pilot2b

Hi everyone
My 2001 Protege has had brake pads wear before, and I think I am experiencing the same symptoms. However, sometimes, when I brake, while driving slow, there's also a banging noise coimng from the front. I don't know if that's related to the pads wearing or it could be something else?
I'm planning to do a brake inspection tomorrow, but I don't want to get overcharged, so if someone could explain the brake system to me I'd much apreciate it.

Roddimus Prime

wow, theres way too many variables and too much info to cover in some posts on the internet. What I suggest is to take your car to an Express Oil Change or Midas or someting that specialize in brakes and have an inspection. They'll do it for free and tell you what it looks like.

Ask them to show you on your car what they see and point out the problems so you can verify them for yourself.

It's very hard for us to diagnose your car when we can't see or hear your car.

Rusty

My P5 had a banging noise in front while breaking. I could hear a clunk clunk as I slowed to a stop. It came and went, but I think it was glaze or a rough spot on the front right rotor. Did a break job and it cleared up. Whew, I was afraid it was a CV joint!

mitchman

Sorry to hijack your thread, but does anyone know how thick the stock brake shoes are? Mine are currently about 1/16th. I'm wondering how worn they are.

Rusty

You're paper-thin bro.

pilot2b

can one measure the brake pads without going to a mechanic?
I don't know anything about cars I guess it's time to learn.

Also, Rusty, I was told a bad CV joint would make noise when turning, not necessarily when braking.

Rusty

Correct. My imagination is overactive when I suspect a problem. I'd popped the clutch real hard too many times, so I was worried about something in the axle.

Look in the "How To" forum. I'm sure there is a thread with pics. It's extremely simple to do.

pilot2b

I was given a quote for $159 which includes pads, labor and resurfacing of the rotors. Is that a decent price?
Somebody else quoted me $50/axle+ the cost of the pads for which they have a special at $30 but I though only the front axle has brakes?!?!?!
did they mean each axle as each wheel????

Da P-Funk!

axle=front two or rear two wheels. The rear wheels have brakes also.

pilot2b

Ok I asked them and $159 is for each axle, isn't that a bit too much?!?!?!

Da P-Funk!

It sure would be for me!!
But then, i do it myself.