Service and Cost
Typical Cost
1. Cost of Brake Pads: - Economy Brake Pads: These are the most affordable option and can cost anywhere from $20 to $50 per set. - Mid-Range Brake Pads: These typically range from $50 to $100 per set and offer a balance between performance and cost. - Premium Brake Pads: High-performance or specialty brake pads can cost $100 to $200 or more per set.
2. Labor Costs: - Labor costs for replacing brake pads can vary significantly based on the shop's hourly rate and the complexity of the job. On average, you might expect to pay between $100 and $200 for labor per axle.
3. Total Cost: - For a complete brake pad replacement, including both parts and labor, the total cost typically ranges from $150 to $300 per axle. However, for high-end vehicles or those requiring premium parts, the cost can be higher, potentially reaching $400 to $500 or more per axle.
4. Additional Costs: - If the brake rotors also need to be replaced or resurfaced, this will add to the cost. Rotors can cost anywhere from $30 to $75 each, and labor for rotor replacement can add another $100 to $150 per axle.
Typical Service Procedure
1. Inspection: Before replacement, a thorough inspection of the entire braking system is conducted. This includes checking the brake pads, rotors, calipers, and brake fluid levels to assess the overall condition and identify any additional issues.
2. Brake Pads: The primary component being replaced is the brake pads themselves. These are the friction materials that press against the brake rotors to slow down or stop the vehicle.
3. Brake Rotors: While not always replaced, rotors are often inspected for wear and damage. If they are warped, excessively worn, or damaged, they may need to be resurfaced or replaced.
4. Calipers: The calipers, which house the brake pads and pistons, are checked for proper operation. If they are sticking or leaking, they may need to be repaired or replaced.
5. Hardware: This includes the replacement of any necessary hardware such as clips, shims, and anti-rattle springs that hold the brake pads in place and ensure they function quietly and efficiently.
6. Brake Fluid: The brake fluid level is checked, and if necessary, it is topped off or replaced. In some cases, a brake fluid flush might be recommended to remove any moisture or contaminants.
7. Lubrication: Key components such as caliper slides and contact points are lubricated to ensure smooth operation and prevent noise.
8. Test Drive: After the replacement, a test drive is typically performed to ensure that the brakes are functioning correctly and to check for any unusual noises or vibrations.
9. Adjustment and Calibration: If necessary, adjustments are made to ensure the braking system is balanced and operates effectively.
10. Documentation: Finally, the service is documented, noting the parts replaced and any additional work performed, which is important for maintenance records and warranty purposes.These steps help ensure that the brake system is restored to optimal performance, providing safety and reliability for the vehicle.
What are Brake Pads and What Do They Do?
A brake pad is a crucial component of a vehicle's braking system. It is part of the disc brake system, which is commonly used in modern vehicles. The primary function of brake pads is to convert the kinetic energy of the vehicle into thermal energy through friction, thereby slowing down or stopping the vehicle.Here's how brake pads work within the braking system:
1. Location: Brake pads are located within the brake caliper, which is mounted over the brake rotor (also known as the brake disc). Each wheel typically has its own set of brake pads.
2. Material: Brake pads are made from a variety of materials, including organic, semi-metallic, and ceramic compounds. These materials are chosen for their ability to withstand high temperatures and provide effective friction.
3. Function: When the driver presses the brake pedal, hydraulic fluid in the brake lines causes the caliper pistons to press the brake pads against the spinning brake rotor. The friction between the brake pads and the rotor slows down the wheel's rotation, thereby reducing the vehicle's speed.
4. Wear and Maintenance: Over time, brake pads wear down due to the frictional forces they encounter. It's important to regularly check and replace brake pads to ensure effective braking performance and safety. Worn-out brake pads can lead to reduced braking efficiency and damage to the brake rotors.
5. Indicators: Many brake pads come with wear indicators, which are small metal tabs that produce a squealing noise when the pads are worn down to a certain level. This noise serves as a warning to the driver that the brake pads need replacement.Overall, brake pads are essential for vehicle safety, and maintaining them in good condition is crucial for ensuring reliable braking performance.
Signs your brake pads need to be replaced
Brake pads are a critical component of a vehicle's braking system, and recognizing the signs of their failure is essential for maintaining safety. Here are some common indicators that brake pads may be failing:
1. Squealing or Squeaking Noises: One of the most common signs of worn brake pads is a high-pitched squealing or squeaking noise when you apply the brakes. This sound is often caused by a wear indicator, a small metal tab that makes contact with the brake rotor when the pad material is worn down.
2. Grinding Sound: If you hear a grinding noise when braking, it usually means the brake pads are completely worn out, and the metal backing plate is making contact with the brake rotor. This can cause significant damage to the rotors and should be addressed immediately.
3. Reduced Braking Performance: If you notice that your vehicle takes longer to stop or the brakes feel less responsive, it could be a sign that the brake pads are worn and need replacement.
4. Vibration or Pulsation: A vibrating or pulsating brake pedal when applying the brakes can indicate uneven wear of the brake pads or warped rotors. This can affect braking performance and should be inspected by a professional.
5. Indicator Light: Many modern vehicles have a brake warning light on the dashboard that may illuminate if the brake pads are worn down to a critical level. Check your vehicle's manual to understand what the specific warning lights mean.
6. Visual Inspection: If you can see the brake pads through the wheel spokes, check their thickness. If they appear to be less than a quarter of an inch thick, they likely need replacement.
7. Pulling to One Side: If the vehicle pulls to one side when braking, it could be due to uneven wear of the brake pads or a problem with the brake caliper.
8. Burning Smell: A sharp, chemical odor after repeated hard braking or driving down a steep incline can indicate overheated brakes or worn-out pads. If this occurs, it's advisable to let the brakes cool and have them inspected.Regular maintenance and inspection of brake pads are crucial for ensuring the safety and reliability of your vehicle's braking system. If you experience any of these signs, it's important to have your brakes checked by a professional mechanic as soon as possible.
How It Works
- Get a quote online or set-up a time to have your vehicle looked at.
- Pick time slots that work for you, easily, online.
- We will confirm appointments and send reminders.
- Our mechanics bring everything that is needed to you.
- All you have to do is provided a safe area for the work to be performed.
What we need from you
- A safe place to work on your vehicle
- No working on the side of busy roads
- No working on unstable or steep surfaces.
- We do not perform repairs during severe weather.
- Authorization from a property owner or management.
- Repair work done in a parking lot or at your requires permission.
- We do not do repairs in areas restricted by law.
Common Questions
Service Area
Our primary service area is greater Grand Rapids and includes Comstock Park, East Grand Rapids, Grandville, Kentwood, Walker, and Wyoming
Our secondary service area is provided by our Belding location and includes: Belding, Greenville, Ionia and the sorrounding areas.
Contact us if you have any questions about where we provide services.
