How hard is a front brake job?

[hotplate]

Well I am picking up a Delica tomorrow, 92 L300 Exceed, and I am super excited! I sold my 91 Super Exceed in January and I have been regretting it ever since!

I am buying this one knowing that it needs the front brake pads and rotors replaced. I got quoted $650 for the labour at the shop I usually deal with. They said its a big job because of the 4x4 hubs. I am wondering if this is a long job or a complicated job, and if an amateur mechanic who has never done a brake job like myself would be able to handle it. Also what tools would be required.

Thanks guys!

[nxski]

The job is actually very quick and easy (assuming you're not looking to upgrade. It cost me about $200 in parts and $200 in labour because I decided to do the dual piston upgrade. I did almost all of the work myself, but needed a mechanic to make custom fittings for the callipers. If I were doing a direct replacement, I would expect to pay less than $200 for parts (pads, calipers and discs) from Rock Auto, and because I've done it once before, it wouldn't take me much more than a hour to complete. $650 for the job is definitely a rip-off.

[hotplate]

Yea luckily I am getting a new set of rotors and pads with the Delica and I just need to swap them with the old ones, no upgrades. What kind of tools do you need for the disassembly?

[nxski]

You'll need an allen key set, a ratchet set, plyers, a strap wrench, a flat head screw driver and hammer. These are the tools I used, but I know others have gone about this a different way.

If you search the forum, there are a few threads that have step-by-step picture instructions.

[bosc]

I recommend doing it yourself, however I wouldn't underestimate the project. I assume your doing rotors, pads, calipers... Getting everything off is the biggest challenge. Remember to replace your bearings while your there. It took me quite a few days doing the upgrade which is tougher. Something like 8 hours.

[Firesong]

While I would recommend to anyone they should do a brake job themselves never would I suggest they do the bearings. That ups the difficulty to extreme head bashing the cement levels.