1995 Escort Brake Service Prices

PAULOOIN

MEMBER
1995 FORD ESCORT

Hi, I was wondering if someone can give me rough ballpark estimates on some brake work that I need to have done on a 1995 Ford Escort:

-Replace both front brake rotors (current ones rusted out)
-Replace both rear brake drums (current ones rusted out)
-New pads/shoes
-Replace single rear brake cylinder (current one leaking)

Local mechanic said that rotors and drums are severely rusted and that they should be replaced. Is this common?

The car spent the last 10 years in Southern Indiana so it sounds plausible to me, but I don't have much money (obviously since I'm still driving this thing).

Please help!
Paul

1 Reply

MIGHTYMORBO

MEMBER
4 POSTS

Rust normally isn't a reason for replacement. The friction parts of the brakes will normally scrape the rust off. But if they ARE severely rusted then they should be replaced. Wear, warping, and contamination seem more likely reasons for replacement.

I have a 95 Tracer, so it's a clone. And you will likely get hosed. Before I started doing my own brake jobs, it ran about 1000 bucks for a 4 wheel brake job. That included everything. Pads, rotors, calipers, drums, cylinders, and assorted rear springs and such. (Yikes, since if yours is like mine the darn car is only worth about 2k at best) The last time I did my front brakes myself it cost about 150 bucks including new calipers, pads, and rotors.

And a DIY rule of brake repair is never change the parts on just one side. So if they have the brakes apart anyway, both rear cylinders should be replaced, and not just one side. (In my opinion)