3800 Wear Indicators

[Kyle]

My car squeaks everywhere I drive right now. I was told it was the brake wear indicators. So i assume I just need new brake pads. I'm really sure though. I've only had this car for 6 months so I haven't really pulled the tires and checked out the breaks yet. How long and easy would it be to change brake pads on this car? I haven't brought my tools here yet so I only have the basics (socket set wrenches screwdrivers etc) wil I be able to do this on my own with few tools? Just let me know because I just don't wanna spend a ton of cash at a brake place.

kyle

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[BLK00GTP]

Its very easy to do the brakes. I would do more than just change the pads. I would look into Power Slot Rotors and Hawk pads. But if you dont want to spend alot of money you could get your existing rotors cut and just get new pads.

 

[Kyle]

I can't just get away with changing the brake pads? I'll have to get rotors too? Do they sell the right rotors at most auto parts places?

 

[BLK00GTP]

You might not have to change the rotors it depends how much material is left on them. You technically "should" get them cut or turned. That process costs anywhere between 5-10 bux each at a NAPA or a brake shop but you need to bring the rotors in to them. What that does is even out the braking surface and make it smooth and true again. Then you should install the new pads. I usually like to replace the rotors with every brake change anyways. Im just very anal about my brakes.

 

[Kyle]

Well I would like new rotors but they are not in the budget. Ive heard of rotors beeing turned but don't truly know what that is. Could I do it? I'm pretty low on funds right not and I can't really spend to much money.

 

[alexgtp]

You can just do brake pads.

If your car is wobbling when braking odds are that your rotors are warped and should be replaced.

 

[Kyle]

It doesn't wobble at all just squeeks and I hate it. Will just pads fix that squeek?

 

[BLK00GTP]

Yes but get the rotors cut. You cannot do it yourself. There is a machine that does it. It cost 5-10 bux for each rotor.

 

[alexgtp]

I heard that GM rotorsa are very thin to begin with and most shops wont cut them is this a true fact? Or an old woves tale?

Also I would go with the Ratbestos "quiet stop: brake peps available at any pep boys.

Great quiet brakes and reduced dust..

 

[dole21]

Originally posted by alexgtp@Dec 31 2003, 03:03 PM
You can just do brake pads.

If your car is wobbling when braking odds are that your rotors are warped and should be replaced.

hmm...

mine wobbles and rattles when i just tap the brake...LOL

 

[atomicman]

i would check your pads before you start spending the cash. I had the same prob, i was on a trip and when i came home my brakes were squeeking like crazy. I checked the pads and they were almost brand new. They just squeeked for a bit then it stopped.

 

[Kyle]

Well everyone its not the brakepads. Zeez gtp and I went and got brake pads and pulled the front passenger wheel and the pads were nowhere near the wear indicator. So its not the pads. Any ideas anyone? My car has almost 100,000 on it and the squeak is constant wheither I'm braking or not. The only guess either zeez or myself had was rotors and I'm pretty sure they have only one turn left in them or so I've been told. So unless anyone has any other ideas I think I'm just gonna try to buy some new rotors.

 

[mybluegtp]

what type of pads do you have now? If there not ceramic then they are going to squeal, are cars love to have ceramic pads and if you are going to buy some they should be the raybestos quiet stops.

 

[Kyle]

I honestly have no clue if they are ceramic. I haven't changed the pads since I bought the car. I'm pretty sure the new ones aren't ceramic coated. I don't really have a ton of cash right now so I went for the albany's or whatever they're called from autozone. The old brake pads are still on btw. What rotors would be good to get? I mean I don't need performance ones or anything. I saw some on ebay and I looked at the ones on pfyc but i'm not sure what I need.

 

[mybluegtp]

take the albany's back...I bought those and they are worse. Just get the quiet stops and you should be good to go. If you really want to know if you need rotors, rub your finger across the surface of the rotor and if you feel a lump once you reach the outer surface then you'll need them cut and I think Autozone does them for like $10 bucks or so. Hope this made sense...

alfredo

 

[Kyle]

I dont need brake pads I still have plenty of brake left on my current pads.

 

[LPSPEED2]

you said the squeaking was constant right, on and off the brakes?

Could be: belt, pulleys (any of them could be going), alternator its self sometimes squeeks before it goes out, starter as well sometimes squeeks. Otherwise it might be your power steering making the noise.

 

[Kyle]

Well it doesn't squeak when idlling in park only when I am going and its not constant. And it sounds like its coming from the wheels. I think i'm just gonna take it in to a gm dealership. I think its my only choice.

 

[Kyle]

Well the squeeking has stopped somtimes. It only happens sometimes now but still always when i'm in reverse. SO i HOPE its just something that will go away. Things don't usually work out that way but i hope so.