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Where Do You Go For A Brake Job?
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06-01-2009, 03:07 PM
My dealership just quoted me $240 for a front brake job on my Honda van. This seems high, but we use this vehicle for long trips, and I want to make sure the job is done right and lasts a long time. I don't have a good feeling about the low price chains, but wonder if they would be OK. What do you do for brakes?
06-01-2009, 03:16 PM
Depends on what needs to be done, but that sounds close. I had new pads, line flush and rotor grinding/refinsishing for about that much this weekend. Sheesh.
All that and four new tires after one went flat. The other tires were getting really old, but I was holding out as long as possible. Well, we discovered that the sidewalls had dry rot on all 4 old tires. That sealed it for me. Michelin Harmony tires. Really nice riding tires... Not so nice for the pocket book. Again, sheesh.
06-01-2009, 03:17 PM
If you had a local trusted mechanic, that would be a great place to go for this. But brakes aren't a good place to start with someone you don't know. And those "low price" chains won't be so low priced after they add all the goodies on - like turning the rotors, repacking or replacing the wheel bearings and using parts that aren't bargain basement crap. Sometimes the dealer is a good deal after all.
06-01-2009, 03:18 PM
I take my mechanic's advice unquestioningly.
On occasion, he'll send me elsewhere for work. For example, he doesn't do transmissions and I needed a rebuild last summer. Went where he recommended, used his name, and got the job and warranty for a very reasonable price. The same goes for brakes, though my guy does this. I've also known this shop for over 35 years - family owned and operated, a little high sometimes, but I also get a loaner vehicle for the day/downtime gratis, and he'll come 30 miles north to tow me w/o charge if necessary. My last front brake job was about $200. My recommendation is to find a mechanic who's work you trust and stick w/ him/her. Dealership's make me nervous. 99 Ranger 6 cyl YMMV
06-01-2009, 03:25 PM
I go to my local Meineke shop for brakes and exhaust work. The franchise owners here do good work and have been in business for over 20 years. But I understand YMMV in other locations. Used to use another mechanic on my way to work for other jobs, but one of the partners in the Meineke shop got a chance to buy a shop near theirs and opened it to do other types of auto repairs. So I go to him for the rest now.
06-01-2009, 03:26 PM
Ammo,
From my experience, it's tough to gauge the cost of a brake job. It is very much dependent on several factors, i.e. the type of pads, resurface vs replacement of rotors, etc. Did the dealership give you a written quote that tallies exactly what they are including as a part of the job? I know people who have had excellent luck with the local Meineke as well as their local mechanic. Some of the chains will give you a choice of pads. Some only use X or Y pad. Same goes for the local mechanic. Other friends go to a dealer and only a dealer for all of the work including brake jobs. There are members of the forum who are definitely more versed in car repair stuff than me and I'm hoping they chime in with their expertise. Robert
06-01-2009, 03:53 PM
$240 sounds like a fairly good deal from a Honda dealer, especially if it includes new rotors and not turning the old ones. Resurfacing rotors is fine, they are designed that way, so don't let anyone sell you rotors for no reason. All brake rotors have a minimum thickness, ask for that spec or find it yourself and then ask what the rotors measure now. Usually you can knock off .030in or so and have a perfect surface again.
Of course when its time for new pads on my motorcycle I just go at the (stainless steel) rotors with some 80 or 100 grit paper and have done with it! Good luck and stay away from the big chains! Support you locally owned shop, at least if you get ripped off more of the money stays in your community. |
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