New brakes

[Vishal]

I just dropped off my 2004 Pilot for oil change and rear differential fluid change.
The dealer called me back and suggested that all the 4 brake pads need to be changed at a cost of $189 for front and $195 for rear. He also mentioned that the brake fluid needs to be flushed at and extra cost ???.
So the total was $890 + tax for oil change, rear differential fluid, cabin air filter, new brakes pads, anti-freeze.
Naturally, I refused to do the work and just asked him to do the oil change and rear differential fluid change.
How much have people paid for changing the brake pads in the past?

Thanks...

[idloveaguinness]

$200 ea for front and rear was about what my dealer charges....and that included resurfacing the front rotors. Not sure what to say about the fluid.

[ED27]

I would get a price breakdown of parts and labor. Pads for the front and rear should run about $100 total (Honda pads) so the prices they quoted seem high unless they are resurfacing the rotors.

Brake fluid changes usually happen at 45K IIRC from the manual.

[ED27]

Just checked the manual....brake fluid should be changed every 3 years independent of mileage for both normal and severe maintenance schedules.

[GreenMachine]

Local Honda dealer charges $159 to do front or rear brakes, including resurfacing rotors if needed.

[Vishal]

The price includes re-surfacing the rotors too!
My Pilot has 55k miles on it already and it is 3 years old..
So, I guess the stealer was right when he advised me to change the brake fluid..

Thanks everybody for their response.

[Vishal]

The price includes re-surfacing the rotors too!
My Pilot has 55k miles on it already and it is 3 years old..
So, I guess the stealer was right when he advised me to change the brake fluid..

Thanks everybody for their response.

[lxblack]

Dealer, Stealer;

Oil & diff change is easiest thing. DIY w/ part will cost $40.

Take the car to any reputable independent Honda repair shop and they'll do the front & rear brake pads for no more than $200-250, including the brake fluid change.

So in my opinion it should cost you less than $300.

[whizmo]

These charges seem typical for a dealer l to me. Of course, you can do better, certainly if you do your own work, and probably if you find a good independent. But I always advise people to worry about the quality of the work first, then the cost. A good mechanic deserves to make a good living.

One thing I've noticed is that dealers tend to be very conservative on brake replacement - they will advise to replace when the pads often have 1/3 or more of useful life. You might want to look yourself or get another opinion. But at 55K, this sounds about right for pads to be getting close.

Personally, I don't believe in always resurfacing rotors at pad replacement. If the rotors are reasonably smooth, I leave them alone. If not, then I replace the rotors.

You should definitely get the brake fluid replaced at the specified intervals. With today's ABS systems, this is a critical maintenance item to avoid expensive repairs later.

- Mark

[BedfordFred]

Part prices from Bernardiparts.com:

Pilot pad set, front = $47
Pilot front rotor, each = $85

I just did pads and new rotors on my Civic for under $200. Took about an hour to do, including flushing the brake lines. I'll do the same for the Pilot when the time comes.