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2008 Hyundai Sonata

Question: How can brake pads/rotors go so quickly - 1 year after purchase?

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vetlady, Manchester, NH, July 12, 2011, 11:19
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 Rookie

How in the world can my car need pads/rotors after 1 year of use - and purchased from the largest dealer in the area, boasting of their 100+ thorough 'going over' all used cars before selling? This type of brake work is NOT CHEAP!!
They want $1,000 for front and rear - DISGUSTING. I'll never buy from them again. I am a grandmother and do nominal, careful, slow, driving.

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  • Answer #1

    big01_dram July 12, 2011, 11:26
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     Journeyman

    Unless the pads are at or near zero they are not doing the bakes before they put it on the lot. How many miles are on the car? Im guessing around 60000. If there are even more it could be time for brakes. I dont see why you would need new rotors if it is the first brake job though. They should last at least a couple brake jobs unless they were allowed to get so bad they were metal to metal or they were warpped. Did you have grinding noise or an bad vibration? If it was driven hard by the previous owner they were used up. The faster its driven the harder the brakes are used. Wish I could help you I could do it a lot cheaper. You may want to seek a second opinion.

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    vetlady, July 12, 2011, 11:35
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    Thank you very much! - Ok - I got the car - 33,000+ miles. Put on about 13,000 to date. NO, no noise, but my local shpp told me I needed brake work. So I took it to the dealer and that is what they came up with. However, my concern was that the dealer SHOULD have known something was amiss BEFORE I bot the car - when they do their "bragging check"!! I had an Accord (2) for 15 years - and NEVER went through something like this. I have not noticed any grinding noise nor a vibration at all. My son is assisting me on this - very disappointing dilemma - and he said he could do the work for MEGA DOLLARS LESS!!! I now know where I WON'T GO next car I buy!!!!!!!!! Thanks again for your reply and input - it is much appreciated!!!

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    big01_dram, July 12, 2011, 11:51
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     Journeyman

    You are welcome. Like I said they are not doing the brakes unless they are shot. It doesnt mean they are doing a brake job especially if they are halfway or better. They made sure there was brakes and that is what that check really is. Really sounds like someone drove this car hard before. 33000 miles is way early. Im glad your son can help you out. Just in case I will mention 2 pointers that I always recommend to anyone doing their own brakes. if you dont get new rotors take them to the machine shop and get them turned. I can get 2 done for around $30. This will help extend the life of your brakes. Before you go but new, you may want to check with the machine shop. they can tell you if they are turnable. I see on Autozone.com new rotors for the front are $50 each. The second thing is to make sure to clean and lubricate the slides. A stuck caliper ruins brakes quick. Maybe your son knows these things. I just wanted to share some knowledge. Good Luck and have hope this helped make your day better.

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