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Seized brakes?

2K views 2 replies 3 participants last post by  Cab0oze 
#1 ·
Do I need to replace just the rotors and brake pads to fix this? Im afraid the dealer will rip me off.
 
#3 ·
What tyler said....

Its very easy to diagnose yourself though, and if you have already correctly done this, then yes, if it is seized you will probably have to replace both your rotor and pad (or get your existing rotors machined if they still have lots of life in them).

Problem is, when brakes seize and are driven on for a fair period of time, your pad will overheat from all the friction and be pretty much ruined (and maybe worn all the way down), and at the same time your rotor will take a ton of punishment.

Next thing is, when you replace brake components on one side, it makes sense to replace both. This is so your braking will remain even and you wont have any nasty surprises in an emergency. Anyway, when you buy pads, you buy them as Front or Rear sets, not as L/R.
Similarly for rotors, when you replace the pads,you want smooth rotors so either get new, or get them machined.

Now, back to the caliper. If one side seizes, it is VERY LIKELY that the other side will sieze in the next year. Happened on my Mz3, happened on my friends Audi A4. If you replace your pads and rotors on one side, the worst is when your new stuff gets ruined by your other non-replaced caliper seizing and you have to replace AGAIN. If you're not keeping the car long, dont listen to me. If you're keeping it a while and its getting old'ish, you may consider replacing that right away too.
Itll be expensive, but it'll keep you save and save you another major headache a year down the road.

Hope that helps.
 
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