Hello,
I'm wondering if it's the best course of action to buy a set of four rotors and break pads for my Explorer then contact mechanic shops to ask quotes for labor, or do I trust them to use quality parts? From my calling four shops already, they quoted me at 600,650,800 and 900 for the job of replacing four rotors and break pads. With the swing of 300$ im assuming, maybe, that they're using different parts which are more expensive than the others, so they charge more for the work.
I know from Scotty's videos that Akebono break pads are the way to go, but does anyone have suggestions for rotors?
Any opinions or help would be appreciated,
Thank you in advance
autozone rotors work just fine. A couple of those quotes are a little high. In my area brake jobs are around $400-550.
Mechanics will usually get the parts cheaper than you can, and the commercial suppliers don't deal in junk. If you're feeling spendy, then ask the mechanic to order premium parts.
While I cannot deny the awesomeness of Akebono pads, I would not recommend for your particular car. I am under the assumption that these california prices are including the cost of pads and rotors and labor? It would be better to go with the shop rec as at least then you get warrenty ifa junior mechanic screws up the job. It's happens unfortunately. People make mistakes. If you buy your own, it's your liability for getting your own parts again if the case need be. Find out the cheapest way with the best results. As USAFdozerpilot said, autozone ones work fine. The only reason for the Akebono's for me at least is if you really need the stopping power/you drive hard. Pretty much premium for better parts. And also to feel fancy, I have an 1987 BMW I put brembos on. Do I need em no, but do they look cool. Yeee they do. Lol
Also you can just check to see what they use by giving them a call as well if you want to research the brand and parts they tend to use. Since you are with ford, most likely they are going to look for either OEM or OEM+ for your particular brand and if you want you can even request for them to use Akebono's if that is what you want. It should be in the system and they can refer the price back to you when they do the search.