According to jimmyb on the Aggieland Board:

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Actually, brakes are no longer a DIY process in cars that are ~2005 and later. You can end up with some very annoying symptoms or worse.

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Linky

Comments?

He must own the local Midas. They have really changed from 2005-2010..............not

good gravy, that dude is spewing a load of bs.

The thread deteriorated into a pissing contest.

I don't think the OP was in the least bit interested in DIY brake service. It was OK to suggest it - but that thread is now off track.

JimmyB - if he had said brake service is not a good item for newbies - I would be OK with that. I think the majority of people have NEVER jacked up their car and have never taken a tire off. These people should not service their brakes.

The physics have not changed since the wheel was invented by Al Gore. The components have not changed in their individual function since disc brakes became common in the '70s. For front brakes, specialized tools are rarely required. As far as symptoms after replacing...
Cheap pads or good pads?
Were the rotors warped or scored/gouged?
Were they machined?
How good was the finish? (important)
How clean was everything on re-assembly? (important)

If you have the savvy, save the money. Do it yourself with top quality components.

Actually, thats what I did say. Someone wanted to turn it into their home advise column

I know what it costs when you get it wrong. And as I said, there were others on the BCS board that do repair for 50$ per hour. Why reinvent the wheel when you can get it done so cheap?

[This message has been edited by jimmyb (edited 9/24/2010 2:47p).]

continuing to lol at this guy. brakes are incredibly easy.

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If you have the savvy, save the money. Do it yourself with top quality components.

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And if you don't have the savvy, find a good honest mechanic.

So Mr. break expert, you ever had a groan after replacing pads and rotors? What did you do? Do you make sure others know to check for sticking pistons or brake lines?

Yeah, make light and when someone goes into a ditch just tell them they should have been a better shade tree mech.

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So Mr. brake expert,

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FIFY

From jimmyb on other thread

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Here are some great repairs for novice shade tree mechanics, in order of increasing difficulty:

* Change Wiper Blades
* Replace Air Filter
* Replace Headlight
* Replace Battery
* Replace Spark Plugs
* Change Oil
* Replace Belts

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Those are hardly "mechanic" jobs of any kind.

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Do you make sure others know to check for sticking pistons or brake lines?

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My 2008 is drums all the way around, so is it OK for me to change them since there are no pistons?

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Here are some great repairs for novice shade tree mechanics, in order of increasing difficulty:

* Change Wiper Blades
* Replace Air Filter
* Replace Headlight
* Replace Battery
* Replace Spark Plugs
* Change Oil
* Replace Belts
Those are hardly "mechanic" jobs of any kind.

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That was the point, someone who has no background (which by all indications was the OP) should not be starting with brakes (for those who get AR with spelling on a board that is not about SPELLING)

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My 2008 is drums all the way around, so is it OK for me to change them since there are no pistons?

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Rare is it ANY vehicle has drum brakes in 2008MY. You have more issues to deal with such as springs and proper preloading than just swapping pads and rotors.



[This message has been edited by jimmyb (edited 9/24/2010 3:03p).]

I thought this was your point

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Actually, brakes are no longer a DIY process in cars that are ~2005 and later

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Sooo should I immediately take my car to the dealer because I did the breaks myself OMG OMG OMG

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* Replace Spark Plugs

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FWIW, when I tried this on my chevy, it was WORLDS harder than anything else I'd ever done on that truck. Getting the GD corroded plug covers off the wires and pulling the wires off the plugs while laying across the engine with my arms contorted into awkward gaps was misery compared to pulling off wheels, calipers, and maybe rotors, etc...

Brakes are easy if the problem is only worn pads or rotors. If your caliper pistons are leaking or sticking, that's a little harder for some folks...

[This message has been edited by MouthBQ98 (edited 9/24/2010 3:06p).]

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Rare is it ANY vehicle has drum brakes in 2008MY

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new base jetta will have rear drums

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I thought this was your point

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Actually, brakes are no longer a DIY process in cars that are ~2005 and later

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Sooo should I immediately take my car to the dealer because I did the breaks myself OMG OMG OMG

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For a novice, that is probably good sound advice. You want to save 100 bucks but end up with replacing an abs pump? Most people arn't that confident or concerned with spending a few extra dollars. Why don't you just tell the cartalk guys they are FOS. Its their recommendation.

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new base jetta will have rear drums

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Not quite the same as all the way around. Rare is it back brakes require service (especially before fronts).

[This message has been edited by jimmyb (edited 9/24/2010 3:10p).]

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Rare is it ANY vehicle has drum brakes in 2008MY. You have more issues to deal with such as springs and proper preloading than just swapping pads and rotors.

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Well, it came from the factory with drums on the rear only, but within the first six months, I upgraded the front to drums, too.

Think I should have my dealer check out my work and make sure I did it correctly? I'm a decent (but amateur) mechanic, by the way.

My abs pump? Is that next to my muffler bearing?

You upgraded to drums? What was on there before? Nothing?

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You want to save 100 bucks but end up with replacing an abs pump?

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Someone, please, explain this point to me. How could I fail the abs pump by changing pads/rotors?

I upgraded mine to air brakes...I like the shooshing noise...

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My abs pump? Is that next to my muffler bearing?

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http://lmgtfy.com/?q=abs+pump

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Someone, please, explain this point to me. How could I fail the abs pump by changing pads/rotors?

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When the pistons are pushed back in with a clamp, it can cause trash to be sent back into the line to the pump. Much more common when flushing, but still can occur.

[This message has been edited by jimmyb (edited 9/24/2010 3:16p).]

Still...how does changing out your rotors and/or pads effect that?

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My abs pump? Is that next to my muffler bearing?

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Since the ABS valves in each line are able to modulate pressure independently, the pump allows the system to build pressure back up in the line after it has been released by the valve without applying more brake force (read: brake pedal travel). Otherwise, everytime it released pressure your foot would have to go further to the floor and you could eventually run out of room.

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When the pistons are pushed back in with a clamp, it can cause trash

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What trash?

Also, if the pump fails your brakes wouldn't just completely stop working. You just wouldn't have ABS. They got along without ABS until the 80s...

Edit: typing fail

[This message has been edited by Grego2007 (edited 9/24/2010 3:21p).]

Thanks

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Also, if the pump fails your brakes wouldn't just completely stop working. You just wouldn't have ABS. They got along without ABS until the 80s..

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But it still won't pass inspection with the ABS light on. So your gonna get to pay for a pump if it fails.

There can still be rust at the pistons that does not normally get to the pump. Pushing the piston back to the seat to get a new pad in can change that.



[This message has been edited by jimmyb (edited 9/24/2010 3:24p).]

So what do you suggest? Replacing your entire brake system when you change the pads?

Also you could have a tire blow out at 80 and have a firey wreck.