Maintenance questions from a noob

mvargas322

I took my vehicle (2013 Honda Civic) in for an oil change and balance tires yesterday and was told I need to change my brakes and the right rear shock. I was told my right rear shock is leaking and I should change it. I got quoted $251.55 for the shock. I was also told that my front brakes require immediate attention bc they have 2mm left (or something concerning 2mm). They also said the rear brakes have 4mm left but don't require immediate attention like the front brakes. I was quoted $257.25 for the front brakes.

I plan on changing everything this weekend with the help of a friend, but I guess what I'm looking for is some knowledge. How bad exactly is 2mm and 4mm on brakes? And how did I never notice my shock was bad? Thanx in advance. If it helps my car has approx. 65k miles.

93tracker5spd

Hello! First, I'm glad you asked, a lot of folks never ask, they just pay the money. This allows some garages to get away with telling the customer anything to get their money. However, in this case, if your brakes really are that thin, they are an accident waiting to happen. Pads and shoes normally start at around 10 to 12 mm, so if yours are at 2 and 4; that is pretty thin. Sounds like this garage was honest with you, although I thank their pricing is a little high, but that's just my opinion. As far as the shock, your car only has 65K on it, should be mostly sound of body and frame, that leaking shock is letting the road stress be absorbed by the spring and the frame. If it is leaking when you check it, it does need replaced. And since you said you would do your own work, you can surely get a good set of shocks for the price they had quoted to you, I would replace them in pairs so they can begin to wear evenly again. When you do those brakes, look closely at the rotors and calipers, you want the rotors to be smooth with no groves worn in them, and the calipers not leaking and not sticking. I would replace the clips and springs if there are any on your model, if you replace shoes on the rear, check wheel cylinders and drums. You will get a lot of reassurance and confidence from repairing your own vehicle. And you will know how the work was done. Since you are seeking information, I would call the Honda customer service line and ask what type of brakes they recommend, meaning composite, simi-metallic, or metallic and if you need to reset the anti-lock brake system after service. I would also inquire as to the recommended service millage for the timing belt, since a lot of newer cars have interference engines, ( that is when the timing belt brakes the valves get bent and the head ruined.) Changing the timing belt at recommended intervals can save very costly major repairs. Good luck to you, and feel free to post back with questions or comments.

Mr_Shiftright

If you're going to all that trouble, you might as well replace the rotors up front as well, or at least check them carefully for both irregular wear surfaces AND thickness. The minimum acceptable thickness of the rotor is stamped right on it.

texases

I agree, I'd change the rotors too. Honda rotors are known for warping as they age, I wouldn't get them turned. And don't get the cheapest replacement, something in the middle. If you have a friend who knows about brakes, see if they'd come over and take a look at yours, just to confirm the '2mm' diagnosis.

As for the rear shock, many weep a little, does that side react differently than the other rear shock to the 'bounce test'? If it does, replace them both, it's not good to replace just one.

If these diagnoses were from a 'quicky lube' kind of shop, I'd be very wary...