2003 Toyota Corolla Brake Pads and Rots (auto, brakes, valve, buy)

[seenu]

I have a 2003 Toyota Corolla that got new rotors and brake pads at 67,000 miles. I paid $155 for this repair. I have no idea which rotors and brake pads were installed. The work was done by a skilled and trusted mechanic. Unfortunately he is out of business, by his choice.

Now at 105,000 miles (it still runs fine), I am planning to get the brakes inspected next week. However, this time I want to control which rotors and brake pads get installed. I am okay with spending more money on this service.

I am thinking about telling the mechanic that I will supply the parts and he should use the supplied parts on my car.

So, which rotors and brake pads would be good for the Toyota Corolla? Where should I buy the parts from? Is change of brake fluid a good idea, the car still has the original brake fluid? What about brake lines (live in Cleveland Ohio where it snows and rust happens? Any other suggestion.

Much obliged.

[whiteboyslo]

The topic of whether mechanics are OK with you bringing your own parts has been beaten to death, but i would contact the shop and ask if they're ok with this.

Rather than go this way, i would just tell the shop to install whatever the 'better' parts are from their vendor and be done with it. A flush isn't a bad idea, but i would skip the brake line replacement unless an inspection shows a need. Not typically thought of as a wear item.

Mike

[mclasser]

My indy lets me bring in my own parts all the time.

Since the Corolla isn't a heavy vehicle, parts store rotors will be fine. For the pads, use Akebono.

[Army_Guy]

Ask the shop what options he has. I'm willing to bet that he offers a variety of options depending on how much you want to spend. Or you can ask him to get your favorite brand, I'm sure he gets a shop discount so he would get them cheaper than you would and you would not have to deal with the hassle of going to get the parts when he can just have them delivered.

I would do a brake fluid flush since he already has easy access to the drain valve on each caliper.

[seenu]

Originally Posted by mclasser

My indy lets me bring in my own parts all the time.

Since the Corolla isn't a heavy vehicle, parts store rotors will be fine. For the pads, use Akebono.

Great point, thank you. I will look into Akebono. I hope the local parts store like Advance Auto Parts or Autozone carry this brand.

[seenu]

Originally Posted by Army_Guy

Ask the shop what options he has. I'm willing to bet that he offers a variety of options depending on how much you want to spend. Or you can ask him to get your favorite brand, I'm sure he gets a shop discount so he would get them cheaper than you would and you would not have to deal with the hassle of going to get the parts when he can just have them delivered.

I would do a brake fluid flush since he already has easy access to the drain valve on each caliper.

Thank you, now I have a better idea about how to go about getting the job done. And I will ask for the brake fluid flush.

As a side note, this 2003 Toyota Corolla has done its job exceddingly well. It has developed some rust, other than this, it is in still in fantastic condition.

[seenu]

Originally Posted by whiteboyslo

The topic of whether mechanics are OK with you bringing your own parts has been beaten to death, but i would contact the shop and ask if they're ok with this.

Rather than go this way, i would just tell the shop to install whatever the 'better' parts are from their vendor and be done with it. A flush isn't a bad idea, but i would skip the brake line replacement unless an inspection shows a need. Not typically thought of as a wear item.

Mike

Much obliged, Mike.

[Mr_Geek]

If you really want your own parts, just buy them then call around and find a shop that is comfortable with you supplying the parts.

[IShootNikon]

I personally think it's bad form to bring in your own part and let them install it.

I know some shops do it but it's a dig at them. You don't trust their parts/supplier so you likely don't trust their work either. Bad way to start a relationship.

If you want your own parts put it on yourself.

Would be better to inquire what parts they use and if they have any higher quality parts they can recommend.

[trlhiker]

Why do you think you need new pads and rotors? You only have 40,000 miles on them. By the way, more than likely your mechanic replaced the front pads and rotors since your rears are probably drums. Your fronts should be fine but your rears drums may need to be replaced by now.