Brake Set 2001 Elantra

I gave my elantra for 45K service. I was told to replace the brake pads as
they were bad.
My question: Can I do this in MIDAS or TUFFY and save some money? Will
Hyundai Warranty still be covered?

 

Yes and yes, but be wary of them as they may try to sell you additional
unnecessary work, such as rotors and calipers. It's a common scam that's
often presented as being "necessary" in order for them to warranty the
pads. It's pretty stupid to spend $400 or more in order to have a
warranty on a $50 set of pads. I would suggest calling these places and
finding out what their price is for brake pad replacement ONLY, then
compare it with your dealer's price. If there's not much difference, go
with the dealer.

Brake pads are very easy to replace and are a good DIY job, if you have
the inclination to learn to do it. Replacement pads are cheap and you
can save yourself a fair amount of money by doing your own brake work.

 

If they do try to sell you caliper or rotor work, you could always remind
them that's still covered under your warranty and you'll take it back to
the dealer for that.

 

Allright! Now, the dealer says it costs around $450 put together for front
and rear brakes. I feel it is a rip off. 450 is too much..! Will I get
considerably cheaper quote elsewhere?

 

They are not just replacing the pads at that cost. More than likely
they are including turning the rotors and replacing the brake drums.
That shouldn't be necessary at 45K miles, unless you habitually ride
the brakes.

 

Find out specifically what they want to do and why? Are the brakes
vibrating? If not then you don't need the rotors turned.

At dealer prices, in the right area, $450 could be for front and rear pads
only. Certainly, you should be able to do better than that price
elsewhere.

 

Either they're trying to do a lot of unnecessary work or they're trying
to screw you. I'd go elsewhere. Check with friends to see if you can
find a reputable garage in your area. Brake work is easy, quick "bread
and butter" work; you don't have to go to a dealer or a brake specialist
to get it done properly. Any decent mechanic can handle it.

 

Are rotors covered?

--

regards,
Michael Abbaticchio
MVP for Microsoft Exchange Server
http://exchange.mvps.org

 

My Hyundai Santa Fe:

Dealer: Front Brakes Only: $265.00 (Should have asked them the price before
OK'ing the work)

Myself: Rear Disc Brakes: $45.00 for pads and about one half hour of my
time.



--

regards,
Michael Abbaticchio
MVP for Microsoft Exchange Server
http://exchange.mvps.org

 

OUCH! What the heck did they do? Was that for a pads only brake job???

That sounds about right. For only a few dollars more, you can get
premium aftermarket pads like Hawk or EBC "Green Stuff", which would
improve braking performance and still save a bundle vs. having the
dealer do the work.

 

I did leave out that you have to make the initial investment on the caliper
tool. I usually borrow it from my father, but I would imagine the kit would
pay for itself in just one brake job.

--

regards,
Michael Abbaticchio
MVP for Microsoft Exchange Server
http://exchange.mvps.org

 

Yea... It was for pads only! Pissed me off enough to go out and learn
myself what the dealers don't want you to know. Basically anyone in
reasonable physical condition could change brake pads.

--

regards,
Michael Abbaticchio
MVP for Microsoft Exchange Server
http://exchange.mvps.org

 

That's a major screwing! I'd complain to the dealer. If you bought your
car there and/or have had it serviced there before, they should be
willing to refund some of your money if you threaten to take your
business elsewhere. Regardless, I'd find a good local mechanic for any
non-warranty work and let the dealer do only what you must have done by
them.

It's really one of the easiest DIY repairs. It's quick and it's
difficult to screw up.

 

Which tool are you referring to?

If you mean a compressor, you can do the same thing with large C-clamp
and a block of wood. Personally, I typically use a block of wood on the
piston and a large screwdriver or pry bar to lever it back into the caliper.

On ABS/TC equipped cars, I understand that the piston needs to be
screwed back into the caliper using a peg spanner, which is available
inexpensively at auto parts stores. My old Saab was similar.

 

Yea... That's the one. The kit makes it almost idiot proof.

--

regards,
Michael Abbaticchio
MVP for Microsoft Exchange Server
http://exchange.mvps.org

 

I moved to a different state and use a different dealer. Yes, it was the
dealer I bought the car from. I couldn't believe it when I saw the bill.

--

regards,
Michael Abbaticchio
MVP for Microsoft Exchange Server
http://exchange.mvps.org