First of all, I am a greenhorn as far as auto mechanics is concerned. With that in mind....
I have a '98 Max GLE with about 45k on it. We drive very less, as you can see from the mileage. About a month ago or so, we started getting a screeching noise from the brakes. Didn't cause any problems with braking, but I decided to take it to the local Firestone service center. They looked it over (actually I was there for a oil change & to get the tires rotated) and told me that I need the following:
Front pads are worn 80% (need change) Rear pads are worn 60% (suggest change)
They also told me front pads are ceramic, rear ones are organic - is that right? They sounded a little confused about it. In the estimate, they have said front ceramic, rear organic, but in another page they have
"Declined service - front metallic, rear metallic". huh?
Anyways, they also want to "clean the front calipers" for $65. They suggest
Front ceramic pad $110.30 Brake Job front $90.00 (labor) caliper service $65.00 (labor)
Rear organic pad $39.99 Brake Job front $105.00 (labor)
Total with taxes+whatever would be $438.34
Couple of things
1) I have a vague "getting ripped off" feeling 2) Do they know what kind of brake pads go on what? (LOL) 3) What's that caliper service thing? Wipe it with a rag for $65?Anyways - I had a bunch of coupons so the inspection/estimate etc. didn't cost me anything, but wondering what to do now. BTW, the screeching sound it gone - probably they cleaned it up to look it over - hehe.
I am open to advice re:how to do it myself (if I should), or where to go to get this done. I am in the Chicago suburbs.
Thanks!