where should I get front brake pad service in Los Angeles?

Dealer wants 329…

I know it’s easy diy.. tempted but I don’t really wrench ….

 

Midas, PepBoys, Firestone………many more small shops

 

I have used name brand stores and have mixed results. I try to establish a relationship with a local auto repair store, I am now working on finding a new mechanic since Ken retired(honest, reliable, reasonable) those qualities I look for. Recent experience at Virginia Tire in Leesburg. Not so good. 3 bad experiences there. Tpms reset after tire purchase, oil change recall since tech didn’t torque plug with new washer, tried to sell cabin filter, said cover missing(it had just fallen off and was right there). where do they get these guys

 

If you are not going to do it yourself I would recommend your local Toyota dealer since they will use all OEM brake parts.

 

where are you in LA?

 

https://www.tacomaworld.com/forums/regions.36/

 

youtube it and give it a go. Its easy and your balls will swell to immense proportions with pride in accomplishment.

 

Go online to several dealers within a reasonable distance from where you are in L.A., check for service specials. I always search my local Toyota Dealer for brake and whatever specials when I need service.
Not uncommon for find front brake pad replacement for around $200. (Poway Toyota) in San Diego

 

I've been to a couple of the shops you mention here in your response, over the years and when I was much more uninformed....I got screwed a couple of times
with suggested repairs that were not needed. Live and Learn!

 

I don't know anything about the left coast dealers, but Toyota dealers here in the southeast routinely run a $200 per axle brake jobs.

 

where are you in LA?

 

These guys do good honest brake work

https://carrollsbrakeservice.com/

 

@Superdave1.0 might be out your way.
If he is, I bet he can help you out.

$329 for parts and labor is not too bad by the way.
At least not at a dealership.

 

I still say take it to the dealer so you get OEM brake parts. If you want to have an independent shop do it request them to use genuine Toyota brake parts. With my experience OEM parts always fit best and your truck will stop the same as it did when it was new.

 

NAPA sells Akebono brake pads, one of the main manufacturers that also make OEM brake pads for Tacomas.

 

I just went to the website for my usual local Toyota Dealer to look for Service Coupons. Looks like Toyota has taken away of the individual dealers to post service coupons for their
individual dealerships???!!! What kind of BS is that! Why fix it if it's not broken! Some Corporate Geek with too much time on their hands has managed to screw up a simple process!!!!????

 

My comments and suggestions:
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* You stated $329 for a front brake job, but you did not state whether that included rotors. I tend to doubt it. Ceramic front pads should be about $80. That would leave about $249 for labor. That's about 1.5 hrs of labor or about 45 minutes per front wheel, which makes sense. This simple, but realistic math leaves no room for new rotors. This is a red flag to me.

* Given that your Taco came with ceramic brake pads and is still presumably driving on the original pads + rotors, it is a reasonable assumption you should be planning to replace your front rotors also. Ceramic pads MURDER brake rotors because they are so hard. Also, new pads mixed with old rotors = 100% predictable vibrations, steering wheel shimmy, and decreased braking performance. You are MUCH better off replacing the pads and rotors at the same time.

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I would plan to budget an extra $150 or so for a pair of front rotors.

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Last but not least, I disagree with others here.

Brake parts (pads, rotors) do not necessarily need to be Toyota OEM spec. That is just absurd. Brake are a wearable component and there are many, many reasonable alternatives. Wagner, Bendix, Bosch, ACDelco, PowerStop, Raybestos, Dynamic Friction and more all make good brake parts that are perfectly fine for your truck.

You also do not need your brakes to be replaced at a dealer. Come on. There is no need to pay a dealer premium for this service. Any independent shop (PepBoys, Firestone, NTB, etc) will have changed brakes on hundreds of Tacomas by now. This is not rocket science.

DO THE RIGHT THING

 

He's in LA. $329 is likely 1 hour labor and some pads. I'll bet the pads are around $100 and the hourly rate is $220 or so

We're at $199 per hour up here

Pads and rotors on that truck at a dealer would be $600-700 easily

 

Is $329 just to slap pads? Or does that include new rotors or turning rotors?

Definitely recommend new or turned rotors. Don't just pad slap.

 

^I'm glad there are others offering the same advice with respect to rotors^

I forgot to mention this, but I would also HIGHLY HIGHLY recommend you have your brake fluid system completely flushed and re-filled with brand new brake fluid and properly bled of all air bubbles.

Budget an extra hour plus fluid.

If you follow this advice, you will have restored your braking system to the equivalent of BRAND NEW and your pedal feel will be like a BRICK like it should be.

DO THE RIGHT THINGS