[october]

Approaching 20,000 miles on my 05 .
Wondering if I could get some general advice about maintaining brake pads rotors etc.

i drive semi aggressively, but only as a DD. I love these brakes/ car.

I have done no inspection on them though!! I have nearly zero mechanical aptitude!
My mechanic works primarily on race cars Japanese usually.

1. How often should he inspect the brakes, so far he has not looked at 'em.

2. How many miles can I expect to get on the brakes- given as a range?

(I assume I continue with stock parts, since I love the cars stopping power.)

3. How expensive will my likely first brake repair be? a) Pads only. b) Pads and rotors? c) fluid change
Sorry if this sounds like i'm an old guy, but i am!!
Thanks

[TR11]

1. Basically you personally can look between the spokes of the rim and take a look at how much pad material is left on the backing plate. This is the part touching the rotor. Your rotors will outlast your pads.
2. All depends on your driving. 20K-40K? Mine lasted about 12K but I did track stuff.
3. It will be brutal id imagine. In CDN Dealer prices a) about 800+ probably 2.5 hours labour b) 2000 + 4-5 hours labour. c) 2200 + 6 hours.

Up here they seem to charge an insane amount for everything.

For pads, definitly change them yourself. No matter how mechanically inclined you are its very very simple. Jack up a side, take the wheel off, pull out two clips, push out two pins and take off a plate and pull out the pads. There is no need for a piston pusher or anything. There are several DIY videos on changing the brembos.

To change the rotors, you take the wheel off along with two more bolts outfront then they pull off. This is on 04.

[WRXBrakes]

Originally Posted by october

3. How expensive will my likely first brake repair be? a) Pads only. b) Pads and rotors? c) fluid change
Sorry if this sounds like i'm an old guy, but i am!!
Thanks

Dealer parts are pretty high - about $500 for pads only

There are plenty of good aftermarket choices that are as good - better - or way better for a LOT less money.

[october]

Thanks

Apparently according to the dealer, the brakes are under Soob warranty.

I have to have however, 1.5 mm left on the pad. Does anyone know this song and dance from dealership?

[TR11]

some people have gotten pads replaced under warrenty......some havent.

[wdb]

Pads and rotors are covered under 3/36 warranty, but of course they have to be worn out before the dealer will replace them. That's not a song or a dance, it's just logic.

Data point: my factory original brake pads and rotors lasted 55k miles.

[october]

Originally Posted by TR11

1. Basically you personally can look between the spokes of the rim and take a look at how much pad material is left on the backing plate. This is the part touching the rotor. Your rotors will outlast your pads.
2. All depends on your driving. 20K-40K? Mine lasted about 12K but I did track stuff.
3. It will be brutal id imagine. In CDN Dealer prices a) about 800+ probably 2.5 hours labour b) 2000 + 4-5 hours labour. c) 2200 + 6 hours.

Up here they seem to charge an insane amount for everything.

For pads, definitly change them yourself. No matter how mechanically inclined you are its very very simple. Jack up a side, take the wheel off, pull out two clips, push out two pins and take off a plate and pull out the pads. There is no need for a piston pusher or anything. There are several DIY videos on changing the brembos.

To change the rotors, you take the wheel off along with two more bolts outfront then they pull off. This is on 04.

Thank you for all your help.



I have never worn pads so quickly before. I figured it's partly or solely the fact of my manner of shifting.

With other cars I shifted in a way that used the tranny and engine to an extent control my speed. I have over used the brakes because I did not want to stay in the lower gears which act as a kind of mild brake.
I seldom drove in 1st and not much in 2nd or even third. I accelerated to higher speeds than usual , as well. This is all regarding in town driving.

I have adjusted my shifts in the hopes of getting a little more life out of the pads.

This question is asked entirely "in the dark" about our Brembo brakes characteristics. Is there a pad that is equal to the stock pad in EVERY WAY but price?? Does the expression "you get what you pay for" apply with the stock pads and rotors??
These pads seem great too me, as do the tires.
If anyone cares to discuss the virtues of another cheaper priced pad, please do so, but that pad must be the equal in every way to the stockers.
Thanks again