While changing brakes is a common automotive repair, there is no clear cut way to say that it will take "X" amount of time. Labor guides are often used to prepare an estimate for vehicles by reputable repair facilities. People fail to realize that calling for quotes over the phone for brake repairs is not a very accurate way to determine the time and price that will be involved in the job. If someone wants to buy the parts and tackle the job on his own, the lack of the proper tools can become an issue, and other variables can impose setbacks and major challenges to the time involved in replacing the brakes. Another person's perception of replacing brakes may not be an acceptable service to another. Taking wheels off, removing calipers, and removing and replacing pads is a typical backyard mechanic's perspective on a brake repair. It may take the backyard mechanic 45 minutes, when the repair facility quoted them two to three hours. When repair facilities quote repairs, there are more variables involved in what is commonly referred to as a "pad-slap." Caliper slides are extracted, cleaned, re-lubricated and then replaced. Rotors are also often machined or replaced when replacing pads, and that's something a backyard mechanic most often disregards. The repair facility most often removes hardware clips that hold the pads in the caliper anchor. A tool is used to grind off the excessive rust and corrosion. Lubricant is applied, the hardware cleaned and then replaced, and then another application of lubricant is put on top of the hardware. The backyard mechanic might squirt a little silicone lubricant that comes in the box with the pads he bought on the surface of the corroded and rusty hardware, or he may disregard it altogether. Although the backyard mechanic may have beaten the time estimate of the repair facility, chances are that he did not perform all the recommended services to the brakes to ensure quality and safety. more »