Just had a service, they recommend I replace the brake discs
Discussion
I took my car to ATS Euromaster yesterday and after the service they said the only recommendation they have about the car is to replace the brake discs in the next few months (Not urgently, but soon).
The measurements they have written down are:
Front: 20.11mm and 20.00mm
Back: 7.3mm and 7.29mm
I just wanted to check that these number do actually mean that they need replacing (They suggested I just do the back initially, then the front a little later to spread my costs).
After watching lots of videos online about changing the discs (Or sometimes I see them called "Rotors"?) and the process seems like something I may like to have a go at too (I have just bought a jack, rubber jack pad, wheel chocks, and a pair of jack stands).
The measurements they have written down are:
Front: 20.11mm and 20.00mm
Back: 7.3mm and 7.29mm
I just wanted to check that these number do actually mean that they need replacing (They suggested I just do the back initially, then the front a little later to spread my costs).
After watching lots of videos online about changing the discs (Or sometimes I see them called "Rotors"?) and the process seems like something I may like to have a go at too (I have just bought a jack, rubber jack pad, wheel chocks, and a pair of jack stands).
Changing discs (and pads as you should put new pads on new discs) isn’t the hardest job on a car [it’s not a 5m job though), however you may come unstuck if the slider pins on any calliper is seized (not uncommon these days) then you may need new caliper(s) and that’s not as simple a job and you would ideally need to bleed the brakes etc.
IDontKnowCars said:
I took my car to ATS Euromaster yesterday and after the service they said the only recommendation they have about the car is to replace the brake discs in the next few months (Not urgently, but soon).
The measurements they have written down are:
Front: 20.11mm and 20.00mm
Back: 7.3mm and 7.29mm
I just wanted to check that these number do actually mean that they need replacing
Discs have a minimum thickness. They vary from car to car. They wear in use, and are a consumable - they may last as few as two to three sets of pads.The measurements they have written down are:
Front: 20.11mm and 20.00mm
Back: 7.3mm and 7.29mm
I just wanted to check that these number do actually mean that they need replacing
Your fronts are much thicker because they're vented - basically, two discs joined by a web of metal to allow cooling air.
IDontKnowCars said:
After watching lots of videos online about changing the discs (Or sometimes I see them called "Rotors"?)
"Rotors" is the US term.IDontKnowCars said:
and the process seems like something I may like to have a go at too (I have just bought a jack, rubber jack pad, wheel chocks, and a pair of jack stands).
It's rarely hard. Wheel off, caliper out of the way, and it's usually very straightforward. New pads, and possibly new caliper locating bolts.Edited by TooMany2cvs on Sunday 13th May 10:26
As others have said, it's easy enough but it does have the potential to go wrong - disc retaining screws that won't come out and then the discs stuck on the hub.
Rears are more awkward as the piston usually has to be wound back and the handbrake working on the calliper too means the cable might have to be removed.
Need to be careful not to overflow the brake fluid reservoir and often people will clamp a flexible hose and open a bleed nipple to push the callipers back.
Rears are more awkward as the piston usually has to be wound back and the handbrake working on the calliper too means the cable might have to be removed.
Need to be careful not to overflow the brake fluid reservoir and often people will clamp a flexible hose and open a bleed nipple to push the callipers back.
IDontKnowCars said:
Sorry for not mentioning the model: It's a 2008 Honda Civic.
Two second google suggests new front discs are 23mm, minimum is 21mm. Rears are 9mm new, 8mm minimum.So, yes, new discs and pads all round. Front are higher priority. Rear is going to be more hassle, because of the handbrake.
Bear in mind when googling that US Civics are different to European ones.
Dave. said:
OP, if you tell us your location, we can give you a list of recommended garages/specialists to use if you don't feel confident enough to do this yourself.
I'm in Southampton 
I may try the front brakes myself if they are easier. I can then see if I am comfortable doing the back brakes myself. If I am ever concerned, I will go to one of the recommended garages - brakes are pretty important for safety after all.
Given the wear on my brakes, is this a project I should undertake ASAP? Or am I ok doing research for a few weeks first?
IDontKnowCars said:
Dave. said:
OP, if you tell us your location, we can give you a list of recommended garages/specialists to use if you don't feel confident enough to do this yourself.
I'm in Southampton I may try the front brakes myself if they are easier. I can then see if I am comfortable doing the back brakes myself. If I am ever concerned, I will go to one of the recommended garages - brakes are pretty important for safety after all.
Given the wear on my brakes, is this a project I should undertake ASAP? Or am I ok doing research for a few weeks first?
As ATS have said that they could do with doing but should be okay for a few months then I’d say yes you could research how to do them for a few weeks.
If you want to do this job and want to learn don’t be put off. Research how to do it for your particular car (YouTube/Haynes manual or even a friend with some knowledge). Like you said start on the front 1st and if your happy tackle your rears. Remember you’ll want a brake rewind tool and also know where to grease certain parts on the back of the pads to prevent squeal. Also remember to use some brake cleaner on your new discs to remove the oily residue. All that will mostly be covered in your research.
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