Brake Pads and Sensors: I need some info

[Sharkfin]

So I knew I was getting pretty low on my pads but didn't know how long until my brake warning light came on as I was driving tonight. In the manual it says that you should stop driving immediately and get it to the dealer as soon as possible.

Even though I already have new brake rotors from SPP, I haven't gotten the fluid, pads, or SS lines yet and I was wondering if this is super urgent or I can drive on them at all.

TIA

EDIT: the new brake rotors have NOT been put on yet, I want to swap the whole system at once. I'm getting Hawk HPS pads but I need to find the best place for SS lines.

[Quattro]

nate,

you can drive on them all you want, you just will damage the rotors and you being able to stop might not be as good. Since rotors are new, you would prob waste them once pads get metal to metal....

Hit up AutoZone or order some pads, should not take more than 2 days to get too you.

-randy

[Sharkfin]

Randy,
I haven't put the new rotors on, I am doing the entire swap with all components at once but my shop is at least 30 miles away. As long as my current setup can hold up for a week and maybe 50 miles I should be good. I don't care if I ruin the pads/rotors, I just don't want to die.

[Quattro]

shouldnt be too bad, i would take off your wheel to see how bad the pads really are....I would think 50 miles would be safe, but i mean drive carefull...you could always do the install yourself.

[Sharkfin]

shouldnt be too bad, i would take off your wheel to see how bad the pads really are....I would think 50 miles would be safe, but i mean drive carefull...you could always do the install yourself.

-Well I inspected them when I got my BBS's on a week and half ago and they didn't look that bad but I've driven 500 miles since then. I will inspect them tomorrow

-I don't want to do the install myself because I don't want to try it for the first time on something so important. Maybe next time.

-I am at 49500 miles on original rotors and I think the second set of pads, did I get a good amount of miles on them?

[Sharkfin]

so I just researched all the info on getting Hawk HPS pads and SS lines and it comes out to $325 shipped from ECS tuning, what do you guys think?

[Laurence@GsG]

so I just researched all the info on getting Hawk HPS pads and SS lines and it comes out to $325 shipped from ECS tuning, what do you guys think?

As long as its not metal on metal you will be fine. If you let it get to that pt your car will still stop but it may damage your caliper. For sure your rotors will be toast. Ive seen it so bad the the pads weld them self to the rotor which makes its crazy hard to get the caliper off. Just be careful and brake soft to you can get your new pads. Also make sure you don't see any deep groves or you may have to machine your rotor.

[supamannn99]

anyone know how much brake fluid we need when we switch?

[Sharkfin]

As long as its not metal on metal you will be fine. If you let it get to that pt your car will still stop but it may damage your caliper. For sure your rotors will be toast. Ive seen it so bad the the pads weld them self to the rotor which makes its crazy hard to get the caliper off. Just be careful and brake soft to you can get your new pads. Also make sure you don't see any deep groves or you may have to machine your rotor.

Well I don't think I'm that low on my pads hopefully, is $225 a good price for a shop install of fronts/rears with ss lines and new fluid?

[john@fifteen52]

Even though I already have new brake rotors from SPP, I haven't gotten the fluid, pads, or SS lines yet and I was wondering if this is super urgent or I can drive on them at all.

You typically have 1-2mm of pad material left once the sensor wire is worn through. But keep in mind that the sensor wire is in only 1 of the 4 front pads and pads don't wear exactly the same. Just drive carefully with light braking and keep your ears open for metal-to-metal contact. Do not drive at that point. You're changing rotors too, so you don't have to worry about the rotor life or grooves.

Well I don't think I'm that low on my pads hopefully, is $225 a good price for a shop install of fronts/rears with ss lines and new fluid?

3 hours labor @ $75/hr is $225, so I would say that is a decent price. You may be able to find it cheaper, but stick to a shop you trust and pay a little more if you have to.

[Sharkfin]

Well these are the other quotes I got for the same job:
Euro-wise tuning: $239
Flow Audi of Greensboro, NC: $690
GMP Performance: $540
*Apex Tuning: $225
Pwrhaus: emailed
Absolute Automotive: $350
Black Forest Industries: emailed

[Quattro]

225 is not that bad, could be done yourself though!

drive down to la, ill do them for ya =D

[Sharkfin]

hahah I'll pass, but I would love to visit LA. As for the brakes, I am already messing around with my DTM kit situation and headlights, not trying to do the brakes too lol