[cbe123]

Hello,
I am new to this forum. I drive a 2017 Bolt. I put 23800 miles on it. When I took the car for regular service (tire rotation etc), I was told my rear brake pads need to be replaced. I suspect me not using the brake paddle likely the reason for early wear. The dealer quote for the brake pad replacement was $430!. That's a lot of dough. I plan to take the vehicle to an outside mechanic to get the pads replaced. I assume the pad replacement will be similar to other ICE cars or is it different? The reason for my question, when I called the mechanic he mentioned that he needed a code reader for the Bolt before the pads can be replaced. Does that sound right? Thank you.

 

[RichCapeCod]

I do think you need a 2nd opinion on that one!

Rich

 

[surgeonFWW]

As dealers see their "engine-related" revenue, fall, I am sure that tire, brake, and other maladies will (somehow) become more common.

 

[p7wang]

Have them point out to you WHY the brake needs replacement.

 

[cbe123]

The service advisor said the rear pads have worn out and if I don't replace them soon the rotors will be impacted and it will cost me more. He didn't tell me the thickness of the pad that is left. Probably should have asked.

 

[p7wang]

The service advisor said the rear pads have worn out and if I don't replace them soon the rotors will be impacted and it will cost me more. He didn't tell me the thickness of the pad that is left. Probably should have asked.

If it's worn out, then sounds like a warranty issue. Did you notice high energy use, meaning perhaps the brake pad is engaged slightly while driving?

My 2017 RAV4 Hybrid has barely used its brake pad.

 

[cbe123]

If it's worn out, then sounds like a warranty issue. Did you notice high energy use, meaning perhaps the brake pad is engaged slightly while driving?

My 2017 RAV4 Hybrid has barely used its brake pad.

Didn't see any high energy usage to cause concern. Getting 3.9 miles /KwHr.

 

[p7wang]

So then how is the brake pad being 'worn'? Sounds very fishy.

 

[cbe123]

So then how is the brake pad being 'worn'? Sounds very fishy.

Guess a second opinion is much needed here.. Thanks for all your responses.

 

[p7wang]

If you find out the dealer is trying to scam you, make sure you file a complaint to GM and BBB. 2 year old hybrid/EV needing new brake is just ridiculous.

 

[XJ12]

could the automatic electronic parking brake (EPB) be the cause?
from my 2017 manual:

Automatic EPB Release The EPB will automatically release if the vehicle is running, placed into gear, and an attempt is made to drive away. Avoid rapid acceleration when the EPB is applied, to preserve parking brake lining life.

 

[One1whaoo.]

The rear brakes would be the last to wear, as they contribute little to stopping when you are using regenerative braking, and use of the paddle has little to do with it.
Get a second opinion and a better price if replacement is actually needed.

 

[p7wang]

If brake is stuck, he should see very low efficiency. I suspect the dealer is trying to meet it's sucker metric. In the car maintenance shops, the staff is told that every sucker that comes through the door should equal X dollars in repairs.

 

[The Other Tom]

Hello,
I am new to this forum. I drive a 2017 Bolt. I put 23800 miles on it. When I took the car for regular service (tire rotation etc), I was told my rear brake pads need to be replaced. I suspect me not using the brake paddle likely the reason for early wear. The dealer quote for the brake pad replacement was $430!. That's a lot of dough. I plan to take the vehicle to an outside mechanic to get the pads replaced. I assume the pad replacement will be similar to other ICE cars or is it different? The reason for my question, when I called the mechanic he mentioned that he needed a code reader for the Bolt before the pads can be replaced. Does that sound right? Thank you.

You don't have to use the paddle behind the steering wheel to get regenerative braking. I drive in "L" all the time and that's usually sufficient for regen braking.

 

[Eriamjh1138]

Hello,
I am new to this forum. I drive a 2017 Bolt. I put 23800 miles on it. When I took the car for regular service (tire rotation etc), I was told my rear brake pads need to be replaced. I suspect me not using the brake paddle likely the reason for early wear. The dealer quote for the brake pad replacement was $430!. That's a lot of dough. I plan to take the vehicle to an outside mechanic to get the pads replaced. I assume the pad replacement will be similar to other ICE cars or is it different? The reason for my question, when I called the mechanic he mentioned that he needed a code reader for the Bolt before the pads can be replaced. Does that sound right? Thank you.

Sounds very scammy. Code reader to do brake pads? Rear pads wearing before fronts? Pad wear on a BEV at 28K miles?

I say you need to pull the rear wheel and inspect the pad thickness yourself, but I'm guessing you have no idea how to do this or even what you would be looking at.

 

[cbe123]

Sounds very scammy. Code reader to do brake pads? Rear pads wearing before fronts? Pad wear on a BEV at 28K miles?

I say you need to pull the rear wheel and inspect the pad thickness yourself, but I'm guessing you have no idea how to do this or even what you would be looking at.

From the user manual
"Disc brake pads have built-in wear indicators that make a high-pitched warning sound when the brake pads are worn and new pads are needed. The sound can come and go or can be heard all the time when the vehicle is moving, except when applying the brake pedal firmly"

I hear no such sound from my car..

 

[California]

I wouldn't use that dealer for anything ever.

Even their 'free oil change and tire rotation' would likely cost you hundreds if they use the trick Sears Auto shops used to do, take off and discard the brake shoes, show you someone else's worn shoes, and refuse to take the car down off the hoist until you pay for unneeded repairs to make it 'safe to drive'.

My Focus had seen only quickie oil change 'mechanics' so at 10 years 100k miles I took it to the dealer for a professional lookover. Big mistake. For example replacing Power Steering fluid obviously wasn't done but was billed, and several other issues. That dealership folded in the following year. Find a real mechanic!

 

[Eriamjh1138]

From the user manual
"Disc brake pads have built-in wear indicators that make a high-pitched warning sound when the brake pads are worn and new pads are needed. The sound can come and go or can be heard all the time when the vehicle is moving, except when applying the brake pedal firmly"

I hear no such sound from my car..

It could be a fraction of a millimeter from touching the wear indicator and you wouldn’t hear it, but that wouldn’t mean you aren’t close. Only an inspection can tell you what the state of the pads is.

 

[NY-Rob]

Op... no need to pull the wheel... you can use a flashlight to see the gap between the metal brake pad and the rotor. That gap is the thickness of your pads.
I have 37K miles on my 2017 Bolt and the rear pads are still in great shape... they will probably go to 100K miles at this rate.

 

[gnowhb]

In my own experience as a DIY mechanic on my ICE car, the front brakes will wear out at least 2-3 times before the rear will need to be replaced. Highly unusual for the rear to wear out so quickly unless there is drag from the caliper pressing the pad onto the rotor while just driving. I had to bring my car in for a recall because of air in the rear brake lines but I doubt air in the brake lines would cause premature pad wear like that. I think the dealer was trying scam you.