How much am I going to be charged for changing the brake pads on my 06 Focus?

I just noticed a sound on my car when I apply the brakes. Based on previous experience, it seems that the brake pads need to be changed. I'm not sure if it's one wheel or both, but I'll assume it's the two of them. My questions are, how much am I going to be charged (labor and parts) if they change them for me? Is it too difficult to do it yourself? I'm not a car expert and have never done something like changing the pads, the most I have done myself is changing the oil in my car. I wonder what places will charge me less for this service.How much am I going to be charged for changing the brake pads on my 06 Focus?
The first question you are going to have to answer, is how much money you are really wanting to spend. When changing your brakes, by yourself, it is relatively cheap and depending on what quality of parks you get, can cost you between $150-250 all around, or cheaper. When going to a shop, most places will buy the parts, mark them up, then charge you labor on top of that in order to really make their money. The price can be anywhere in the ballpark of $350 all around, and upwards, again depending on quality of parts like brake pads and rotors. If you are looking into doing it yourself and saving money in the long run, I strongly suggest learning to do this yourself.



First off, what you are going to want to figure out is if both the front and rears need changing. If it has been a great deal of time since they were changed, then I would recommend doing both. And as for individual wheels, if one side goes bad, you are going to have to change both to avoid uneven stopping quality which results in a pulling of the car in one direction. An easy way to tell whether or not they need replacing is by removing the wheel, and looking into the brake caliper at the pads from the top. There is a small space in the middle of the pad that acts as a wear indicator. If this space is relatively shallow or is not even present at all, they need replacing in the near future. Also, if the brakes seem to squeal or leave an excess amount of brake dust (brownish residue) all over the wheel and car, they need replacement. If you are unsure even from looking at the top, you can certainly try to remove the caliper and inspect them more closely.



And before you try and tackle this task, remember, this will require basic tools like torque wrenches, ratchets, sockets, a jack and jackstands, etc. So before you jump into this, make sure you have the proper tools and hardware. Do basic internet seaches on disassembly of brake systems, because in all reality, it is a relatively simple task, and can save you a great deal of money in the long run. Disk brake systems are extemely simple, however if you are doing the rears and come across you have a %26quot;drum brake%26quot; system (no disc, large cylinder drum), I would highly recommend having a professional do it, as those are slightly more tricky and complicated, especially to the novice mechanic. And to be honest, when doing it yourself for the first time, you are going to run into problems, its all part of the learning experience, so don't be intimidated or frustrated with the task. If you are able to change your own oil, it is certainly just as easy when you get the hang of it.



It is definetly a worthwhile learning experience thats going to save you hundreds if not thousands of dollars in labor in the long run and life of the vehicle. If you have more specific questions on actually disassembling and that sort of thing, feel free to let me know.How much am I going to be charged for changing the brake pads on my 06 Focus?
The pads more than likely will cost around 30-50 depending on what type of brake pads you buy.. ceramic, metallic, organic etc. Its probably better for you to bring it to an auto mechanic.. to do it yourself.. you would need a jack or a lift to raise the car off the ground.. take off the tire by taking the lugnuts off.. then you will have to remove the caliper and the caliper bracket to rplace the pads.. but also the lugnuts and bolts you take off have to be tightened to a certain specification.. your better off going to a mechanic.. it will be alot easier.. if there are any technical high schools around where you live.. most of the time they dont charge labor and usually just pay for the parts.How much am I going to be charged for changing the brake pads on my 06 Focus?
The dealership will charge you way too much. If you take it to a neighborhood shop (like one I work at) then they will charge you around $150 to replace just the front pads. As long as your rotors are still good. Don't try to do it yourself cause you don't want to mess things up and have something break while your driving.How much am I going to be charged for changing the brake pads on my 06 Focus?
change both pads. you want an even wear on them. if they SOUND grindy. you damaged your rotors, change them too. if you fill a shake in your steering wheel when you brake, it is the rotors...

most shops charge like 95 and hour and up plus parts. they are also going to reem you and say these other things need changing. if they use chop sticks to work on your car dont go there. go were you can understand and they can understand the same language.



to replace the brake pads: jack your car up

use jack stands.

take your tire off.

now your looking at a disk looking thnig (the rotor) and on the is what they call a caliper

take of the two bolts on the caliper. you car see them if you look behind the rotor. there sould be two bolt one on top and one on bottom .

once the caliper is off dont let it hang by the hose, tie it up

pull off the old pads and then mach them up and relace them with the new ones.

you are going to need a c clamp or a tool that pushes the pistin back in to reverse the fluid. tighten it back up and you should be there.

keep in mind im not a mechanic use your mechanic book for your car from the local auto store