Discs low - Do I need to change if the pads are ok?

[peemac2]

Hi all.

I have had a search but can't see an answer to this query. Hope you can help.

I have just had my car serviced, W204 estate. All good but front tyres needed changing (which I knew in advance).

Went to kwik fit for tyres and they tell me my discs are low, measuring less than 25mm. Advised that I, therefore would need to change discs and pads.

The service noted that the front discs were 60% worn.

I have spoken with the MB service dept to ask why this wasn't picked up. They inform me that, even if the discs are worn less than the "minimum" they wouldn't advise changing until the pads needed changing.

Does this sound right?? I can't imagine the main dealer doing themselves out of money but I am concerned that they basically didn't do the check that they claim to have.

Cheers.

P.

 

[amiller81]

Kwik fit have add-ons and sales targets to hit. I'd wait until the pads are low enough and change both at the same time like MB say

 

[ioweddie]

Ignore Kwik fit. The dealer is correct

 

[tec]

Usually the discs only need changing when the pads are worn out,
and if the discs were too worn it would show up on the MOT.

I would not trust Kwik-Fit's opinion on what needs replacing.

 

[Giantvanman]

The service noted that the front discs were 60% worn.

I have spoken with the MB service dept to ask why this wasn't picked up. They inform me that, even if the discs are worn less than the "minimum" they wouldn't advise changing until the pads needed changing.

It was picked up and they are are within wear range. Had your pads needed changing, they would have done pads AND discs but no point in putting new discs on with current pads and what customer will be happy with having to pay for another set of pads when the current ones are fine?
KwikFit/Halfrauds et al are infamous for trying to drum up trade…check out Google. Leave as is and budget for new discs and pads in your future.

 

[lim]

...they tell me my discs are low, measuring less than 25mm. Advised that I, therefore would need to change discs and pads.

The front discs on a 204 start at 25mm; the lower limit for the thickness is 22.6mm. I tend to measure mine when I switch to winter tyres; after 30,000 miles, mine are down to 24mm - so they are only 40% worn.
When and if discs are changed, new pads should be fitted as a matter of course at the same time.

Regards, lim

 

[MancMike]

If you change your discs now, you'd have to change the pads too. As discs last several sets of pads, just do as the dealer suggested and wait until these pads are worn, then it's an excellent time to replace the lot.

Although check for cracks, etc, but I'm sure they will have done when trying to write off bits of your car to sell you new stuff.

 

[Gareth Kent]

I will never let kwikfit or halfords near my cars for anything not even tyres and certainly would not trust them with brakes. Last experiences with them... My 08 c-class, mullered the diamond cut amg wheel by not using the plastic protector, ruined the wheel alignment in my Volvo S80 when doing the tracking which then had to go to a dealer to repair properly costing £100, changed tyres on my ML but messed the balancing up so the car was undriveable at 50+ mph. Three different branches and three different cars. Consistent service. Avoid.

 

[flowrider]

A while ago Kwikfit told me my front discs only had 1000 miles left in them and should be replaced, at the next MB service i mentioned this asking for the discs to be checked and was told they were well within tolerances.

 

[wongl]

Your MB dealership will be only too keen to sell you new discs if it is approaching its limit before the next service is due. Even if you only had an A-Service, they would have checked your brake pads and discs for an up selling opportunity. If they haven't tried to sell you new discs then your discs are most probably well within serviceable limits until the next service.

Just curious why you would take the word of a Quick Fitter over the words of your MB dealer?

 

[Ttstang]

Keep away from Halfrauds and Quick****!

 

[streethawk]

Funny really as mine went for it's sevice at mb and they really tried to pull my pants down. "oh sir you're front and rear discs and pads are 70% worn" not. Told them to leave them. Anyway got the service report which said as such and they even had the size they measured them at which was fronts 30.5mm where bottom limit is 30mm and they start new at 32mm! Were actually 31.28mm one side and 31.40mm other! Can't remember rears but were more worn but not 70%. I believe they lied to me. Plus had brake fluid done which can be done without removing wheels which is exactly what they did as when I tried rears where seized on doh fail on Mb's part.

 

[kjl]

I had a similar experience to streethawk when my car went into MB main dealer in Northampton for a service and MOT. They rang up to say they recommended changing the discs and pads front and rear as they were worn and would need changing before the next service. I thought this was strange as the car had done less than 40,000 miles and on every car I have owned the fronts have always needed replacing before the rears. I also said the warning wear light wasn't on and asked if they would fail the MOT and they said no. I wonder if it was a coincidence that they were introducing a new offer were if you took the car to them for the next MOT any wear items that needed replacing would be replaced for free up to £500 provided they hadn't been noted on the previous MOT. The car had two more services and MOT's with other garages without failing or needing anything replacing and I have recently sold the car and the same discs and pads are still going strong.

 

[ronnieboy]

Keep away from Halfrauds and Quick****!

I would heed this advice too!!

 

[OneForTheRoad]

always change pads and discs together as they bed in together , I changed mine just at the weekend , pagid discs and pads £ 98 from euro car parts . well recommended .

 

[renault12ts]

It's a funny old thread this...usually it's the dealer telling you your discs are worn...well before they are.

So...avoid dealers too, and Halfords, and KF, and the rest.

 

[streethawk]

It's a funny old thread this...usually it's the dealer telling you your discs are worn...well before they are.

So...avoid dealers too, and Halfords, and KF, and the rest.

Exactly do it yourself

 

[nb_racing]

It's a funny old thread this...usually it's the dealer telling you your discs are worn...well before they are.

So...avoid dealers too, and Halfords, and KF, and the rest.

Yes...
The classic, I know best even though I'm an estate agent, the main dealer knows nothing etc...

OP, ask for the facts. If they tell you your discs are at 25mm, ask what the minimum thickness is. It is stamped on the disc so no excuse not to tell you. Find out or ask what the new thicknes is. Then you know exactly how worn your discs are, and potentially how many miles you've done on them (assuming you had the last set fitted, or have an invoice etc).

Once you have the facts you can make an informed desicion as to whether you want them changed.
In addition, lets not forget that discs can corrode with a lack of good use, necessitating a change.

Like with any purchase, just go in with your eyes open. If in doubt and you're worried just go to a few places and ask for a "health check". If 9/10 places say they are shagged, chances are they probably are. And vice versa.