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My wife's '07 Honda Accord is in need of new front brakes. Has anybody changed brakes on one of these? How difficult is it to do? Any national chains that someone would reccommend to have somebody else do it without costing me an arm and a leg? What about Budget Brakes?

I have never done my own brakework. (Barely qualified to tie shoelaces.) But I have dealt with 2-3 big name repair shops for brakework. Unless you are acquainted with a reliable mechanic, any shop you visit will try to squeeze additional work out of you once the car is in the bay. Be vigilant.

Do not assume you need new rotors ($$) just because they 'recommend' changing the rotors. Get a second opinion (or threaten to do so.) Same thing applies to machining (milling, resurfacing, grinding) the rotors. The old rotors may make a little noise or cause minor vibration upon heavy braking, but as long as they meet industry tolerances, they do not need to be replaced.

Also, the "brakes for life" deal only extends to the brake pads, not shoes, calipers, rotors, or most other parts. And it does not include labor.

My advice is to purchase the 'better' or 'best' brake pads that the shop offers, and forego any other extended care options. They often last longer than the original equipment.

Browse this forum http://www.cartalk.com/ for a better education than I can provide.

Also, don't wait long to take care of the problems. A simple brake pad job that costs $100 can become a job that requires rotors, etc and cost $300-400 in no time. The key to keeping brake jobs affordable is to tend to them early.

dean_siu wrote:Also, don't wait long to take care of the problems. A simple brake pad job that costs $100 can become a job that requires rotors, etc and cost $300-400 in no time. The key to keeping brake jobs affordable is to tend to them early.

Yeah, boy! Didn't I learn that the hard way!
Do it today!

Not really too expensive unless you go to the Honda dealer. I've owned 5 Accords and have changed the pads myself several times, if you are mechanically inclined get a repair manual from Autozone or one of the other car parts stores and follow the directions with pictures. Not very difficult if you're just changing the pads. If you need the rotors trued or replaced then I'd recommend a brake shop. I think the last time I had the rotors trued and fluid flushed it was around $300 for the front.

Now that I'm on my own again....I've gone to Pep Boys a few times to get tune ups, etc. I actually asked them specifically to look at my brakes. They did, and confirmed that they are fine, just have some dust on in them. They advised that I should have the rear ones tightened up (or whatever you call it). I allowed them to, and have notice a difference (good).

For whatever it's worth, I feel that they have treated me honestly and not overcharged me. I also have gotten tires there for years with the same feeling.

Well, after the sticker shock from most of the local garages I decided to call Dad for help on replacing them myself. We ended up replacing the pads on all 4 tires with ceramic pads for $80! With the internet and a few tools, anybody can do this and save a buttload of money!

Bob Roberts wrote:Well, after the sticker shock from most of the local garages I decided to call Dad for help on replacing them myself. We ended up replacing the pads on all 4 tires with ceramic pads for $80! With the internet and a few tools, anybody can do this and save a buttload of money!

Congrats! Nothing to it.

Good for you on the brakes! its a good feeling doing it yourself and a good way to keep from getting ripped off....I do lots of my own mechanical work,if you are unable to do that I recomend you talk to folks and find a mechanic you trust,there are some good ones out there!