Hi everyone.

This is my first thread, and I'm really glad to be here. I'd really appreciate your advice to help me find some front rotors and calipers for my 2005 Civic EX Special Edition.

I have been having some pretty severe shuddering from bad front rotors/calipers, and the wheel shakes back and forth (even when not braking) once the rotors/calipers begin to heat up. My mechanic (not a Honda dealership) quoted me a price of $628 total for two front rotors, 2 front calipers, pads, and (for some odd reason, brake hoses). The Honda dealership informs me that it is RARELY necessary to replace the hoses. The dealership quoted me a price of $81 per rotor, and $111 per caliper.

My buddy has been nice enough to tell me he will install the rotors/pads for me. I do not want to blow too much $ on this job, as I paid only $6,000 cash for the car (102,000 miles).

So my question is, do any of you have advice where to buy cheaper or better rotors/calipers? I found this kit on amazon.com, but it looks like reading other forums about them, they are some chinese made crap, and not necessarily reliable at all (http://www.amazon.com/gp/cart/view.html/ref=gno_cart). Also, even the name (Callahan Auto - i.e, from Tommy Boy) is really shady. I want this to be safe, but I am totally out of my depth here. Please help!!!

Thanks so much!

 

To be honest, you can just pick up your calipers and rotors from your local car parts store. Buying OEM or aftermarket won't make a difference.

As for rotors, I tend to just buy whatever is cheapest, or I'll pay a little more if it's got a lifetime warranty, so I can swap out the rotors for new ones when they get worn down.
I don't think you'll need to replace your brake hoses. I believe your car shaking is from old/seized caliper slide pins. When your friend helps replace your brake parts, have him check the caliper slide pins. They should be inspected and re-lubed anyways at every brake job. Make sure they slide in and out with ease, if not, then you may have to replace the caliper bracket and buy new pins.

Assuming you don't need new calipers, the job shouldn't cost you more than $150. Make sure you change your brake fluid while you're at it.

 

Thanks so much for your reply, dailydriver. I really, REALLY appreciate it. I was searching several of the older threads, but could not find much to help me.

My mechanic informs me that I do need new calipers. If I buy new calipers, are the caliper side pins a separate part to also purchase? If so, I would be happy to buy these as well, as I would really like to have this problem fixed, once and for all.

So I am assuming from your post that it is throwing money away to purchase from the Honda dealership $81 per rotor and $111 per caliper? I assume that an autozone or advance auto parts would be cheaper? And it is good to know that I do not have to buy OEM.

Thanks again!

 

Yeah, you'll see no difference using OEM parts over ones you at your local auto parts store.
just to give you piece of mind, a lot of guys that do road racing with their cars typically buy the cheapest rotors they can find. and, if they're using these rotors for racing, which sees conditions much harsher than daily driving, then you're golden.

the slide pins do not come with a new caliper purchase. you'd have to ask for a caliper hardware kit, and it will have all of the pins, clips, etc that you'll need. each caliper hardware kit covers ONE caliper, so you may need 2...

 

Why do you need front calipers are they leaking fluid?

I just did the front rotors and brakes easy job, just make sure as "da1lydr1ver" stated change your brake fluid if you do not know the history of the car and clean an lubricate the sliders (I use Sil-Glide)

Brembo Rotors and StopTech Brakes $195.00 from TireRack.

OR order from Majestic Honda.