Yahoo Message Number: 156457 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/lifewithalazydazerv/conversations/messages/156457)
This week I took my '02 30' in for all around brake service - new pads on all wheels. In 13 years and 74,000 miles, I've had no brake issues so this was to be preemptive service. Last April, since I needed an oil change, I had O'Meara Ford here in the Denver area do the 75,000-mile service. O'Meara has done all the designated mileages service on my LD. The service report said front brakes were at 7mm and rear brakes were at 5mm. Just before I took the LD to Double D Auto Repair in Castle Rock, CO (recommended by LD owner John Leach who is an excellent shade tree mechanic), I noticed a metal on metal grinding noise. I wound up needing new rear rotors and resurfaced rotors on the front as well as pads all around. I have driven the LD several thousand miles since that April check up but was quite surprised to find the brakes in such sad shape. I suspect that the wheels have never been removed for brake inspections and I suspect the brakes were in worse shape than O'Meara reported. The moral of this story is now I will make sure that whoever inspects my brakes takes the wheels off for a thorough inspection. If I'd replaced the pads earlier, I probably could have avoided the cost of new and resurfaced rotors. Total bill was $1500.
Chris
Yahoo Message Number: 156461 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/lifewithalazydazerv/conversations/messages/156461)
Sadly this same thing happened to me with my car. I agree with the moral of the story. You must remove the wheels to get a good brake inspection.
Glen
Yahoo Message Number: 156462 (http://groups.yahoo.com/neo/groups/lifewithalazydazerv/conversations/messages/156462)
When having brake inspections done make sure they pull the wheels and inspect both sides of the rotors. When I had mine done 2 of the 4 rotors had heat cracks in them. On the advice of an experienced LD advisor I had all 4 rotors replaced. This is a safety issue and the last thing you want to cut corners on. Especially if you tow. Ceramic pads are something to consider as well.
bobmoore14