I have almost 97K on my 99 4.2 (I bought it used with about 30K on it) and have never had to replace the brakes. I have noticed a very slight vibration when I hit them at times, but nothing at all serious. I was just wondering: 1) How often some of the 4.2 people have had to replace their brakes, 2) Do you recommend doing it yourself, or taking it to someone, 3) What other service (repack bearings, etc.) would you do at the same time. Thanks ahead of time for the input.

 

I replaced origional brakes at 62k. It was pretty tough getting the rotors off after 6 NY winters. Rotors, pads, lubed caliper sliders and replaced e-brake hardware (again-NY winters). I know people that only get 25-30k out of a set of brakes. It's all about your driving habits, and the V6 status has nothing to do with it.

 

If you don't know what you're doing, LEAVE IT ALONE! Not to sound like a smart-****, but brakes are nothing to mess with if you don't know what you're doing. I'd highly recommend taking it to a "qualified" mechanic, or pay a "good buddy" who knows how, and has done a few brake jobs him or herself to do it for you.

Peace...

 

If you know what you are doing and have the right tools and equipment, there's no reason not to do your own brake job.

If you are getting a vibration, it's time to have them looked at. You may have warped rotors.

 

One of my drums was a little warped, so I bought a new pair and slapped them on in ten minutes. Piece of cake.

 

find a friend whos done a few brake jobs and have thm show you. if thats not an option got to a pro.i got in the habit of pulling a wheel off at every oil change just to check things out. avoided some problems that way,like finding a cracked hose once etc..