I had my rotors resurfaced about 2 months ago, and now they're starting to pulsate again. I need new brakes, but would rather not pay the dealer obscene amounts of money.

Would it be hard for me, someone who's only replaced brake pads once, to replace my own rotors and pads? I'm thinking it will save a lot of money. Are the calipers/drums hard to remove and replace?

Maybe paint the calipers while I'm down there.

Should I get a torque wrench for the lugs?

 

torque wrenches do come in handy for several things on a automobile..

yes i would vote paint the calipers/drums either black or colormatch your car

and i think it can be done, just follow directions.. not the most difficult thing

 

Do the brakes as they are a no brainer if you have any mechanical thought.

Replace the rotors as they are cheap and the more they are cut the more they warp.

Paint is good.

Torque wrenches are good but if you have aluminum wheels retorque them after 25 miles. Sometimes these new aluminum wheels are not seated well on the first try.

 

sounds like it's a hard job to screw up.... is there are a preferred type of torque wrench?

 

Look at the Harbor Freight click type torque wrenches. For about $20, maybe less if they have a sale going on, you can get a decent wrench.

 

I've replaced my fronts (rotors and pads) early last summer and have serviced (cleaned, adjusted and painted the drums) the back a couple of months ago.

The rotors needed a bit of pounding to come off, but I was not reusing them so I didn't care. They did come off with fairly minimal force, so I was OK with just a small pounding hammer there. Just be sure to properly lubricate where the pads slides in the caliper when you re-install.

The drums, on the other hand, were really stuck on the center hub, so I had to use a 3-jaw puller. I coated the hub with antiseize paste when I re-installed them. Other than that, pretty much uneventful.

Yves

 

This thread may help you https://www.chevyhhr.net/forums/how-tutorial-library-21/how-replace-rotors-pads-06-hhr-15226/

 

what kind of wrench do i need to get the calipers off?

 

andoll83,

I suggest you have someone that has done brakes before and is familar with what it takes, to help you on your first brake job. JMO.

 

After the last question I agree. I assumed you at least had read up or had some knowledge of how to do it.

Get someone who knows what to do to work with you that way you will learn.

Other wise it will be a tow bill and a box of parts to take it to someone to put it back together again.