Author Topic: Insurance/Do-It-Yourself Question (Read 1110 times)

goonitup · « **on:** June 20, 2005, 05:06:50 pm »

I'll be replacing my brake pads and rotors soon, and I'm interested in doing this myself this time around. Now, I'll have my experienced brother there to show me the ropes, but I'm curious about any possible insurance implications. Should I have a professional check over our work and have him approve it, or is there anything to worry about (assuming all goes well).

Any input would be appreciated.

tpl · « **Reply #1 on:** June 20, 2005, 05:27:41 pm »

Welcome to the forum!

Do you have a shop manual ( GM/Chilton whatever)?

Do you have a proper jack and floorstands

Do you have a clean place to work ( preferably dry and well lit as well)

I presume that the brake system is working well, given that the rotors and pads are worn?

If you and your Bro have 4 Yes then do it yourself.

Is this car disk all round? If so does it have nastly little drums hidden in the rear disks? if so do they need doing as well?

Does it need special tools?

You need 2 NO on these to proceed without some considerable caution IMHO

Others will be along who have probably actually worked on a car like yours...I am just being paranoid to save you having to lose sleep yourself

articsteve · « **Reply #2 on:** June 21, 2005, 12:10:05 am »

Now, I'll have my experienced brother there to show me the ropes, but I'm curious about any possible insurance implications

1. Pay cash for all the parts.

2. If something were to occur, which it won't, the only way you might have a legal/insurance problem is if you break down and confess to doing your own brakes. If you are the type to answer questions against your will then don't do your own brakes. Basically, you do a Sargent Shultz; you see nothing and you hear nothing.

barrie1 · « **Reply #3 on:** June 21, 2005, 01:26:37 pm »

Goon please tell us more about your car. Year,make and model and 4whl disc or rear drum. The more you tell us the easier for us to assisst you.

goonitup · « **Reply #4 on:** June 21, 2005, 03:07:50 pm »

Thanks for the replies, all.

My car is a 2000 Olds Alero with 4-whl disc brakes. I've got the tools and the Haynes manual (and countless website research), as well as a good location. Just curious about a couple of things. How much of a hassle could the parking brake give me (I doubt much, but you never know until you start), and is there any insurance liability to worry about when doing your own brakes?

I can relate to Articsteve's advice (Shultz!) and just clam up when it comes to insurance, but if there's anything else to know, I'd appreciate it.

tenpenny · « **Reply #5 on:** June 21, 2005, 03:13:49 pm »

If you worry about insurance when doing your own car repairs, then you probably aren't a good candidate for doing your own.

Just do it, fer chrissakes.

articsteve · « **Reply #6 on:** June 21, 2005, 03:45:19 pm »

Just do it, fer chrissakes

Ditto; just don't say anything to anybody including Police.

Brake parts seem to be different depending on 4 or 6 cylinder motor.

Why don't you just do the fronts first. Bleeding on domestic cars is what I don't like because I have had bad luck with master cylinders in the past. Just don't push the brake peddle all the way down to it's bottom when your pumping the brakes.

You can istall without bleeding, but your brake fluid needs to be changed.

Spray penetrating fluid on brake caliper bleeder nuts night before. You don't want to snap them off.

barrie1 · « **Reply #7 on:** June 21, 2005, 05:11:51 pm »

Make sure you have a small bottle of anti-rattle grease for the back of the pads as well before you start. This keeps a them lot quieter when in use. You can buy it at any automotive store.