I did a search but didn't really feel like looking too hard. I need new brakes (I think just pads, but really, what do I know?). Will the dealer over-charge me for replacements or is going with them the best solution? Should I buy elsewhere and take it to the dealer? Or somewhere else?

I am not looking for performance breaks or cross drill slottedd cyro treated monstrosities (sp?). I just need something that will make my car stop without all this damn squeaking. Thanks

can't you go to Auto Zone,buy some good pads and have a friend put them on?

can't you go to Auto Zone,buy some good pads and have a friend put them on?

probably...or I could put them on. Do I need special tools besides a jack and a socket wrench? I have never done it before. And brakes aren't exactly the type of thing I should be experimenting with. If it's easy and could (should) be done by me, I am all about that as long as someone tells me how

probably...or I could put them on. Do I need special tools besides a jack and a socket wrench? I have never done it before. And brakes aren't exactly the type of thing I should be experimenting with. If it's easy and could (should) be done by me, I am all about that as long as someone tells me how
No special tools required. Removed my calipers and pads once to paint the calipers, believe it's a 15mm bolt that holds the calipers to the spindle mount. Pads are retained by a metal clip and are easily removed.

I purchased Hawk Ceramic pads at The Cadillac Owners and Enthusiasts Homepage (http://www.thetirerack.com)
Their price is competitive and the brake dust is nil.

thanks for all the help guys. One thing though, how do I know what all needs to be replaced? I am thinking just the pads themselves because the rotors look to still have some beef to them, but again I am definately a rookie about all of this.

FYI the car has 43K miles...

*bump*

any more info about how to check if the rotors (or other parts) are still good? What kinf of pads should I get? Can I just tell them the year, make , and model and they should be able to find the correct type? Anybody have instructions for this swap?

I've been looking at Raybestos QS series because mine make too much dust on my clean wheels.

Disc brakes are simple to work on. As long as you don't damage the rotors by waiting too long to replace the pads you can go along way before rotors need re-surfacing or replacement.

*bump*

any more info about how to check if the rotors (or other parts) are still good? What kinf of pads should I get? Can I just tell them the year, make , and model and they should be able to find the correct type? Anybody have instructions for this swap?

Pottsy,
Two ways to evaluate your rotors. The first is the easiest. Inspect the rotor surface grooves or cracks. The second is to use calipers to measure the rotor thickness. I don't now the thickness measurement. I bet Ewill3rd would know. After a certain point the rotors can no longer be turned down and must be replaced. OEM rotors are about $80 ea. If your rotor surfaces look good you can probably get by with some ceramic pads. The ceramics last longer, greatly reduce brake dust and improve braking. I mentioned before that Hawk Performance Ceramic Pads (http://www.tirerack.com/brakes/brakes.jsp?make=Hawk&model=Performance+Ceramic+Pads) sells Hawk ceramic pads. Here's some info on the Hawk ceramic pads. I've had them on my car for over a year with no sign of wear on the pads or the rotors.

Hawk Performance introduces a unique ceramic composite formulation specifically developed to meet the ultra-low dust and low noise attributes of Original Equipment ceramic brake pads while maintaining the high friction levels professional brake tuners have grown to expect from Hawk Performance. Hawk Performance Ceramic Brake Pads do not compromise performance and offer a solution to many consumers' number one complaint: DUST! Performance Ceramic Brake Pads also feature a fade resistant, linear friction profile that allows your ABS brake system to work more effectively.
Hawk Performance Ceramic Brake Pads — Quiet, Clean, Safe and Fast Stopping.
Key Features & Benefits of Hawk Performance Ceramic Brake Pads

Ultra-low dust
Improved braking over OE
Stable friction output
Extremely quiet
Extended pad life
Increased rotor lifeBrake pads are wear items and as such, should be inspected regularly and replaced as necessary. Pads should be replaced when approximately 1/8th inch of friction material remains on the steel backing plate.