockauto and I can hear grinding every time I hit the brakes and even a constant noise when driving, I am thinking about get this done today at pepBoys - have a 15% coupon. cost will be about $300
Any other thoughts?

Thank you very much!

sharpWheels

Forgot to mention I had compared the prices as well.

From RockAuto:

Brake/Wheel Hub : Brake PadRelated Parts
WAGNER Part # QC787 ThermoQuiet (Rebate/Promotion Available! See Promotions & Rebates Page for Details.) B
$25.89 $25.89

Brake/Wheel Hub : RotorRelated Parts
RAYBESTOS Part # 980220 Outside Diameter 11.81" / 5 Bolt Holes Advanced Technology A
$57.79 $115.58

Subtotal $141.47

Shipping from 2 locations: Ground (4 to 6 business days) ($26.86)3 Business Day Express ($56.30)2 Business Day Express ($66.93)Next Business Day Express ($109.49)
Shipping Location B Ground (4 to 6 business days) $9.91
Shipping Location A Ground (4 to 6 business days) $16.95

Total $168.33 - 5% = ~ $160


Labor to install - at least $120 which means total at least $280 - $10(rebate) = $270

I will pay $341 at PepBoys and there's a $30 rebate, which means my cost will be $311.

About $40 more but don't run the danger of spoiling the calipers waiting at shipment from RockAuto, since pads are at 0 on front right.

Thanks for your input, BearCat and Turbonut. Appreciate your taking the time.

pohljm

I would suggest getting oem pads or aspec pads if you have dealer close by. more costly bet better performance. dont go cheap on the pads