Time To Change Brake Pads?

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Rosita 99

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Hello Guys,

Its time to change the front tires on my car. From what I can see visually there is not much tread left on the tires (I guess I should get a tire guage.) I have had the cars for over three years now and haven't changed the tires or brake pads in that time. So I was thinking I should do both. The brakes do work but may be the pads are worn out coz I have to completely press the pedal to stop it. My question is if I should change the rotors as well when I am changing the pads? being no expert I don't understand if the rotors have gone bad. Can anyone of you please throw some light on it. Also, I have found this awesome video on YouTube (which you guys might already know) which tells DIY for brake pads and rotors change so I am going to give a shot at it by doing it myself.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zngQGLElCe4

Any recommendations on particular tires/brake pads/rotors?
My car has BF Goodrich 205/60/15 now.
 
for tire choices try www.tirerack.com, even if you dont want to buy from them you will learn what your choices are. How many miles are on the car? When you apply brakes do you get a shaking sensation in the steering wheel. If you do get shaking the rotors are warped and it would be best to replace them. Have you checked the fluid level in the master cylinder? The pedal going down too far could indicate a leak somewhere in the system.
 
melsg5 said:
for tire choices try www.tirerack.com, even if you dont want to buy from them you will learn what your choices are. How many miles are on the car? When you apply brakes do you get a shaking sensation in the steering wheel. If you do get shaking the rotors are warped and it would be best to replace them. Have you checked the fluid level in the master cylinder? The pedal going down too far could indicate a leak somewhere in the system.
Click to expand...

Tirerack recommends (Original Equipment Size: 205/55-16) for my 99 Sunfire GT (Convertible) but I checked what I currently have on the car and it is 205/60R15 90S. I guess, I should be going with what I currently have than what is recommended as I will just be changing the front tires and would want all to be same.

The car has 150,000 + miles on it as of date but runs without any issues (knock on wood)

Fortunately, I don't get any shaking when I apply the brake. But I can feel that (camparing with other car that I have) its not as efficient to stop. It does stop if I press it all the way. Could you please tell me where can I check the fluid level in the master cylinder?


Thanks Admin! Appreciate your help always :)
 
As far as tire size for your car look in the owners manual or if you dont have one look on the door sticker that will show you the correct size and psi(it may be a sticker in your glove box). The master cylinder will have a line on the out side of it indicating the full level mark however if you need new brake pads then the level will read low. Also in your owners manual it will show you where your master cylinder is. Good luck keep us posted.
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Sorry about sounding so lame. I knew it as a brake fluid container but looking into the diagram I could understand what you were talking about. I did check the level and it seems to be little below the Max mark. But you are right, I have never done brake pads before so will keep someone around while doing it.
 
Not lame just inexperienced, being a little below max should not cause your problem but the rear brakes are drums and if the self adjusters are not working correctly you will get that long pedal travel feeling. If you dont know when they were done last pull the rear drums off to check the linings and the self adjusters.

PS: Is there really a place called "Alien's Land'?
 
Lol. Do you know about the 1947 Alien Crash in Roswell, NM? That's what it is. They have an event called UFO INTERNATIONAL festival (yes, int'l) here once a year and this city is really hyped up with alien stuff. Crazy!
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