How To Replace And Cost Front Brakes
Question:
1998 Saturn Question: My front end rotors have completely worn down, need replacing. I'm just wondering if this is a job i can do myself? I was told when replacing brake rotors there is some sort of special machinery to get them off. Is this true? Also can i maybe get a ball park price to take it in to a
mechanic shop to replace them? Thanks for your time.
Answer:
There are no real special tools required to do this front brakes repair on your Saturn. Just basic mechanics tools. You would need get the front of the car up in the air and support with jack stands. Remove wheels. Remove the calipers. Compress the caliper pistons. Then pound the rotor off with a hammer since it will most likely be rusted on.
Rotors can be purchased at your local parts store for about $25 each. New brake pads can range from $25 to $55. If you do it yourself, be sure to pump the brake pedal when you are done before backing your car out or the pistons in the calipers will not contact rotors on the first apply or two and the car will not stop. To have this done at a shop would cost about 2 hours labor, plus the cost of parts- which would be higher due to a mark up of the cost. Most places may also try to sell you new calipers since this may have caused the rotors to be damaged this much in the first place.
Question:
I have a fast idle and it won't idle down. What causes this problem?
Thanks Ben.
Answer:
Code P0341 is a Camshaft Position Sensor code. This engine does not have a cam sensor
though. It calculates cam position from the #4 ignition coil firing timing signal. A common cause for this problem on your Saturn is corroded ignition coil bolts. This causes a bad ground condition and erratic signal. Remove the ignition coil bolts, clean them, and apply a little di-electric grease, then clear the
code. Take it for a test drive and check codes again.
This code will not cause a high idle. Common problems on this Saturn are intake manifold gaskets leaking vacuum, dried out and cracked PCV valve hose, or possibly carbon in the throttle. Check for vacuum leaks first as this is most common cause fopr high idle. You can srpay some carb cleaner or brake cleaner around the intake and if the idle surges, then you have found the vacuum leak.
Another possibility is a bad coolant temperature sensor. Disconnect the electrical plug and look for corrosion. If there is, replace the temp sensor and connector harness then clear the codes.
