Hi Guys
So today I went to a local franchise auto shop to check on my brake pad and rotor wear. My 2013 ES 350 has 65,000 mi, and brake fluid reservoir is close to min line, and no leaks. I assumed the mechanic woul remove a least one wheel from the front and back to measure the pad and rotor thickness. Instead he put the car on a lift and just eyeballed the pads and rotors between the spokes of the wheel ! He told me both the rear and front pads needed to be replaced and the rotors needed to be turned.( without knowing the actual thickness) The estimate for new no brand ceramic pads ($135 front, $ 129 rear), rotor resurfacing ($135) total labor of $483 and shop supplies $65. The total estimate was $817 + tax $53.
I was pretty disgusted when the mechanic didn't even measure my pad or rotor thickness, and came away pretty much were I started before I came to this shop. I obviously won't be doing a Brake job wih these guys!! I'm going to bring the car in to my mechanic to let him evaluate the brakes
Im thinking of using the Akobeno ultra premium pads - ASP1222A for the front and rears if needed. I don't know if I will need to resurface the rotors or just purchase new ones . (high carbon rotors from auto zone.) What do you guys think , at 65,000 mi should I replace pads and rotors just to be on the safe side. Also aside from the brake parts which I will be buying as needed, what is a fair labor charge to replace front and rear pads and rotors.
Thanks Guys

 

You can buy new OEM rotors for $140 per set. I would not bother resurfacing them, its a hit or miss

 

I agree and be sure to buy coated rotors as they are less likely to rust. There are many options on Rock Auto if your mechanic lets you provide parts.

Based on what that guy did, you may not even need brakes and it is unlikely both fronts and rears wear out at the same time. There is no reason to replace brakes before they are worn out. However the brake fluid should be changed every few years to protect the system from internal rust and damage to the electronic brake force distribution module and ABS system. Also have them lube the caliper slide pins.

FYI the only way to inspect them through the wheel is with a mirror on a telescoping stick tool. In Virginia we get annual safety inspections and my local inspector (they are all at gas stations) uses one which he said works on most cars, but he does have to remove a few wheels every day on those where he cannot see the pads with the mirror for various reasons.

 

Thanks guys for your responses. I may just take a front wheel off and measure the pad thickness myself. If I have 4mm or more pad left Ill probably just drive it for another year. I only put 4-5 K miles on the car in a year.
Thanks again