Pipsqueak

replacing the rear rotors and pads this weekend. since this is the first time I have done this, I'm looking for suggestions about what other then the rotors and pads I may need to replace.

No local part stores carry anything brake related, i just want to make sure I have everything i need.

Thanks for the help

p.s. I already have the FSM and Haynes.

snwbrderphat540

It can be wise to get a hardware kit as well, otherwise nothing else needs to be replaced.

NismoPick

Caliper rebuild kits are near impossible to find these days...

Other than that, if you are just doing pads & rotors, follow the Haynes / FSM and you'll be fine.

Pipsqueak

Got my pads in, and they sure are small. never seen any this small.
I have never owned a car before, always trucks.

with pads this small, how often do they need to be changed?

snwbrderphat540

When they wear out. No real answer to that question

Pipsqueak

I deserve that.

better question. How can you tell, without removing the tires, when the breaks are getting worn?

I'm at metal to metal, and had no idea they were that bad. Im used to brakes that have a "squealer" on them to let you know when they are getting low.

NismoPick

Use a flashlight. But taking off a tire takes what, 1.5 minutes?

You should definitely be able to hear / feel ANY brake pad that's already worn and grinding away the rotor... I make sure to turn down / off the radio for a few minutes on EVERY drive, so I can listen to the car.

And, as long as the calipers and ebrake are both working, the rear pads should last 20k+ miles.

Pipsqueak

That is it? since this is going to be my DD, Im looking at 2 break jobs a year.

I hope the calipers work right, but no ebrake.

Not sure why no ebreak, but im looking into it this weekend.

NismoPick

Dude, no one can tell you EXACTLY how long the pads will last. You'll find out when they get there (where ever you bought them should have a rating...). Don't neglect your car and you won't grind the rotors.

Pipsqueak

I agree. sarcasm is hard to read.

I think the breaks were shot when i got the car, I just did not know it.

I was surprised when I found the metal on metal, then car stopped fine, the only reason I thought something was wrong was the noise.

snwbrderphat540

You driver over 40,000 miles year????

WildmaN

Dude, brakes last a long time, if you don't ride on them too much. Like don't stop at the last minute all the time. You can do many thousands of miles on a single brake pad change. My brakes were probably changed before I got my slicktop. And I just checked them a couple three weeks ago. And the pads still had a lot left in them.

And you should have a squealing noise with 500 miles or less. Pretty much all brake pads have that. Good luck man.

Pipsqueak

Yea. its 100 miles to work. so just driving to work is 24,000 a year.
My other car is a Suburban. I don't drive it unless I just have too.

so 30- 40,000 miles is not out of the question.

Pipsqueak

That was the problem. the drive side had over 1/2 the pads left.
the passenger side was metal on metal on the back pad.
It seems that the e-brake 1/2 worked. it would grab, but would not let go.

I was told the e-brake did not work, so I never used it. Now I know why.

I hope this time around, Ill be able to hear the squeal, and Ill keep on eye on them.

snwbrderphat540

Well sounds like its prob a lot of highway so less brake usage which means it'll last much longer.

duckyz

In the grand scheme of things, rear brakes normally don't wear as fast as the fronts... unless there's a stuck caliper. I've had my Z for over 15 years and have only put 1 set of pads on the rear. I have been driving my car over 80 miles a day and I still see very little wear on the back. I know I have over 40k on those rear pads right now.