Car:
2007 Toyota Highlander 2WD V6 3.3
103000 miles, single owner.
Symptoms:
- The steering vibrates slightly on braking at highway speeds
- The rear brake pad is worn out down to 3mm(visual inspection)
Hi Scotty and Friends,
I recently got a flat tire checked out at a garage which is family owned and been operational for 60+ years, they seemed honest which is why I am considering getting my brake rotors replaced there. My concern, does the garage have to be experienced dealing with Toyotas, specifically my model or most garages can do the job ?
I would also want to know if I have to watch out for anything other than getting OEM rotors and akebono ceramic/OEM brake pads.
Thank you.
PS: I have little experience working on cars and do not want to risk doing it on my own
Brakes are the most basic job for every shop. Probably 60% of the business they get is just brakes.
Understood, thank you.
The brake job can be done by almost anyone who is handy, so you do not need special mechanic for that.
Thank you.
The best way to approach a mechanic is with a large box of donuts.
or beer
Absolutely right!
Whenever you go to any mechanic shop, you want to make sure that they have worked on your car before. In terms of brakes, make sure that are not made in China. Rotors made there are cheap quality. Make sure that they are using good quality brakes and/or OEM parts.
The last thing you want is to leave the shop and end up with the car not being fixed at all, touching something that shouldn't have been touched or the car not being drivable.
Will take note of that, thank you.
Hi All,
I got informal quotes from two independent mechanics. One is charging $300 for rear rotors and brake-pad replacement(all) and the other is charging $400 for the same job(happens to specialize in toyota cars). I am going to purchase the parts on my own and that's just the labor cost.
Am I being ripped off ?
PS: I live in the greater Seattle area.
Thank you
sounds about right.
Of course you could do it yourself in an afternoon and have an extra $300 to spend.
There's probably a hundred step-by-step videos on Youtube about how to do Highlander brakes.
@mmj Thank you for confirming.