Brake pads and discs query

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badtrev

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Hey guys quick question about car brakes. Is it necessary that brake discs and pads have to be changed at the same time? If the discs are still fine can the pads be changed only?

The current discs are about 18 months old. But the brake pad warning light has come on in the car now. Thanks.
 
As long as you didn't drive with completely worn pads your disks should be OK.

If the disks have been damaged, they can be skimmed or replaced.
 
Caratacus said:
As long as you didn't drive with completely worn pads your disks should be OK.

If the disks have been damaged, they can be skimmed or replaced.
Click to expand...

As long as there is still friction material on the pads the discs will be fine for a few more sets of pads.
Check your disc wear by feeling the depth of the lip on the outer circumference where the pad contact ends.
After changing the pads the braking will be spongy for a while until the new pads bed into the disc.
 
Does it matter whether you fit official manufacturer pads or can you fit any pads that will fit the vehicle? My car is out of warrantee so I am tempted getting generic or pirate pads for my Chevrolet Captiva 2008.
 
ATE, Ferodo, etc are fine. You can fit these even when in warranty, by any repair shop or yourself.

I'm not sure on the captiva. But I know ATE is an OEM on many other GM products.
 
Years ago I only used Ferodo Gold. Are they still available.
And yes if disc is smooth and no goudges then fine only pads. Remember that for the first 200 so km your brakes are bedding in so be careful.
 
1. If the discs are fine. And it is only the pad that is worn(this is why the brake pad warning light came on). It should be fine to replace the brake pads. ATE or ferodo are good brands for that sized vehicle.

2. If the discs are worn(bad grooves on disc). Then only is it advisable to replace disc and brake pads. The reasoning is that the worn disc material is embeded in the brake pad and could mar the new brake disc.

3. I recommend ferodo premier because the cost is reasonable and the international made pads are superior to the locally made ones. Ferod also make some pads locally. Ferodo ceramic eats the discs on many small cars.

On my subaru, which is tracked, I have only replaced the discs once in 12 years.

The captiva is a heavy car. I would get the disc measured for min thickness.
 
Thanks for the advice. These are standard discs on an Opel Astra, they seem to be OK, its just that at one of the repair shops, the guy was quite insistent that all the parts get changed at the same time.
 
badtrev said:
Thanks for the advice. These are standard discs on an Opel Astra, they seem to be OK, its just that at one of the repair shops, the guy was quite insistent that all the parts get changed at the same time.
Click to expand...

More labour and parts = more $$$
 
badtrev said:
the guy was quite insistent that all the parts get changed at the same time.
Click to expand...

Yeah he will make way more money. Brake pad R500 labour R450, not much in it. Throw in disc and labour is all profit. You can do the entire thing in one hour, and usually it will be an appy doing the work
 
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