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RichD2001
Dodge Dakota
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12/28/2004
18:18:36
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 Subject: Have you used "Just Brakes"?
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I have 51,000 miles on my 2001 Dakota and have approx 2/32" left on the front pads. The rotors look fine - no grooves, don't feel warped, etc. A local Just Brakes shop quoted me $99 for a four wheel friction reline, pads and turn the rotors. But a friend has had some bad dealings with Just Brakes - not my local shop, however. What has been the general experience with JB? Thanks -
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DSW
Dodge Dakota
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12/28/2004
18:37:07
|  RE: Have you used
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If they only need to turn the discs/drums and replace the pads and shoes $99 would be a great deal, but these places don't stay in business doing $99 brake jobs. I wouldn't be surprised if they say you need new rotors, calipers, brake hardware or the pads and shoes are more expensive than thier normal $99 special.
I would ask for a quote on how much it costs to have the rotors replaced and what it normally runs to have a brake job done on a Dak with 51K. If they can't get you in the ball park be skeptical, as the bill can add up quickly once they have everything ripped apart. I haven't had personal experience with Just Brakes, but have heard horror stories about similar shops. How about a $1000 Meinike brake job on my buddies grandmothers car, rotors, calipers, drums, wheel cylinders, hardware,,, and can't forget the pads and shoes! OUCH
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Bob Lincoln
Dodge Dakota
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12/28/2004
20:18:36
| RE: Have you used
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Do an internet search and you WILL hear horror stories about Just Brakes - bait and switch, inflated repairs, faulty workmanship... better to do it yourself.
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DoItYourself
Dodge Dakota
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12/28/2004
20:35:19
| RE: Have you used
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If everything's fine, all you should need are new brake pads. Turning rotors requires taking off more than your wheels, which invites gremlins, and subjects your vehicle undersides and innards to the whims of shady mechanics and other nasties. Been doing my own disk and drum brakes for over 30 years and never heard of this "friction reline" thing. WTF?
This is an opportunity to excel. Change out your own brake pads. If you're a bit shy about doing it yourself, ask a friend or neighbor you trust who has done it. Have them walk you through it, talk you through it, and then have them check your work. Learn it.
Disk brake pad change-out is the same for just about every vehicle, usual differences are mechanical (how it's all put together, and tools required).
Make sure you torque the wheel nuts properly when you're done.
Once you know how, you'll never have to pay someone to do that ever again, and you'll know it was done right.
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ewraven
Dodge Dakota
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12/28/2004
20:59:30
| RE: Have you used
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LOL Bob Lincoln is right; a quick search brought this up...
http://news.tbo.com/news/MGB18M8TJVD.html
When I had my Nissan Frontier; I got a Hellwig sway bar for the rear of it. I failed at trying to install it myself; no torque wrench or air tools. I took it to this chain store place that is here called Brake Check. One of the guys quoted me around 50 dollars to install it for me.
When I went in to have this done; there was a different guy and he wanted to charge me 175 dollars!!!
I went to a nearby mechanic who did it for 50 dollars.
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Kaderdak
GenIII
12/28/2004
23:50:33
| RE: Have you used
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I'd have to agree with the above posts. I've never done a break job in my life. With the help of a chilton's manual it's really no problem though. I did it last summer, replaced the brake pads and had the disks taken in to get turned. Cost of new pads, $40, cost of turning disks, $25. Lots of fun, not difficult whatsoever, and a good way to spend a saturday.
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denfan
Dodge Dakota
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12/29/2004
02:32:54
| RE: Have you used
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A couple of years ago in colorado there was a big flap because just brakes was quoting that special then telling people that there werent the cheap parts for their vehicle or that after only a short time the brakes would be shot or make noise unless they upgraded to the better more expensive parts. My wife took our 96 nissan quest their without telling me and wound up paying $240 for that $99 special!
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for DIY
Dodge Dakota
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12/29/2004
07:13:33
| RE: Have you used
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"friction reline" thing"
means quite simply that they replace the brake linings ONLY for that price. everything else will cost you. for some one that has been "doing my own disk and drum brakes for over 30 years" you seem to be very unknowledgeable in the terms used to do the work you claim to do.
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Dan M
Dodge Dakota
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12/29/2004
08:21:58
| RE: Have you used
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I took my dakota into just brakes for a quote. I thought it was kind of high so I took it to a dealer and was given a better quote. Their little special didn't cover all of the work I needed.
My wife used a chain in Charlotte NC and had no problems (though it was not a just brakes). I know alot of people in charlotte that used that same chain with no issues. I can't remember what it was called though.
- Dan M
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99dakota
Dodge Dakota
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12/29/2004
08:26:12
| RE: Have you used
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I just did my front brakes if its just pads they are $40 and if you need rotors I bought them for $30 each from advance auto and say you do need calipers they are $60 each. the only tools you need are a a jack, lug wrench, C-clamp, a 5mm or 6mm allen key for the caliper bolts it may be torqs allso. the rotors just slide off after you remove the caliper. Its realy not that hard so if you have any mechanical ablity give it a try.
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RichD2001
Dodge Dakota
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12/29/2004
10:13:55
| RE: Have you used
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OK - I think I might try to do the job myself, but are there specific pads you would recommend or are some "generic" Checker or AutoZone good to use? I hear about semi-metallic, ceramics, etc. How do I know if the rotors need to be turned or replaced? Would you do all 4 brakes or just the fronts? What else am I missing? Do you think I'm a novice at this? Thanks for all the input on Just Brakes
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DoItYourself
Dodge Dakota
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12/29/2004
10:21:36
| RE: Have you used
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Brake work is not my profession, I only stated that I've been doing my own.
After visiting Just Brakes web site, I saw their definition of brake reline.
Then I went here:
http://badbusinessbureau.com/results.asp?submit22=Search+All+The+Latest+Rip-Off+Reports+Now%21&q1=ALL&q2=&q3=&q4=&q5=brakes+breaks&q6=&q7=
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RichD2001
Dodge Dakota
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12/29/2004
10:56:35
| RE: Have you used
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Thanks for the URL for the Badbusinessbureau - WOW - amazing to see how many had problems with Just Brakes. Interestingly enough, in Oct '03 I bought a 1986 Corvette from a guy who lived fairly close to me. He provided all the paperwork on the car, which he bought 7 months earlier (then lost his job in Sept '03). Included were receipts from the same Just Brakes shop for $2,900 dated 9/5/03 - all around pads, rotors, calipers/pistons, hardware, rear bearings/hubs, 4 shocks, etc, etc. Now I'm wondering how much of that work was really needed. Since it was a 17 year old car with 99,200 miles at the time, he may have needed things, but these postings certainly make me suspect of their operation. Thanks to all for posting!
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RichD2001
Dodge Dakota
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12/30/2004
09:32:24
| RE: Have you used
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Any other input on types of brake pads to use, when to turn or replace rotors, etc? Thanks -
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Ewraven
Dodge Dakota
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12/30/2004
21:53:13
| RE: Have you used
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I'd stay far far away from the auto parts store brand cheap brake pads.
I had a set of Napa pads on my truck and they heat soaked on me one day; I was stuck going 70mph down an off ramp with virtually no brakes. The worst part of that was, there was a goofy old lady in a Buick stopped completely at the end of the off ramp and I was heading straight for her.
I'd recommend you get the Mopar or Dodge pads from the dealer if you haven't had any problems with the ones on your truck.
Otherwise; I haven't ordered from them in a while, but I have noticed that www.tirerack.com has a nice selection of upgraded brake parts for our trucks.
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