Break job cost question $$$

[legmaker72]

Ok, sorry that this is not an "LX" question, but I had to take my wifes car into the dealership to get the breaks looked at. (96 Saturn SL). They told me that the front pads need to be replaced and the rotors re-machined, but also the back break seal was shot and the shoes and seals needed to be done on both sides as well. The cost is ~$550 for the front break pads with rotors machined and both rear breaks fixed. Just wondering if any guys had an opinion on this cost. If they cannot machine the front rotors, it will be another $200+.
Thanks guys...

[NC-SXT]

WOW. Look around. Saturn is not anything special. Look for a shop like MIDAS or Pep Boys or something like that. Even some good local garage can do. That seems to be way outa range. BTW call auto zone or any parts store and they can tell you the cost of the rotor and you can judge from that.

[legmaker72]

We went with Saturn because around here, they are one of the only shops open on the weekend. Small town I guess. Plus, since we are moving soon, if we go somewhere else in another city/state in 6 months and there is a problem, then we can take it to the local Saturn there and it will be covered. We thought about a local guy, but decided that Saturn was safer. So you think that sounds way too high for parts and labor? I looked online for parts, and they are not too expensive, but I couldn't find anything about the seals etc...

[SDMagnumRT]

Front brake pads should be $50ish and machining the rotors isn't more than $20 labor at a local machine shop....if they replace the rotors they will probably run $80-$100 a piece but you can almost always machine them unless they are warped

[quarky42]

I replaced the $250(part cost only) oil pan on my Honda Civic with the exact same part# NEW OEM pan for $86 including shipping when I found http://www.rockauto.com

Checker, Autozone, Dealers, and everyone else in two cities were telling me my oil pan costed $250 to get a new one. I laughed at them and told them to eat sh!! and die.

When you get local prices, check them against rockauto.com (and make sure you add the item to your shopping cart so you can put in your zip code to factor in the cost of shipping... don't just look at the part cost)

They were really friendly and helpful to when I called them on the phone. They even took back a part that I ordered for a 100% refund even though it was my fault that I ordered the wrong one *innocent and dumbfounded look*.

I just had a local shop replace the timing belt in my 98 Honda Civic HX. I bought the parts from rockauto.com for $65 and the labor from a local mechanic was $220ish. Not bad for a timing belt change.

[Hemi31]

Even having to do the seal your looking at a 2hr job.Most shops I know of get $60-$70 an hour labor.so that means they are overcharging the parts to pocket the profit.I agree with NC-SXT,find a Midas,that way when you move it will still be covered at another Midas.The Saturn dealer is a thief.

[legmaker72]

Thanks guys...Well it's done and I'm $560 bucks poorer. $355 of it was in labor. Ouch! I'm in the wrong business. I can't wait unitl we buy a house with a garage! Well, it sucks needing to have the car fixed right away and it being the weekend.
The motor mount on her car is worn and her engine vibrates the hell out of her car. The part is cheap, but the tech said you had to take the tension off the mount to replace it. How can this be done safely at home? I would like to try and replace it myself. Thanks guys.

[NC-SXT]

If you are going to start working on the Saturn, then get a Chilton's manual. Most repairs are step by step with photos. The motor mount should be pretty easy. Taking the tension off could be as simple as using a floor jack on the motor. Not sure about the Saturn. Not so sure about what you said about the work done by one dealer being honored by another. Warranty issues maybe but not after warranty repairs.

[l1tech]

Thanks guys...Well it's done and I'm $560 bucks poorer. $355 of it was in labor. Ouch! I'm in the wrong business.

I am in the business and trust me, after all the bills are paid and the person who did the job is paid there isn't much left.. I should have become a doctor, at least then I can bury my mistakes. Too many people don't appreciate the amount of money that it takes to properly operate an automotive repair facility or the amount of skill that it requires to fix todays cars..don't get me started.

[Hemi31]

Thanks guys...Well it's done and I'm $560 bucks poorer. $355 of it was in labor. Ouch! I'm in the wrong business. I can't wait unitl we buy a house with a garage! Well, it sucks needing to have the car fixed right away and it being the weekend.
The motor mount on her car is worn and her engine vibrates the hell out of her car. The part is cheap, but the tech said you had to take the tension off the mount to replace it. How can this be done safely at home? I would like to try and replace it myself. Thanks guys.Put a floor jack under the oil pan,use a piece of wood between the jack and pan so you don't damage it.Just put enough tension on to support the motor andstop.you can now safely change the mount.

[legmaker72]

l1tech,
Please don't take my comment as an insult on the profession...what I really mean by what I said is that most of the cost was in labor, and I really wish I could have done the work myself and saved myself some cash. I envy you guys and your abilities and that is why I want to learn as much as possible on how to work on my own cars. It must be a guy thing...to take pride in your work on your own hobby. That's why we are all here.

I am in the business and trust me, after all the bills are paid and the person who did the job is paid there isn't much left.. I should have become a doctor, at least then I can bury my mistakes. Too many people don't appreciate the amount of money that it takes to properly operate an automotive repair facility or the amount of skill that it requires to fix todays cars..don't get me started.

[l1tech]

Don't sweat it..were cool:beerchug:

[XCITsNU]

I'll tell you my story on our Navigator. I took it to the Dealer and the did an inspection and told me it needed about $1,400 to do the front, the rears, Brake Pads, Calipers, and Rotors. I told them they were crazy. I did the work myself, but it took about 5 hours, becuase the Rotors had fused themselves to the hub. Got it all taken care of though and only spent about $380 in parts. The fronts wore out fairly quick. In about a year and a half. Took the Navigator to the local Pepboys for everything but the Calipers; had the Rotors and Brakes replaced for $210. I will never replace Rotors again by myself. Pepboys is my shop, even if I have to bring in the Rotors myself.