bad brake install

Asked by Guru1FQ4D Sep 27, 2019 at 04:37 PM about the 2011 Nissan Sentra 2.0

Question type: Maintenance & Repair

Hello,

I recently changed the front brake pads in a family members 2011 Nissan Sentra base model. I did this because I was hearing a squeeling noise coming from the front drivers side wheel. I thought it might be a brake pad wear indicator because the noise seemed to stop when I applied the brakes. I haven't changed the pads in a car in quite some time, but I thought I would be able to manage it. I thought I did a decent enough job and when I took the car out to test the brakes, they worked great. However, after a bit of driving the noise came back. Its at this point I decided a mechanic should take a look. Another family member took the car to the shop and when they got back I was a little surprised. The shop had said that the brake pads where installed improperly and that they were no longer useable. They ended up replacing the brand new pads with different, more expensive ones as well as changing the rotor and they send the pads I had put in back with my family member and told them to hold on to them for the future (which I don't understand why, if they are no longer useable). They also did some other things which I'm not sure of, but the noise is no longer there.

My question is, how can you screw up a brake pad replacement so that the pads are unusable? I would basically like to know if we just got ripped off at the shop. Obviously it is hard to know exactly what was done, but I'm just wondering, in general, what are the things that can be done during a pad change that could cause them to be installed incorrectly.

3 Answers
38,895

beatupchevy answered 4 years ago

Forget the mechanic , you did something wrong , the rotors should be replaced when you do the pads and the caliper has to float on it's pins , there's nothing to retract the caliper once you apply the brakes they just relax so you'll see front tires that are dark because of brake dust from a binding caliper . Before I compress the piston I peel the boot back and shoot some penetrating fluid in there .I'm sure some will say not to but I've never had a problem and rarely replace calipers as all mechanics like to do . ( it ain't there $$ ) None of us were born mechanics , better luck next time .

Mark helpful

Carman2120 answered 4 years ago

Sounds like you got ripped off. Don't listen to the guy above, you don't need to replace rotors unless they need replacing. If they are worn then yea, replace them, but replacing them just because your replacing the pads isn't necessary.

Mark helpful
38,895

beatupchevy answered 4 years ago

Nah , don't listen to me , reuse the old rotors so that the brakes wear fast , squeal and you get a vibration in the peddle , then you can pull it all back apart and do it right ,

Mark helpful

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