Nissan Repair: brakes, honda dealership, pad replacement

Question
i have a 2011 pilot, barely a year old. the wheel is wobbling a little when i brake. I had the car inspected. as an afterthought i asked the mechanic about the wobble and he said "yeah your rotors at at 40%, youll need them replaced soon."  I dont think he really examined the brakes well and i was under the impression that brake pads can wear at by 19K miles (my mileage) but not rotors. I left the car at honda tonight, the guy said $290 for grinding the rotors (not replacing) if needed and replacing the brake pads and this seems high to me. i also wonder if grinding the rotors is ok because some sites claim this doesnt work and is a bad fix. This is the front. What should brake pad replacement and rotor grinding (front)run? what should brake pad replacement and rotor replacement (front) run? The honda dealership said $600 for rotor replacement with brake pads and this seems utterly outrageous. Also can you explain lifetime brake pads? Its hard to believe anything will last a lifetime, is there a brake pad you would recommend? Thanks so much

Answer
Hi Katya -

Unless the mechanic had a micro-caliper tool and took off the wheels to check the rotor thickness, there is no way that 40% gone can be determined. It does look like your rotors are the cause for the wobble, however.

The costs you mentioned are way too high. I would definitely take the car to someone else, perhaps a shop that specializes in brakes. At the most about $300 for rotor and pad replacement would be fair. I would not recommend resurfacing the rotor because doing so makes the rotor thinner, causing it to be prone to more warpage later. Besides by the time you pay for the labor, a few dollars more and you can get a new rotor.

Lifetime guarantee means lifetime of the pads. For instance say your pads are warranted for 20,000 miles which is the estimated life of the pad. At 10,000 mile use the brakes start squeaking badly. They will accept the return pads, however since you have used the pads for 50% of the estimated life of the pads, you will pay half the cost for a new set. Reading the fine print is essential as there are many ways that the manufacturer can capture a buyer. Remember also that although the pads could be free, you will pay an inflated labor cost to have them installed.

A good brand for import brakes is Akebono.


Hope I answered your questions -

aloha
Calvin