|
|
Post by magikbus on Oct 28, 2018 11:40:56 GMT -8
OK so I'm doing the back brakes on the 2005 Corolla (the one that has the obsolete odometer frozen at 299,999km) and I go down to my FLAPS to buy the brake shoes. When I get everything apart and ready to install the new shoes, I notice there are large cracks (wish I had taken a picture) on the lining, threatening to allow at least 20% of the pad to break off when heated up and under stress. When I took it back, the guy behind the counter told me that it was probably ok because it would just crumble and wouldn't hurt anything. HUH? I asked him if having 20% less braking force on one wheel wouldn't be a problem?  ? He mumbled something and got me a new set. Who are these places hiring these days anyway? I'd bet a shiny new loonie he's just going to sell them to the next bozo that comes along, and doesn't know any better. Stan |
|
|
|
Post by tony on Oct 28, 2018 12:33:02 GMT -8
Just put a wheel on the car in the diminished brake location with a circumference 20% smaller than the other wheels and you should be all good!  |
|
|
|
Post by magikbus on Oct 28, 2018 14:26:29 GMT -8
Is that all I have to do? Wow for the simple solution I'll always turn to you Tony. ;- )
Stan
|
|
|
|
Post by tony on Oct 28, 2018 14:33:13 GMT -8
|
|
|
|
Post by Volktales on Oct 28, 2018 16:26:02 GMT -8
Tony has ALL the answers!  I have never seen a new set of shoes cracked out of the box. Generally cracking is caused by overheating, and is common on cars whose owners like to drive with the park brake on (not that they ever admit it...) |
|
|
|
Post by tony on Oct 28, 2018 16:44:17 GMT -8
As a side note , it looks like Russ' list of cars has about 475 years of experience minus the Cougar of course which is no longer with us! 🙄
|
|
|
|
Post by magikbus on Oct 28, 2018 18:18:58 GMT -8
As I said, weird. It was settled more or less amicably, mostly less. I've changed the order in which I phone the FLAPS to determine what parts are in stock locally as a result of the reaction by the desk clerk though. Probably not going to mean much of a decrease in sales, but my theory is if enough people get pissed off it will. They used to be very good when they were a local FLAPS but since they have sold out to the big guys, their service has plummeted. The have a sign on their door that says they can't stay open on Sundays anymore because they cant get enough staff. (my take is they gave everyone a cut in pay when the big guys took over so a few of them quit)
Stan
|
|
|
|
Post by magikbus on Oct 28, 2018 18:24:02 GMT -8
As a side note, I remembered that I didn't lightly sand the crap out of the new shoes like I usually do, so I quickly pulled both wheels off and did that. The difference in stopping power was amazing. I'd kick myself for forgetting to do that initially but I'm getting too old to do that anymore. Watching my 10 year old granddaughter come home from dance class on Saturday morning and while calmly sitting on the sofa pull both feet up behind her head hurts just to realize how stiff I've become lately. Maybe it's all the work on the facia and soffits running up and down scaffolding and extension ladders all day?
Stan
|
|
|
|
Post by Volktales on Oct 28, 2018 19:19:10 GMT -8
I thought you "retired" years ago...  |
|
|
|
Post by Volktales on Oct 28, 2018 19:22:50 GMT -8
Ah yes. The Cougar. I occasionally still miss it a bit. I don't miss the green bus yet, but that may come in time...
|
|
|
|
Post by CrazyBrit on Oct 28, 2018 20:53:11 GMT -8
FLAPS?
An acronym I presume?
|
|
|
|
Post by Volktales on Oct 28, 2018 21:22:52 GMT -8
FLAPS: Friendly Local Auto Parts Store. Really. I first became aware of this term on TheSamba...
|
|
|
|
Post by magikbus on Oct 29, 2018 8:41:07 GMT -8
I thought you "retired" years ago... Ha! Yes I did. The most common sentiment I"ve encountered since "retiring" in talking to other "retirees" is expressed by the phrase, "I don't know how I ever had time to work for a living". |
|
|
|
Post by PICTUP on Oct 30, 2018 21:50:53 GMT -8
FLAPS: Friendly Local Auto Parts Store. Really. I first became aware of this term on TheSamba... Me too. I think it was busdaddy who was kind enough to enlighten me. Sounds like Stan found a SLAPS (Snotty Local Auto Parts Store) though....  |
|
? He mumbled something and got me a new set. Who are these places hiring these days anyway? I'd bet a shiny new loonie he's just going to sell them to the next bozo that comes along, and doesn't know any better.
