I own a 2000 Ford Focus, and am planning on getting the brakes checked. I have heard that the Focus model tended to have problems with its brakes (noise, premature wear) and this made me curious- if I were to need new brake pads, would it be worth it just to completely replace the brakes alltogehter? I know it would be pretty expensive for me, but if it meant having brakes that lasted it would be worth it.
I guess it depends on what the problems are that the Focus line has. If it’s just faulty pads, you shouldn’t have to replace the rotors too unless the pads (if faulty) scratched or scored the rotor. Even then in some cases the rotors can be resurfaced (much cheaper) if the damage isn’t too bad.
Are the rear brakes in your car disc or drum brakes? That also might make a difference–maybe Ford only had problems with their disc brakes, so you might only have to replace the front brakes if you’ve got rear drums. Just a guess.
I just had the front pads and rotors replaced on my 98 Pontiac Sunfire. The rotors were about $60 or so each, pads were about $5-10 each, plus labor and tax it was about $200 or so total. Just to give you a ballpark estimate for prices. YMMV, of course.
Lots of parts there usually for a complete system:
pads
rotors
calipers
cylinders
master cylinder
The problems you describe would very likely be addressed by carefully choosing replacement pads. Premium pads – as opposed to standard or budget grade – from a major company (Raybestos, Wagner, Napa, Carquest, etc.) may be all you need.
The phrase “completely replace the brakes alltogehter” is meaningless in the world of auto repair. As handy mentioned, brakes are a system. Specific parts of the system are replaced or reconditioned as needed. To replace the entire system would be unnecessary and ungodly expensive.
Deal with a competent and trustworthy independent shop and you should get good counsel as to what you need and what you don’t need.