My brakes are bad...

Recently I noticed my brakes have not been working as good as they used to. I am thinking of putting on new pads or whatever needs to be done. Can anyone give me info on this as far as cost and amount of labor is involved. Its a 1989 V6. I am fairly certain it has 2 drum and 2 disc brakes. The front brakes are making a weird noise so I think they are worn down. Any comments? Thanks.

I think the drums are adjustable. What weird noise are you talking about? If it's a loud screeching only when you apply the brakes, it's the rotors. They have a built in safety feature that makes that noise once they're worn down enough to need be replaced.

If your drums are screwed, I've got a set of LT1 rear discs for sale. MXFreek125@hotmail.com

-Corey

if your front brakes are squeeling,they either need to be replaced or are squeeking b/c of built up brake dust.

change the pads is easy...just use a big C-clamp and put the side that doesnt move on the backside of the caliper,and the side that screws in the middle of the outside pad. turn the screw part until the pad goes in 1/8" or so,just enough where u can get them off. them take an allen wrench and loosen the 2 bolts that hold the caliper on,take off the caliper and replace the pads.

drum brakes can be adjusted,u just need to get the drums off and look at the shoes to see if they need to be replaced.

the drum brakes are a pain in the @$$. u need a hold down spring tool and a brake return spring tool. u have to take off 2 hold down springs and 3 or 4 return springs to get the shoes off. but the fun part is putting the springs back on (this is y u need to correct tools). if u havent seen these or havent ever done these before...i wouldnt try it, b/c its not an easy thing a rookie can do.
im not saying ur a rookie,or that u dont know what ur doing...im just trying to save u from taking them apart and not being able to get them back together. ALSO,if u do decide to do this,only do ONE SIDE at a time,that way if u forget u can go look at the other side for help (assuming that it is done right)
hope that helps

Thanks. My brother does alot of brake work (I do electrical) so he can do the calipers for me. The noise is a clicking sound, and it is relative to the speed I am traveling. So it could be something entirely different, but I need new brake pads and I am installing new rims this week so I will get it all examined soon. If the problem persists, then I will check the drum brakes. Thanks for all input.

You also would need or it will be helpfull to get a chiltons for your car. Its usefull in changing the brakes because it tells you how to do it.

My 86 use to "pop" when brakeing, came to find out there are little tabs on the oads that MUST be tapped down or else they will move around when pressure is applied.
My 89 is another story, pops like crazy when you brake. Also when the wheels is fully turned in either direction I get alot of moaning, popping coming from the front end....
Rear drum brakes are not as hard as they seem, but it does involve a bit of time. Buy a rebuild kit with new springs and what not, and those brakes should last you years.

Will

Originally posted by stanghunter211
My 86 use to "pop" when brakeing, came to find out there are little tabs on the oads that MUST be tapped down or else they will move around when pressure is applied.
My 89 is another story, pops like crazy when you brake. Also when the wheels is fully turned in either direction I get alot of moaning, popping coming from the front end....
Rear drum brakes are not as hard as they seem, but it does involve a bit of time. Buy a rebuild kit with new springs and what not, and those brakes should last you years.

Will

I had that moaning sound too, but ended up being a broken sway bar.

do we have inner and outer on the fronts?

I have no idea. I will have to check sometime.