BRAKE SERVICE - ADVICE NEEDED

At last service (5K miles ago, at 46K miles) my dealer’s service advisor said our 2021 Tacoma TRD OR needed brakes. They work fine, so I assume he meant the front pad material was getting to the service limit. (He didn’t mention the rear brakes, specifically.) This would be the first brake service from new.

He quoted a price that I don’t remember but seemed high. When I questioned it, he explained that with “these trucks” they recommend replacing pads and rotors at the same time. When I asked about turning the rotors, he said they don’t recommend it, because when they’ve done it their customers complain about vibration when braking.

I thought this advice was excessive. My understanding is that if you keep ahead of brake pad wear, when you replace pads you inspect the rotors and if they look fine, pads alone is fine; if the rotors are scored or cruddy, you can cut the rotors (1 or 2x, depending on original rotor thickness and how much turning is necessary), which is less expensive than replacing them. So my questions are:

Is it always necessary to service or replace the rotors when replacing worn brake pads?

Are the third gen brakes prone to vibrate if the rotors are turned? Or am I being hustled?

How much should the necessary service cost?

As for the rear brakes, I have no idea. It’s been a long time since I owned a car with drum brakes. How long do the rear brake shoes generally last?

What does servicing the rear brakes consist of and what should that cost?

Oh, and what about changing the brake fluid?

I appreciate any help.

 

I ran my 2007 Prerunner for 125k before I changed rotors. I did a pad slap in between and called it a day. In the end I don't see the need for a rotor change. You could turn the rotors but be aware they remove material from them to make them more susceptible to warp as they are thinner. Brake fluid needs to be changed from time to time depending on moisture content. Water in the system causes corrosion and will reek havoc on parts let alone the ABS controller. Fluid is cheaper than many of the parts in the braking system. ymmv

 

Had rotors turned on my 2009, worked fine.
Last place I would go for brakes is the dealer.

 

They should have measure and documented the pad thickness, ask them for that. If they won’t/don’t provide, run.
Maybe have an independent properly measure them. Unless you’re an extremely aggressive driver, tow a trailer w/o brakes, or have giant tires, I’m skeptical you need any brake service at 46k miles. Aside from maybe a guide pin cleaning and lube.

 

Lots of places including the dealer will want to replace pads and rotors together as a set. It's pretty common. It's not like your going to have trouble every time you pad slap a vehicle but you're kinda opening the door to squeaks and vibrations. They probably don't even have a lathe at the dealer, we don't have one anymore.

I give my customers 2 prices and let them decide. 8 of 10 times they go for the rotors too

I pad slapped my truck around 100k, its now at 168k and the brakes are fine, just rusty

Personally I doubt you even need brakes at 46k

 

I think they're just tryin to squeeze more $$ out of you.
I had my pads replaced a few years ago by the family owned auto shop i've been using for years, rotors were fine and i haven't had any issues.
I'd get a second opinion and maybe find a Mechanic/shop that is recommended in your area that's not the dealership.

 

My Tacoma is at 246,000 miles. It still has the factory rotors. They have been turned twice and cannot be turned again. I will need new ones at around 300,000 miles. I just had new pads put on about a month ago. Just pads, the rotors were fine and not touched.

I can't remember for sure how many sets of pads have been on the front (probably 4-5), but I have only replaced the rear pads once at about 200,000 miles.

I don't recall exactly what they charged me for the last brake job. I was having some other work done and my mechanic called me to tell me that while he had everything apart he felt like a good idea to replace the pads. He is a one man shop so I made a quick run to AutoZone for pads and took them to his shop. Seems like about $50 for the pads and another $50 to install them.

 

As of this post I am for the first time (bought car new) replacing the rotors on my 2004 Legacy because of rust but then, I am easy on the brake pedal.

 

That dealer is full of it u don’t need to replace the rotors just pads . Go to another dealer have them inspected …if pads need replaced just do the pads and turn the rotors .

 

Just had my pads replaced for the first time and rotors turned by my local yocal mechanic @ 120K.
That was 11K miles ago. No issues, and I didn't expect there would nor will be.
If they thought they could talk you into new brake lines, they'd have told you they were shot too..

 

Rotors are cheap. I haven't had a set turned since the 1990s. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't and now days nobody knows how to do it correctly.

 

I've turned many a set of rotors myself. It's nearly a foolproof process.
As is cutting drums, of course.

 

"Congrats" ?

 

None needed. It's a stupid simple process.

 

I know! That's why it amazes me that places can F it up.

If you have a machine, and value your time at $0.00, superb. Here it's $50-60 each to turn one. A new EBC rotor is about ~$75. Why screw with all that?

My time has a value greater than the couple bucks difference. Plus I don't have to worry about whether turned rotors will re-warp in a few thousand miles.

Going by just pure physics, let's do a logic test..... If your rotor warped once, and you shave metal from spots to flatten it, why won't it warp the second time? ???

 

Yea, at $50 bucks a rotor, swapping for new would be a no-brainer.

My guy charges $15 a rotor.
For me, that makes it worth the savings.

When they're in spec, I have them turned, when they're not, I don't.
Had the rotors on the wife's Camry turned @ 90K, and they're still doing well @ 150K.

A lot of variables, obviously.

 

At that rate he's making less than a fast food fry cook.

 

Many places don't turn rotors anymore. It's becoming less common.


I've pad slapped my own vehicles before, but I get why many shops won't. Not worth the headache of a customer coming back with noise or performance issues for a 100-dollar pad slap.

 

One of the advantages to living in the sticks, I suppose.

Then again, I'll spend the saving is gas getting to "town"

 

I have brough my truck to independent, who has been very honest and does great work. He put brakes on 80k if my memory serves right and I do tow. However, it was a no-brainer, these things stop my truck safely and my family is in my truck daily.