The best most handy chap you will ever find is the good local mechanic, when you find him look after him, buy him a bag of sweets or a pack of beers now and again when he's looked after you particularly well, he will save you £housands over the years.

This is the ideal time to find that elusive chap, ask around people who's opinion you value for recommendations.

Its possible that Halfords have included bleeding the system in the price, unless thats been done in the last three years, and from the immediate nature of the condition of the brakes thats doubtful, then its probably a good time to do this too, allow say £30 whilst its all jacked up with wheels off.

Also it isn't just the case of throwing new discs and pads on, a good mechanic will spend some time giving the system a good going over, clean and lubricate as required, probably clean up the brake pies and give 'em a wipe of grease too whilst down there.

By the way, are they discs all round an a Ka, i'd have thought the rears would be drums.

I fully agree with those who say find an indie! However, if there isn't one, I reccomend looking for a small franchised Ford dealer; they know what they are doing and don't charge main dealer prices. Last year I took my Ka into a main dealer for a minor electrical repair. When I picked it up I was told the had given it a free "Safety Check" and that I needed £600 worth work done, parts were in stock and they had booked in for the next day! I took it to my small local dealer who put it on a ramp and said there was nothing needed to be done that couldn't wait until the next service in 6 month's time!!!!