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07-18-2024, 08:55 PM | #16 |
Politically Incorrect
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: Scottsdale, AZ
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It's becoming so difficult to get anyone to do blue collar work that those good tradesmen are jacking up prices like crazy.
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Posts: 51,288
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07-18-2024, 11:15 PM | #17 |
Veteran
Join Date: Sep 2017
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Always DIY
I maintain about 6 cars. Brakes I always do, and I always replace rotors every two pad replacements. Shops will often grind the disk to allow the pads to better seat, but I've never found that necessary. Replacing both prevents parts getting frozen from rust. If you have a good jack, an impact wrench and some basic tools, it is a quick job. With the new electronic parking brakes, you might have to buy a program to retract the electronic brake (usually can be done manually too), but more importantly to reset the brake warning light. Easy job.
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Posts: 1,080
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Yesterday, 07:57 AM | #18 |
Supporter
Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: Jan Quadrant Vincent 16
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I will do basic repairs/maintenance like brakes and oil changes.
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Posts: 41,583
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Yesterday, 07:59 AM | #19 |
Supporter
Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: Jan Quadrant Vincent 16
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Posts: 41,583
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Yesterday, 08:01 AM | #20 |
Supporter
Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: Jan Quadrant Vincent 16
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Yeah, I learned that years ago. When most vehicles started going to these alloy rims, that started becoming a regular problem. I think there is some kind of grease or compound that you can put on the back of the rim where it presses against the hub in order to prevent it trying to fuse together like that.
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Posts: 41,583
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Yesterday, 08:41 AM | #21 |
Veteran
Join Date: Oct 2013
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Just replaced both rear brake pads and one rotor on the back of my F150. Paid $265 including labor.
Brakes seem to be one of the jobs I see the craziest range of prices quoted. If you're in the KC area, I'm happy to share my place. |
Posts: 1,220
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Yesterday, 08:54 AM | #22 |
On Hiatus
Join Date: Aug 2000
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Posts: 11,466
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Yesterday, 10:52 AM | #23 |
Hey Loochy, I'm hooome!
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: PooPooKaKaPeePeeShire
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I do almost all of my basic car maintenance and repair...fluid replacements, brake changes, etc. Most of it is really easy and fast. I don't want to pay a 5x markup for someone else to do it when I could already have it done and finished by the time or would have taken me to drive to a mechanic.
And speaking of brakes, I'm switching out the stock semi-metallic pads on my M8 for some ceramic ones. I can't take this insane brake dust. |
Posts: 40,917
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Yesterday, 02:06 PM | #24 |
MVP
Join Date: Aug 2005
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$1800!?! That's robbery.
I always do my own oil, brakes...and most anything that bolts onto the engine like alternator, starter, etc. I did have a stuck rotor last time and a mechanic friend told me, "don't be afraid to give it couple good whacks." That thing was stuck. |
Posts: 14,550
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Yesterday, 02:13 PM | #25 | |
Veteran
Join Date: Nov 2016
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Quote:
I looked at the estimate and then went to the Napa site to see what the real price was, the shop was jacking up the prices another 50% and I'm confident that shops get better deals than consumers on parts. So far, only one caliper had a bad guide pin and no leaks. Disc brakes are so much easier than the old drum brakes with the adjusters, springs, cable, shoe holders and pins. I appreciate the replies, I've always worked on my own cars from when I was in high school and couldn't afford to take my old car to the shop. Now, I'm just astounded at what it costs to repair a vehicle. |
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Posts: 4,456
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Yesterday, 02:59 PM | #26 |
Fish are scared of me
Join Date: Nov 2001
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I've stated this many times over the years but, mixing a little sugar into a gallon of water and pouring it into the gas tank will solve most problems.
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Posts: 40,546
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Yesterday, 04:04 PM | #27 |
Veteran
Join Date: Feb 2015
Location: He/Him
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$1800 for front and rear brakes is ludicrous. That's just flat out dishonesty.
I do my own, but the mechanic I use for other stuff would charge about $800 for front and rear brakes. |
Posts: 2,229
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Yesterday, 09:56 PM | #28 |
'Stachecicle
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: The Tolerance Box
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With the advent of YouTube, it’s easy to pull up a step by step video of most repairs by make and model before I decide if it worth the time and effort to do it myself or take it to the shop.
Most recently I replaced the rear brake light on Trndogilrl’s MDX. $60 part and 20 minutes. Previously replaced the Rear drive shaft that was $200 and about 1.5 hours, same with serpentine belt that took less than an hour. Rear brake pads were $40. All together probably save $2500. Aire tools are a must. Problably save $3k. Anything electrical and oil changes goes to the shop. |
Posts: 7,097
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