Need answers ASAP - Brake pad replacement
- Thread starter FoxNJ
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can't answer exactly but last time goodyear suggested new pads to me they indicated when you do new pads, you should do new rotors too, because as they wear down together grooves are created, and a fresh pad on the old groove pattern would not work as well. i believe you would have to resurface the rotors if not replacing.
they quoted me over $650, so i went and did it myself for a couple hundred in parts (well i actually only did the front, so maybe it would have been over $300 all around, i can't remember)
Check the itemized list of work to be done and ask their labor rate per hour of work. I believe there is a set standard of time allotted for each job. For example, an oil change is alloted the same time at a dealer in CA, NM, TX, NY etc. labor times are standardized but rates will vary. $85/hr is probably where you want to be, no harm is pushing for that.
I agree with the [MENTION=51046]theliman[/MENTION], if your rotors are within the allowed thickness, have them resurfaced and be sure to bed your new pads properly.
I agree with the [MENTION=51046]theliman[/MENTION], if your rotors are within the allowed thickness, have them resurfaced and be sure to bed your new pads properly.
hearno
Senior Member
It shouldn't be more than an hour of labor for each axle. So, 2 hours of labor plus $150 in parts. If it is, drive east and I'll do it for you for half their price.
cloh09
New member
Fred Beans will get you if you're going into Flemington. Pads are very easy to replace. It shouldn't take them too long. When I go there (few and far between), I stay until the job is done so I can time them. Then I tell them how long it took and to charge me accordingly. If you drop it off, you cannot fight them on the time it took. It's not 100%, but you can shave some $$ off this way.
Wow!....just wow.
Most shops are flat rate. That is how tech's make their money. If your shop is flat rate then a service book will tell them how many hours to charge you, if it takes half the time the book indicated or twice the amount of time they should charge you the same.
If you need to discuss the amount of time, to adjust the final cost, shop around, ask if they have any monthly specials (or check their website), or do the work yourself. Most shops will take off 10% if you politely ask them 'Do you have any specials this month?' and the bill is >$200-300.
EDIT: Also many shops, but not all of them, have two rates. The usual shop rate $90-140/hr depending on where you live, as well as lower brake job rate. My experience has been a brake job rate is ~25% less than than the usual shop rate (if they have one). Calling around ahead of time, or emailing the service department and asking will do wonders vs. negotiating after the work has been completed.
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ddnww
New member
if you're going to a dealership, you're getting taken for A ride .
cloh09
New member
Sheesh.
eep: Haha I've only really done that once. It was to replace a speed sensor. They said it was a 2 hour job and it was done in 45. I argued about it being a bit much and they lowered it down to an hour and a half. Still double the time it actually took. I do most things myself, and I do save a bunch. DIY front pads and rotors for under 200.Sheesh.
I agree with your sentiments, the rates they charge are too high. Mechanics aren't making over $100 an hour, but the shop rate covers overhead. That's fine, every business has overhead. But then they also inflate the amount of time by listing "book times". And they charge markup on the parts.
An oil change is $25, but a transmission fluid change (in a car with a dipstick and non-complicated transmission) is over $100. It's the same work, but they know they can't get away with charging $100 for an oil change. They shouldn't be able to charge excessive rates for other service, either.
As a rule, I won't have any work done at a dealership (or even an independent shop) unless absolutely necessary. It's cheaper for me to buy the tools I need to do a job than to pay to have it done.
That's cheap...Dealers around here charge about $170/hr. The independents charge around $100.
I too am NOT a fan of having the dealer do this job. And good independent can do this for half the price...and the job will be as good or even better then tthe dealer.
Or do it yourself...It's a fairly easy job.
boondoggle
Member
If you pay over $20 in labor to have the brakes done you'll be kicking yourself once you see how easy it is.
Just get some good Wagner's and slap em on in about 15 minutes. I used to be a big believer of turning or replacing rotors but the last couple of times I have not so my personal opinion on that necessity has changed. It doesn't hurt to change your rotors but I feel like it's a waste of money now.
And I live in Colorado. Go up and down the mountains in all kinds of weather. No shimmy, no issues.
Seriously, it's a super quick easy job. It takes longer to take the wheels off then it does to change the pads.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wchzwcqclC0
$33 brake pads.
http://www.amazon.com/Wagner-Thermo...--1-1--116-1-0&sr=1-1&ymm=2004:toyota:4runner
Or spend $600 and let them replace your pads and rotors. Up to you.
Just get some good Wagner's and slap em on in about 15 minutes. I used to be a big believer of turning or replacing rotors but the last couple of times I have not so my personal opinion on that necessity has changed. It doesn't hurt to change your rotors but I feel like it's a waste of money now.
And I live in Colorado. Go up and down the mountains in all kinds of weather. No shimmy, no issues.
Seriously, it's a super quick easy job. It takes longer to take the wheels off then it does to change the pads.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wchzwcqclC0
$33 brake pads.
http://www.amazon.com/Wagner-Thermo...--1-1--116-1-0&sr=1-1&ymm=2004:toyota:4runner
Or spend $600 and let them replace your pads and rotors. Up to you.
