Ford Explorer 2008 Eddie Bauer edition (51,300 miles) my ford dealer is saying i need to replace front and rear brakes replace rotors. Please saying 'red brakes measure below 3mm. Total cost $637.

I would think if this is the first time they've been replaced, then they're probably due. I have replaced the rear disks and rotors twice (the last time they were replaced was due to a bad caliper), and I've only put 48,000 on it since I've had it.

Wow! You guys get good use out of your brakes! Typical Ford brakes wear out 2 to 1. Two sets of Front pads to 1 set of rear pads starting around 30,000 miles. As for our Crown Vic Police interceptors? All brakes 4 times a year. New rotors every-other time. Shop around for a good brake deal but no, you're right on time with your brake wear.

Go all new, DIY and save about 300.

Question while we're on the subject of brakes, a couple of questions, actually - is it cheaper to replace the rotors than it is to machine them? And, if you have disk brakes, shouldn't you hand torque the lug nuts to keep the rotors from warping?

There are two retired brothers not far from my house who have had a parts store before Autozone was even thought of. He turns shoes and rotors for ten bucks each because he had the old equipment few probably have. I still purchase new basically the the difference in price (when on sale) is about thirty bucks each. Where they come in valuable is they still remove and press in ball joints for five bucks each, plus the price of the ball joint.

As long at the nuts are at least as tight as spec, hand tightening should not be necessary. If you have heated up a rotor enough to warp it, it's shot. Passenger car/truck brakes are not built like rotors on indy cars. Surely not for 29.95 at your local parts store.

So I shouldn't be getting all over my mechanic for not hand torqueing?? LOL ... I thought this was the only way to insure the nuts were all the same psi. I think I owe him an apology!

I would like to say that hand torquing the lug nuts is not only good practice, but good presence. #1, you can't miss a nut. #2, it shows the customer that you're a pro and care about their car and their safety.

Thanks, Tracy. These guys are super and the only garage I trust, and it's been a long time since I've had to worry about maintenance on my own (I was married to a mechanic), but knowing that I had 4-wheel disc brakes I always thought they were skipping out on that last step.

You're very welcome. Next time ask them to torque them. They most likely will with no fuss.