Replacing brakes...

[ExplorerXLT95]

I'll be replacing pads and rotors on all 4 corners on my 00' XLT this weekend for the first time myself.

My only real concern with doing the brakes myself is exposure to brake dust. What personal safety precautions do you take when you perform your brake replacements? Am I being overly concerned?

Thoughts??

 

[wood1]

You could wear a dust mask if you are worried.

 

[Willard]

There really isn't much to worry about, none of the brake pads now have asbestos in them, which was the worry before. Still, brake dust isn't good for you, but it's not like it's gonna cloud up from removing the pads.

 

[ExplorerXLT95]

You could wear a dust mask if you are worried.

Think it's overkill? Rubber-gloves are a definite though.

There really isn't much to worry about, none of the brake pads now have asbestos in them, which was the worry before. Still, brake dust isn't good for you, but it's not like it's gonna cloud up from removing the pads.

Really? I thought they still did. Regardless, I just want to be cautious.

 

[Willard]

Really? I thought they still did. Regardless, I just want to be cautious.

Nope. As far as I know they can't put asbestos in anything anymore. But it's definitely not in brake pads, hasn't been for quite awhile.

 

[wood1]

I never wear a mask doing brakes, I do spray it down with brake cleaner if it's really dusty though. I can't imagine the dust being good for you but it doesn't have asbestos in it. If you haven't done brakes before it's worth the money to get a manual for the truck. The are worth their weight in gold, not only for the beginner...

 

[ExplorerXLT95]

A little late in reporting this, but install went perfectly.

Went to PepBoys and got front and rear rotors (ProStop) and semi-metallic pads (can't remember brand) for $264.

Install went very smoothly, we took our time to double-check everything, and we were done in about 2.5 hours. It was DEFINITELY time for a rotor/brake pad replacement. She stops very well now.

I figure I probably saved myself $200-$300. Woohoo!!

 

[Blacksheep Josh]

Glad to hear it went okay.

I always recommend buying a box of latex gloves and keep em in the garage. I use them for everything now. Brakes, Oil, spark plugs.

 

[wood1]

Cool, glad to hear everything went well.

 

[UtahX]

Good to hear everything went well. I will be putting in some PowerSlots and Hawk Pads in about 10,000 more miles.