[Dmch2014]

I just bought my used 2014 Smart ForTwo. I recently got my oil changed at the Mercedes Dealership. They said that my brake pads and rotors needed changed and quoted me $686 for just the front brakes and rotors. I thought that sounded very high and am looking to see if any fellow Smart drivers have any suggestions on fair mechanics in the area? Thanks! -Daniel

 

[MB DNA]

Welcome to SCoA! BRAKES (pads/rotors) are brakes and in St. Louis you should be fine with any mechanic that you would trust with your American car.

That being said, you may want to look for a Euro repair shop who has a M-B enabled (Star Diagnostic) computer and entrust them to all your future needs?

 

[sokoloff]

Sometimes rotors need to be replaced with pads - sometimes not. Rotors need to be replaced when they are at or near the wear limit and that can be measured. In my experience it's a waste of time and money to turn the rotors. There just isn't enough meat on them for that to make sense. Now if a rotor is warped, overheated, etc., they may need to be replaced, but too many places try to hit you for new rotors when you don't need them. Any decent mechanic can do pads and maybe rotors or have a buddy teach you how to DIY. Pads can be done for under $100.

Len
2014 EV Coupe 16,500 miles
2014 EV Cabriolet 8,500 miles

 

[toadcar]

I just bought my used 2014 Smart ForTwo. I recently got my oil changed at the Mercedes Dealership. They said that my brake pads and rotors needed changed and quoted me $686 for just the front brakes and rotors. I thought that sounded very high and am looking to see if any fellow Smart drivers have any suggestions on fair mechanics in the area? Thanks! -Daniel

I have 85,000 miles on my 2008 Smart Passion and have replaced the front pads twice. At 40,000 miles, I changed the pads AND rotors on the front. I ordered them from rockauto.com and got slotted rotors and competition green pads. WOW! talk about stopping power. I did the replacement myself in a couple of hours. At 80,000 miles I got the green pads again, but my rotors were still good. I also bought shoes for the back drum brakes, but when we took the drums off, the original equipment shoes still had plenty of life left. The pads and rotors I bought were very high quality, made in England.