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Because of my limited supply of money, I often prefer searching the wrecking yard for cheaper automotive parts rather than pay the higher prices from auto parts stores. In the process of changing from winter to summer tires, I discovered bad brake pads and rotors. After running out to grab rotors from the wrecker ($10.00 a piece) and finding a brake shop that resurfaces them, I was told that they weren’t worth turning. So I ended up purchasing new ones ( $50.00 a piece). Now I find I need new calipers. I can go out to the wrecker again and grab a pair ($10.00 a piece) or buy a set from Part-source ($100 a piece). I’m very tempted to take a chance on the wrecker ones but am not sure if it is the prudent thing to do. I’m wondering if anyone has had any experience in this area or has advice to share. Thanks
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There’s two possible reasons rotors wouldn’t be worth cutting; too thin or the auto parts store can sell you new ones for the same price as cutting. Well, there is a third reason, they don’t cut rotors but do sell new ones.
They did you a favour but not charging you to turn the rotors. Once they get close to maximum machining limit the tend to warp easier. Rotors are basically just heatsinks so when you remove material it changes the amount of heat they can dissipate leading to excessive run-out yada yada.
Instead of going to a pick and pull you can check out car-part.com, the prices and quality of the part are usually both listed.
But really, these are your brakes we’re talking about, the one thing that stops you from smashing into the car in front. Even if you buy cheap new parts, it’s better than dubious quality used ones. Scrounch up your Canadian tire money and go get some new calipers.
My personal experience with breakers yards has been good. Have been able to find some decent parts there for cheap for my used cars to keep them going just that little bit longer 🙂
How much is caliper rebuilt kit for your car? Sure not $100. And calipers are super easy to rebuild.
I have often bought parts from scrap yards (that is what we call them in the UK), most over here offer a guarantee as well so if you get the item home and it is DOA they will exchange it for free, I would not buy brake discs or pads from a scrap yard though, just not worth it they are the most important part of the car and need to be right besides which they are usually relatively inexpensive anyway. I think there are parts that you can cut costs on with second hand ones and then there are other parts where for safety and peace of mind new is the only way to go.
A brake calliper is a very simple thing, Eric has a dissection video you should watch, it will ether be the internal piston or seal that is knackered, they will be cheaper to buy the parts and very easy to fit, as long as the piston is not pitted you will get away with a seal kit which you should be able to pick up for a few dollars.
Check the video out!
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