Hello,

I have an 07 XC90 6cyl, I recently had my front brake and rotors replaced after I had grinding and turning issues. I went to my local "chain" mechanic, all total cost was 672.00.

My question is, are the parts cheaper somewhere online I can buy and take to them the next time or is it always this expensive?

Also if anyone recommends a good parts site, what is a good brand to use or look for?

I bought my car used and this is its first replacement. (first of many I'm sure)

 

If you would have watched them do your front brakes, you probably would have been angry. Front brakes, especially when you are just removing and replacing pads/rotors, is an extremely easy operation. Parts cost with name-brand parts is about $150-200 total. If it's your first time, it could take you a couple hours. After doing many dozens of pad/rotor jobs, I can do both sides in about 20-30 minutes.

It's that easy.

Edit: rockauto.com is a good place to find parts. A good set of pads/rotors for your car can be had for about $100, complete.

 

Thanks bmoore!

Just did a quote on Rock Auto, under 200 dollars!!!

Will most definately go that route next time!!!

 

Just did our XC70 a few months ago, Brembo rotors, Akabeno pads, new lines =$210.00 at FCPgroton.com. They are extremely easy, if your even remotely mechanically inclined. Ill do em for $400....

 

Brakes, especially Disc are not difficult to replace. Depending upon how expensive you want to go replacement pads can be had for less than $40.

I still do my own brakes. Finding someone to do them at a fair price is difficult to do.

If you do not have one already, get a shop manual. You will be amazed at how quickly you can become a DIY.

 

I never even bother replacing the rotors or having them turned (refinished), I just drop new pads in there. Pads are cheap and easy to replace, so what if not turning the rotors means I have to drop in new pads 2,000 miles sooner.

My $0.02 anyway, I'm sure professional mechanics and ****-retentive safety police will tell me I'm risking my life...please. It's a metal disc clamped between two abrasive pads, not rocket science.

 

That's fine, to a point. But I hope you're aware that rotors wear, too. Don't end up like this:

 

Lol, looks like that guy had caliper pistons sticking on the one side, the other side of the rotor is fine.

I do eyeball the rotor wall thickness at the vents and look for a ridge at the minor ID of the pad swept surface, if there's ever any clearly visible wear I'll replace the rotors. So far so good, but I drive like an old lady.