Bump - same question here

Hey there! Totally get the brake squeal anxiety – been there, done that! It's like your car's screaming for help, and it's definitely not a good look (or sound!). Ditch the Bali pads idea for now, trust me, and listen up!

Okay, so I've been down this road before with my old beater (a rusty '08 Corolla, bless its heart). Trying to DIY brakes on a tight budget can be a slippery slope. Safety first, always! I'm gonna suggest something a little different: check out Wagner ThermoQuiet brake pads. I swear by them! They're a step above the super-cheap stuff, but still incredibly budget-friendly. I put a set on my wife's CR-V last year. I got the front set for around $45 from RockAuto, and they've been fantastic – quiet, great stopping power, and they seem to last forever! They are especially amazing in cold weather.

Now, here's the kicker: even though you *can* DIY, with your Civic nearing 200k miles, I'd *strongly* recommend getting a professional inspection before you even buy the pads. It might not just be the pads! Could be rotors, calipers, or even a wheel bearing contributing to the noise. A mechanic will give you a proper diagnosis. I'm thinking you could be looking at around $75-$125 for a brake inspection at a reputable shop. It's money well spent for peace of mind.

When I swapped out the all-season tires on my Mustang for some performance summer tires (Michelin Pilot Sport 4S are AMAZING!), I had my local shop do a full brake system check as part of the service. Cost me a bit extra, but they caught a slightly sticky caliper that I wouldn't have noticed until it was too late (and expensive!).

Seriously, find a trustworthy local mechanic for an inspection. Even if you end up doing the pads yourself (with those Wagner ThermoQuiets!), you'll know exactly what you're dealing with. Good luck, and keep us posted!

Hey there! I hear you on the brake squeal and the budget crunch. While Bali pads *might* be good (I honestly haven't used them myself), if you're really trying to keep costs down, I'd suggest looking at some more common brands like Wagner or Raybestos. You can usually find their basic ceramic pads for under $50 a set for your Civic's front brakes. Check RockAuto or even Amazon; just make *sure* you're getting the right part number for your specific year and model (2012 Civic, right?).

Another thing to consider is the rotors. If they're grooved or really worn, just slapping new pads on won't solve the problem long-term, and you might end up damaging the new pads. You *might* be able to get away with turning (resurfacing) them if they're thick enough, which a local shop could do for maybe $20-$30 per rotor, but honestly, new budget rotors aren't that expensive either – maybe $30-$40 each from the same places I mentioned earlier. I had a similar issue on my old Corolla and ended up replacing everything. It cost a bit more upfront but saved me headaches later.

Also, before you jump in, how are your tires looking? I just remembered mine are down to 3/32", which isn't great for winter driving, especially with Chicago weather. If your tires are also worn, you *might* want to prioritize those over the fancier brake pads. Stopping distance is way more important in snow and ice!

Good luck with the repair. If you do decide to DIY, remember to use plenty of brake cleaner and anti-seize on the right parts, and don't forget to properly bed in the new pads after installation. I'm no expert, but happy to share any other tips if you have more questions!

Hey! Squealing brakes are no fun, especially heading into Chicago winter. While Bali *might* be okay, and saving money is important, with brakes, I always lean towards safety first, especially with almost 200k on the clock. Have you considered Wagner ThermoQuiet pads? They're often around $40-$50 *per set* for your Civic, and I've found them to be a solid, reliable choice. They're ceramic, so they’re quieter and produce less dust than some cheaper metallic pads.

Honestly, even if you install them yourself (be careful!), I'd *strongly* suggest having a mechanic inspect your rotors and brake lines. Rotors can often be resurfaced for around $20-$30 each if they're not too worn, or replaced for $50-$75 a piece. A full brake failure in winter is *not* something you want to experience. I learned that the hard way years ago in a similar situation – a little more upfront saved me a *ton* of headache (and body work!) later.

If you're tackling this yourself, make sure you have the right tools and torque wrench and follow a reputable guide (like Haynes manual). Feel free to shoot more questions if you decide to DIY!

Hey! Brake squeal is definitely annoying, and I get the budget crunch completely. Everyone's suggesting ways to save on parts, but have you actually *checked* the pads and rotors yourself yet? Sometimes, that squeal isn't actually *worn* pads, but just glazed pads or a bit of rust buildup, especially with the Chicago weather.

Before you go buying anything, pull the wheels off (safely, of course! Use jack stands!) and take a close look. If the pads have decent thickness left (more than, say, 3/16 of an inch), you might be able to get away with just cleaning them up. I've had good luck with a wire brush on the pads and rotors to remove any glaze or rust. You can even lightly sand the pad surface with some coarse sandpaper (80-grit works well) to roughen it up. Be sure to wear a mask! Brake dust isn't something you want to be breathing in.

I did this on my daughter's old Toyota Corolla last fall. It had a horrible squeal, but the pads were still about 50% good. Took me about an hour, and the squeal was gone! Saved me at least $50 right there. Then, reassemble everything with some brake quiet on the back of the pads (that stuff is cheap – like $5 at any auto parts store) to dampen vibrations.

If, after inspecting, you *do* need new pads, I'd suggest looking at PowerStop. You can usually find their ceramic pads for under $40 a set on RockAuto. They're not top-of-the-line, but they work well for a daily driver and have been reliable for me in similar winter conditions. I run them on my wife's CR-V. No complaints so far. Just make sure you get the correct part number for your 2012 Civic – check RockAuto or your local auto parts store's website. Good luck, and let us know how it goes!

Hey! I hear you on the squealing brakes and the Bali pads. Honestly, I haven't seen many people running Bali brakes specifically, so promo codes might be tough to find. Instead of focusing solely on Bali, let's look at some other solid options in that price range, especially considering Chicago winters.

Over the years, I've tried many different brands, and for a Civic in your situation, I'd suggest looking at either the PowerStop Z17 Evolution Ceramic pads or the Akebono ProACT pads. The PowerStop Z17s (part number 17-876) are usually around $50-$60 for the front set and offer good stopping power with low dust, which is a HUGE plus in the winter when you're not washing your car as often. Akebono ProACTs (part number ACT905A) are another great choice; I've used them on several Hondas. They're known for being super quiet and smooth, and they usually run about $60-$75.

Now, here's the thing: I did a brake job on my buddy's Acura a few months back, and we went with the PowerStops. The install itself is pretty straightforward – took us about 2 hours with basic hand tools. I'd recommend watching a couple more YouTube videos specifically for your 2012 Civic, paying close attention to the torque specs for the caliper bolts. Don't skip that part! You can usually find those specs online or in a repair manual.

One thing to consider is whether you need new rotors too. If they're heavily scored or below the minimum thickness (check your manual), you'll need to replace them. That'll add to your budget, but it's crucial for safety. RockAuto.com is your friend for finding good deals on both pads and rotors. They usually have pretty quick shipping too.

Good luck with the brake job! Feel free to ask if you have any more questions along the way. I'm happy to share any tips I've picked up.