Did my own brake job

[john6221]

Spent about 4 hours with it thanks to some goofy engineering at Hyundai (had to remove control arm to change rotors) but I successfully replaced my wife's rear brakes and rotors.

The local Midas quoted me $250, which didn't even include new rotors--only turning them. I got the parts for $85 and spent another $100 on tools which will be used for future jobs. So I came out a little ahead, but will save even more money when I do the front brakes. And in 10k miles when I do my Suabru, I'll be even speedier!

[Ziggurat]

Nice one!  I've been wondering about doing this, but am scared of "doing it wrong" and not having safe braking.  Is it pretty much fool-proof?  I can put on winter tires (with rims), but my automotive skills have not gone further than that yet.

[felizcortez]

Great.  I've done brakes on my car for years.  Youtube is a great resource, you can usually find your exact car so there is very little risk to doing this yourself.

[steviesterno]

my FIL taught me how to do this just a few months. ago. we did the front brakes and my first oil change (shameful to be 32 and learning it now, but my dad never did that stuff himself). we ended up spending probably $60 in parts, and all the tools they bought and were my christmas present. Now I'm squared away to do it on my own forever.

[felizcortez]

Yeah it honestly wasn't too bad other than having to remove the control arm. But I definitely watched all the YouTube videos I could find for my car model.

Pretty soon you'll find yourself doing other repairs on your cars.  I started out with filters and oil, then moved on to brakes, and have recently done some more suspension work (replacing struts).  If it is just unbolting an old part and adding a new one it isn't so bad.  Plus you save a ton of money since the labor rate is so high and you can get parts for less as well. 

[lcmac32]

Done this twice now.  Second time was easier, but not perfectly easy as it was a different car.  Parts were about $60.00.  Would have cost around $200+ at brake shop.  Time well spent.  Will be even easier the next time.