If you’re like most drivers, you know that your brake pads and brake discs need to be replaced eventually. But how much do they cost and where to buy them at cost-effective prices? Here’s a rundown on brake pad and disc replacement costs, when and how to replace them.

How Much Do Brake & Pad Replacements Cost?

Many workshops offer to replace your brake pads at a set price, depending on the model you have. Prices usually start at around £80 and can go up to £120 when labor costs are included. If you also need to get new brake discs, the price can more than double, and in some cases, it might even triple. The main reason for this is that brake discs tend to be a lot more expensive than brake pads, even though it usually only takes about 15 minutes per wheel to change them.

At times, brake parts get stuck making it difficult to loosen them. This can increase labor costs, as it takes more time to replace these melted pads. In such cases, a pre-agreed repair price is beneficial to the customer. If the brake parts are stuck, it’s best to call around and get a few quotes before committing to a specific price. That way, you can be sure you’re getting the best deal possible.

Picture of brake pads taken from autodoc.co.uk

When To Change Brake Pads and Brake Discs?

Most brake systems today will last a driver anywhere from 25,000 to 75,000 miles. The speed at which they wear down depends on factors such as the driver’s style, the type of vehicle, and conditions of the roads frequently driven on. In addition to normal wear and tear, corrosion caused by external factors such as moisture and road salt can also become an issue and lead to damage that cannot be repaired. In older vehicles, brake pads usually had to be replaced much sooner and independent of the discs – but nowadays, car brake pads and discs are usually replaced at the same time.

The pistons and brake calipers in the brake system can also wear out over time, but these repairs are rather rare. It does take more time and involves higher costs when this happens. Anyway, it is always best to have the work on new front and rear brake pads and brake discs be carried out by professionals to ensure your safety and that of other drivers! Special tools used in replacing brake pads and discs enable mechanics to follow best practices that help reduce safety risks.

Symptoms of Malfunctioning Brake Discs

Make unusual noises: You can hear grinding or screeching noises coming from the worn out brake discs.

Vehicle vibration:  Warped brake pads and discs force the brake pedal to vibrate when you apply the brakes.

Vehicle veers to one side: Your vehicle begins to pull towards the left or right when the brakes are applied. This happens when the brake pad or disc damage is more prominent on one side.

Brake warning light comes on: You can see warning lights illuminated on your vehicle’s dashboard when your braking system malfunctions. This is because the inbuilt sensor detects worn out components or parts to activate the warning system.

Make a visual check: This is possible on the front brake. The disc will appear damaged, broken, or a blue coloration appears over the damaged surface of the disc.

Mitsubishi Montero Rear Brake Pad and Disc Replacement Guide

As we transition into spring and the weather gets warmer here in Southern California, it’s time to prepare for off-roading season. If you didn’t get a chance to do any maintenance on your vehicle over the winter, now is the time to get your Mitsubishi Montero ready. You may need special tools to change the front rotors, and even then it may take a while. However, changing the rear pads or discs is a pretty straightforward job.

Brake Discs Take More Time to Remove Than Brake Pads

With the truck wheels still on the ground, loosen the wheel nuts with a breaker bar. Then jack up the truck and remove the nuts. Slide the wheel off. This is a good time to do a tire rotation if necessary.

Replacing brake pads is one of the easiest jobs on any car. All you need to do is loosen one single bolt.

To replace the discs, however, you will need to get more involved, irrespective of whether it’s the front or rear wheel.

• To begin, use a 17-millimeter deep socket and go about loosening the inner bolts that fasten the caliper to the mounting bracket on the hub.
• After you’ve loosened these inner bolts, you’ll be able to remove the caliper by sliding it off the disc. Care must be taken not to put too much pressure on the brake fluid line.
• As the old brake pads are removed, inspect the caliper and remove residual fragments of the retaining clips that’s left behind.

Your brake pads and discs may need to be replaced if they show visible signs of wear or if they no longer function properly. Replacing brake pads and discs can be a costly proposition, but it’s important to keep your vehicle in good working order to protect your safety.

Sources of Information
https://www.autodoc.co.uk/info/rear-and-front-brake-pad-replacement-cost-and-intervals
https://www.hotcars.com/montero-brake-pads-discs-mitsubishi-montero/