98 Grand Prix (4 door)

There is a strong grinding sound coming from my right rear.

When the light turns green and I start going again, the grinding is still there, and vanishes up at around 20 mph+

There has been no change in stopping abilitiy or moving ability, it just sounds awful. Obviously, the brake pad is gone.

What $ am I looking at for new pads and rotors (rears only), and a possible caliper/piston rebuild on one side?

(my car know-how = about a 3/10)

[Edited on March 8, 2008 at 5:51 PM. Reason : ]

3/8/2008 5:50:28 PM

If you take it somewhere, a good ballpark is $250.

If you do it yourself, then up to $100. Disc brakes are relatively easy to change, as they require only 4 bolts in most cases, and a tool to turn in the rear caliper.

I'll do the brake job for $50 + parts if you want someone with experience to do it, and teach you along the way.

3/8/2008 6:06:45 PM

I've changed pads and rotors before, but that was when I was still in high school (had my dad's equipment and jack stands).

And I'm not positive as to the exact cause of the sticking.

Plus I live in Maryland. Thx tho.

3/8/2008 6:32:46 PM

remaned calipers are cheap. If you do it yourself, you could probably change pads/rotors/calipers for the cost of taking it to a shop.
All you really need is a cheap mini floor jack, and a set of wrenches for that install. Plus a friend to help you bleed the brakes.

3/8/2008 7:06:28 PM

I guess the only question left is how long can I last? I mean, if I can't get it fixed until about 2 weeks from now, all that will happen is the rotor will get eaten up, right? (which would be fine)

3/8/2008 7:46:11 PM

The rotor will get eaten up, and if the caliper was good, it will be bad.
It could just have dirty slides, and need to be lubed. You don't want the caliper all the way extended, so it may be too late. It all depends on how bad the pads are. I would pull a wheel off and check them, before buying parts.

3/8/2008 7:51:38 PM

you will never last two weeks

3/8/2008 8:03:16 PM

hmmm. I remember my brother's 95 Cutlass had a very similar problem (minus the sticking), except both his rear pads were gone and grinding, and he went on for six months.

3/8/2008 8:16:47 PM

not possible for metal on metal to last six months of driving unless you only drive .2 miles a week

3/8/2008 8:35:00 PM

yo come get me

3/8/2008 8:47:18 PM