Im looking to do some maintenance on my factory brakes, and was wondering what i could do to upgrade at an affordable cost, im probably not going to play too much with the rear drums since in the near future id like to put disks back there, but front disks, im thinking new calipers, pads, etc. Anybody got some ideas for affordable($200-$300) upgrades? Also, on a side note... my e-brake doesnt want to hold. Car in neutral, engine off, ebrake pulled, and it'll slowly roll on its own... is this just adjustment, or could it mean its time for new rear drums?

 

Rebuilt calipers: ~$15/each
New hoses: ~$12/each
New rotors ~$50 each: don't go cheap and you don't need slotted. If you don't go new have yours turned.
Good ceramic pads of your choice: ~$30-40
Brake fluid to flush your lines: ~$15
Brake hardware kit (if you need it) ~$8-10 each side: this will come with new caliper bolts and some bushings. If yours are good but dirty you can clean them off with a wire wheel.
New wheel bearings: $~15-20 per side-don't skip this!

You can 'rent' the mityvac brake bleeder from AZ or one of the others. Flush your front lines with the calipers off first. That way you're not getting gunky fluid in your new calipers. Pre-fill the calipers before installing so you don't have to bleed as much afterwards. Do not let your master reservoir run dry while you flush/bleed. Bleed your rears too.

You can paint your new calipers before installing. Just make sure to clean them completely. They'll come with a light coating of oil on them.

The e-brake adjustment for the cable is above the driveshaft, mid-way.

 

double post!