All -

I took my truck in to get the brakes re done this weekend after they started to squeak when I would turn and sometimes when I wasn't doing anything in particular. The guys at the shop said it was just the pads and they started replacing them. They decided to call me and tell me that I "needed new hardware and shims." They said that this would cost me an extra 140. I am closing on a house this week and cannot do that right now, but they said that it was a necessary repair in order to keep the brakes from wearing out quickly and being loud. Is this true? Do F-150 pads cost 200 bucks to replace everytime? They told me that the shims that are on the pads from the factory are permanently adhered and that the hardware corrodes so that the brakes can end up engaged when I am not even braking. Is that true or were they just trying to sell me more than I needed? They replaced the pads and everything SEEMS great, but I needed my experts here to let me know! Thanks!!

Anthony

 

If anyone has a chance, please tell me if I need to replace this stuff or if I am okay without... Thanks, I really appreciate the help.
-anthony

 

I'm not sure what hardware they are talking about, but pads are just pads. Sometimes a grease or shim is inserted in the caliper to avoid squeaking, but it sounds like a hoax to me. Now if the are talking about rear drum brakes they may a have point, but I get the distinct feeling they screwed you .

 

Thanks for the reply, they were trying to screw me I guess (I have four wheel discs), I didn't purchase the hardware (look like little metal brackets to hold the pads in place) and shims because luckily I am closing on my house and can't afford it at the moment. It is lucky for me because I baby the truck and normally I would have just done whatever they say needed to be done, I know that is dumb! Anyhow, thanks for the reply, I guess they were just trying to sell me more crap. I think I will put the pads in myself next time too!

 

apart from the shims, the other pieces of hardware they were talking about could have been new bolts or more likely anti squeal/anti rattle fixtures. at $140, most likely a ripoff.

 

I purchased the disc brake hardware kit yesterday. It consists of the anti-rattle clips and the grease covers for the guide pins. It cost $9 and took about 10 minutes to install. You made the right choice.