Pads only
If the rotors are within spec thickness and not grooved, swapping pads is quick: remove the wheel, the caliper, the old pads, clean and lube the slides, and install new pads with fresh hardware.
Pads and rotors
Rotors add removing the caliper bracket and sometimes rust-seized rotor screws. Most modern rotors are replaced rather than resurfaced because they're thinner and cheaper than they once were.
What adds time
Electronic parking brakes (common on Audi, VW, Volvo and many newer Fords) need a scan tool to retract. Seized caliper bolts or a stuck caliper piston also add time. A brake fluid flush adds about 30 minutes.
Get it fixed by a mobile mechanic
Matt Mobile Mechanic of Austin handles this at your home anywhere around Austin:
Popular areas: Austin, Round Rock, Pflugerville, Cedar Park, Leander, Georgetown
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I replace rotors every time?
Not always — only when they're below minimum thickness, grooved or warped.
Do I replace front and rear together?
No. Front brakes usually wear 2–3 times faster than the rear.
How long should brake pads last?
Roughly 30,000–70,000 miles depending on driving style and traffic.