Who does your brake job?

Just wondering... who does your brake job....My taco is due for a brake job and not sure if to take it to a mechanic or change them myself.

 

me

 

do it yourself. it is easy, as long as you pay attention (and assuming you have the proper tools). do one side at a time, and put everything back in the reverse order you took it off.

and it will save you big $$$$$

 

i do everything myself!

 

Do it yourself. Brake pads are easy, especially on this truck. If you're bleeding brakes to change fluid for the first time get a buddy (or forum member) thats done it before. Brake bleeds are easier with two people anyway.

The only thing I'd consider taking the truck in for is those dumbass drum brakes. I've never changed a set, but then again I'll never learn if I don't do it.

 

i think brakes scare mid to older aged people more so than younger. when they used to be drum brakes you had all the springs, adjusters, rust and hammers, a whole can of W-D 40, not actualy knowing if you needed new hubs. with disc brakes, its just two bolts to get the calliper off, mabey a screwdriver to pry the piston back in, and a set of mic's to measure the rotors. its too easy, just do it. i look at it this way. the hardest part is starting, once you start you have to finish, just dont be stupid about it.

 

don't pry the pistons back in with a screw driver. get yourself a big c clamp and before taking off the pads, press the pad/piston back in, then remove pad and put on new ones.


i do mine and hte gf's. dealer qouted 375 to do her fronts. with pads and new discs, i had 120 into the job.

 

I use a big pair of channel locks.

 

i believe in my method....i don't want to gouge up the piston or the cyclander. but if yours work.....

 

+1 for the big c-clamp

 

Me and only me!

 

ok so its not advised to use a screwdriver, thats why i say dont be stupid about it. pry them open with the old brake pads in. if the pistons are fighting you to go back in their hole you are going to scratch things just as much, if not more, with channel locks.

 

Do my own. Pretty simple.

Tim Glover

 

Disc brakes are pretty easy. Pull the wheels, remove the calipers, use either a big c-clamp or a giant pair of channel locks WITH AN OLD PAD to push the pistons back in. Take the cap off the resevoir first, makes things a little easier. You should take the rotors somewhere to have them machined, either an auto parts store or some local shops might do it (for a fee). Drums are a little more complicated. Alway do one side at a time so you can see how it's set-up.

If you're not comfortable with any of it or you don't have the right tools, try to find a good independent shop. Dealer will charge more (typically). Whatever you do, DO NOT take it to a Meineke or Midas or any other chain repair store for that matter. You get what you pay for and $99 per axle gets you crappy parts installed by Billy the highschool greaser.

 

i do my own

 

ive done a couple...not on this truck yet. but its much simpler than the shops charge u for....just do it yourself!

 

drums on the other hand ill just take it in cause im WAAAAAY to lazy lol

 

Try it yourself. The front pads are really not that big of a deal. lots of info here too if you get stuck.
http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/2nd-gen-tacomas/38025-diy-front-brake-pad-change.html