brake job ?

[luna]

It's time for brakes, should I just replace pads and shoes? or go for the complete brake job? Also has anyone had a brake job done at Les Schwab? They replace calipers, wheel cylinders, and all the hardware + flush the system and replace fluid. Any input will be greatly appreciated! Thanks,Joe.


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98. 5 quad cab,sport. short box,4X4,automatic,3. 55
L. S. D. trailer/tow & camper pkg. emerald green with lots of diamond plate. stock
except,255X16 tires and
no decals!

 

[LSMITH]

I did my own brakes about a month ago. If your rotors and drums are perfect you just need to scuff them up. Check your drums and rotors for runout/warpage. If there is any warpage they need to be turned. A random orbit sander works pretty well if they are in good shape. It is my understanding that the '98. 5 and prior trucks benefit from adding the 3500 wheel cylinders. Always replace the hardware on the back. If you don't have brake spring pliers get them. I think some of the springs are garage door springs that have been shortened for use in the brakes. Flushing the system is a piece of cake. You can buy a kit at most parts stores with everything you need. As far as replacing the calipers you need to see what kind of shape they are in. Mine were in good shape (seals were soft, free travel of the piston, etc). I personally don't replace anything but oil just for the sake of replacing it.

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99 2500 QC 4X4 AUTO SB 24V LARAMIE SLT 3. 5 LSD 285-75-16'S

 

[sam peterson]

luna How many miles on your truck? Depending on the amount of miles determines if you have to do a complete brake rebuild. What you want is trouble free operation for the life of the next set of pads or shoes. Caliper slider bushings up front should be replaced along with pads. If the truck has lots of miles rear cylinders & wheel seals should be replaced when doing the shoes, unless you like doing it again in case of a leak. Use carbon metalic pads--shoes are also available in carbon met. Les Schwab usually doesn't have it available. Flush the fluid reguardless of what is done. DOT 4 is best if you are towing. Sam, Brake & A/C Supply

 

[BV]

Most folks have suggested against turning the rotors due to replacement cost of $300+ each so I would take the glaze off and call it good.
BTW - The last (Yes this means never again) brake job the LS did for me was not worth it. I ended up replacing the caliper/pad hardware when they somehow managed to put it back together incorrectly causing the parts to wear on the edge of the rotor. The time before that they broke the keepers on the rear axle nuts of the 92 Dodge 3/4 by impacting them off without looking first - didn't know this until the new owner (my brother) pulled apart for a seal replacment.
My next brake job will be done in the driveway so there will be no more complaints.

 

[luna]

Thanks for the advice you guys! I think I'll do the job myself. My truck only has 27,000 mi. so I probably only need pads and shoes.
Thanks again this is the best site on the web. Joe.

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98. 5 quad cab,sport. short box,4X4,automatic,3. 55
L. S. D. trailer/tow & camper pkg. emerald green with lots of diamond plate. stock
except,255X16 tires and
no decals!