My cheepy brake job

37chief · Feb 2, 2017

My $80.00 brake job. I bought these hub, and rotors, made in China, what isn't,and a set of pads from Canada on a close out sale from Rock auto. The price included shipping. This is for my 97 Dodge Ram. They can't be any worse than my hubs now. When they get a least bit warm, its front tire wobble time. Now I need to change them before I get real busy. Stan

jeffcat · Feb 2, 2017

And I 5hought my Ford Expedition rotors were big. Actualy since they have been useing good American scrap steel, They have held up pretty good.

JD Seller · Feb 3, 2017

I am almost afraid to use some of the brake parts you can buy anymore as they are so cheap. The rear brakes on my one ton Dodge used to cost $60, 20 years ago. Now you can buy them for under $30 a set. The first set of "cheap" one I put on I expected to wear out or come off soon. They lasted pretty good.

You scored a deal on those rotors. They will be fine compared to worn out ones.

RayP(MI) · Feb 3, 2017

My NAPA dealer tells me his customers have been having good luck with China made rotors.

MARK ROBKE · Feb 3, 2017

37 chief-I would return them,and get rotors not made in china.I bought some a few years ago,made in china,(I did not notice where they were made)and the first moderate stop I made warped them!I took them back off and exchanged them for a NOT made in china pair.The parts guy said he thought I wanted cheap parts-I said I want good parts.When it comes to brakes I always buy their highest grade/priced parts=there is a huge difference!Mark

Hobo,NC · Feb 3, 2017

Check lug nut fit your old nuts may be worn out BTDT they should thread on free. I always turn them are at least check'em that's hard work to have to re-do.

Were are the new/rebuilt calipers and front brake hoses even new I have seen my fair share of sticking calipers right out of the box.

Break the new pads and rotors in 7 to 10 stops from 35MPH then drive for one mile stop and check the temp of each rotor with a IR temp gun. Temp should be close if not satisfied drive 3 to five miles and try and stop with out using the brakes re-check rotor temp. If a caliper are hose is a issue now is the time it will show up and can be caught before it trashes your new parts.

If all this is to much trouble you can at the least hold your hand near the rotor and tell if one is hotter than the other. There is always a indicator you just have to be conscious enoufh to be aware of it.

Married2Allis · Feb 3, 2017

I've had good results with these 'new' rotors from china on my Dodge truck and a couple of cars. Can't beat the price since these days the cost of brake work at a dealer or shop is crazy high.

37chief · Feb 3, 2017

I don't have a IR gun, but will use my hand. Thanks Stan

ericlb · Feb 3, 2017

i got one for you chief, i got a 1971 ford f 350, drums on all 4 corners, its got good brakes as far as peddle , but it wont really stop, this thing is a bucket truck and with all my gear in it it tips the scale at about 11,ooo lbs is there any way to convert this to front disc brakes?

Hobo,NC · Feb 3, 2017

(quoted from post at 00:22:24 02/04/17) i got one for you chief, i got a 1971 ford f 350, drums on all 4 corners, its got good brakes as far as peddle , but it wont really stop, this thing is a bucket truck and with all my gear in it it tips the scale at about 11,ooo lbs is there any way to convert this to front disc brakes?

Not a Chief, I would think any mid to late 70's set up from a doner truck would bolt on. I have a 77 F350 conventional tow truck with front disc. Un-loaded 8500 lbs and loaded 12K are more it stops well other than the load takes the weight off the front wheels and will slide them EZ so I take caution. Unloaded no problem it woo's down good.

I use it some to pull a car trailer it stops good with no trailer brakes. I plan to take care of the no trailer brake issue. It has a old hydraulic over electric trailer brake controller on it I have never used that type does anyone know if they worked OK are would you change it over to the newer total electric system.

I have got use the the newer system I like being able to adjust it for the load.

ptfarmer · Feb 3, 2017

On my 68 F100 I swapped the front drums to disks by getting all the parts from a 1976 F150 "donor truck". The only hard part was knocking the old king pins out. I also put the power brake booster on (bolted right in), and the brake pedal (which has a different ratio for power brakes).

504 · Feb 3, 2017

1972 Had disc brakes(my XLT did),if you can find the parts, it should be a bolt on.

Eldon (WA) · Feb 3, 2017

(quoted from post at 05:08:09 02/03/17) My NAPA dealer tells me his customers have been having good luck with China made rotors.

I replaced the fronts on our Grand Am with cheap Chinese rotors and they were much better than factory....

Hobo,NC · Feb 3, 2017

(quoted from post at 08:27:37 02/04/17)

(quoted from post at 05:08:09 02/03/17) My NAPA dealer tells me his customers have been having good luck with China made rotors.

Click to expand...

I replaced the fronts on our Grand Am with cheap Chinese rotors and they were much better than factory....

You need to inspect those china rotors I have seen cracks, chips, pits and places were they looked like they were spot welded and its been sanded off,,, Thickness variations and so on It seams to run in pairs if one is defective its partner will be also. You are the quality control inspector. They are good at hiding problems most DIY guys will not catch it :wink:

My cheepy brake job

37chief

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jeffcat

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JD Seller

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RayP(MI)

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MARK ROBKE

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Hobo,NC

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Married2Allis

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37chief

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ericlb

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Hobo,NC

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ptfarmer

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504

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Eldon (WA)

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Hobo,NC

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