On July 22 I took my 2002 Ford Windstar to Brake Depot for new Brake Pads. I do have some experience with brake jobs thanks to a earlier job. The night of the 21st I took both front tires off my van and confirmed that I did indeed need new pads. The rotors still looked to be in good shape.
When Brake Depot performed their inspection they said that I did need new pads. But, I also need new rotors and my back brakes need serious adjustment (drum brakes). He ask me if I ever apply my parking brake when I park the van. I then replied with a no. He stated that this is why my back brakes were out of ajustment. Due to this my front brakes were doing all the work and wearing out the rotors quick. He did a measurment of the thicknest in front of me. According to "his gauge" the rotors were not able to be machined.
He gave me a price of $321.00 for two rotors, new pads, brake fluid change, adjust the rear brakes, and clean everything up. So, Iam walking around thinking about what he has said. At this time I had a funny feeling. I tried to call two other TRUSTED machanics I have used before. (no answer on both). So Iam about to tell to pack my van up and I would get back with him. When I walked over to tell him this, my van was already half way broke down to perform the work.
I then told the guy working on it to stop because I was not sure if I was gonna have the work performed by them. I asked who gave him permission to work on it and he said his boss. I never gave the go ahead to anyone. For some stuipd reason I did let them go ahead and do the work.
The whole time I was worried about the emergency brake statement he told me. I told him that I use to change brakes and had been around cars my whole life and never had heard this.
So, after the brake job was complete I took the old rotors to one of the mechanics to get his opinion. He then measured with his gauge and according to his, there was enough rotor left to be turned. I also asked him about the parking brake statement. His reply was that the adjustment had nothing to do with the parking brake, According to him this was a lie.
So, to get one more opinion I called the other mechanic. He said that the Parking brake does have something to do with it.
I dont know who to beleive on this parking brake situation. Should I set it every time or every now and again.
Just watch out wtih Brake Depot they are out there to tell you anything to get more money.in my case about $232.00 more then what I was expecting.
0 comments