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#1
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Cost of replacing brakes (labor only)
Well I have finally collected everything to fully replace (and slightly upgrade) my 10 year old braking system.
4 new rotors (Raceconcepts slotted/dimple drilled) 4 ceramic pads 4 rebuilt calipers (rebuilt and powdercoated by Doug) 4 stainless steel hoses I called my trusted independent Subaru only shop (4 senior master techs who were all around when the SVX is new - probably more SVX experience then is left at any of the dealers around here, and allegedly slightly cheaper than dealer). He quoted me $420 for the labor to install the goods. I'm a little nervous of taking the SVX to another place to do the job, but I'm thinking there may be some big price drops. Anyone else out there had this much work done and know the labor price? Any of the mechanics out there have an idea what the fair labor charge should be? Keep in mind I already have ALL the parts (except fluid I guess), there is no rotor resurfacing or anything involved, this is just taking the old off and putting the new on. I had considered doing this job myself, but was still a little nervous about messing with brakes. And it's my daily driver I can't afford to do something wrong and have it stuck on blocks for days on end. Considering this price quote though I may still do that.
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Troy 1992 SVX LSL "Serenity" 250,000 miles! I don't care, I'm still free, You can't take the sky from me... |
#2
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This is the way many shops get around the customers that bring their own parts. They just figure the regular 'book' labor and add the parts margin. Either that or just double the labor rate. Which would you prefer hearing? No matter what, they need to charge $x.xx per job in order to keep the doors open.
We avoid the entire issue by refusing customer supplied parts. Besides, we warranty our work for 12/12,000 - who wants to argue with somone if the failure was due to their cheap-ass parts or the labor performed. (Most everyone around here that brings their own parts just bought them at Autozone. Who in hades decided that the guys behind the counter there have the least little bit of diagnostic ability? If they did, don't you suppose they'd have a job in a real garage, making a decent wage??? Another question that comes readily to mind is doesn't anyone stop to wonder why their parts are cheaper than other suppliers? Duh! Sorry, I'm not implying that your parts came from there, it's just that this is a HUGE sore spot with me.) Plus I haven't even mentioned the PITA it is when you disable a car on the rack and find out the wrong parts were ordered/shipped/etc. Now you have a rack tied up for $0. I don't know about you, but I hate the taste of $0 food at my dinner table...
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ASE Certified Master Automotive Technician w/L1. ASE Certified Master Medium/Heavy Truck Technician. Certified EVT (Emergency Vehicle Technician) |
#3
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Troy, may I suggest a road trip to MI
You bring your parts and a 12 pack, no make it a case of beer (my choice ) and we'll do your brakes. Hell, I might even get Wendy to cook us something!
Todd
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Down to none |
#4
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Todd - that sounds like fun. I'll check my calendar and get back to you!
Beav - I totally understand where you are coming from, I hadn't really considered the issue from the "other side of the fence". I'm sure some of these factors are affecting their price estimate to me. Not that I like it, but I understand.
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Troy 1992 SVX LSL "Serenity" 250,000 miles! I don't care, I'm still free, You can't take the sky from me... |
#5
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Troy
In the next week or so, Dan and I are going to do the brakes, rotors and ss lines as well as the CV joints on our cars. We could maybe do yours after we get done. We will be practiced up by then. Or, we could do yours first - oh, never mind. LOL I don't know if you are in a real rush or not. I can discuss this with you a little more if you are interested.
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. Earl .... ... .... ><SVX(*> Subaru Ambassador [COLOR=”silver”]1992 Tri Color L[/COLOR] ~45K (06/91) #2430 1992 Dark Teal LS-L ~184K (05/91) #0739 1992 Claret LS-L ~196K (05/91) #0831 1992 Pearl LS-L ~103K (06/91) #1680 1992 Pearl LS-L ~151K (06/91) #2229 1992 Dark Teal LS ~150K (07/91) #3098 (parts car) 1992 White LS-L ~139K (08/92) #6913 1993 25th AE ~98K (02/93) #164 1993 25th AE ~58K (02/93) #176 1993 25th AE ~107K (02/93) #215 1993 25th AE ~162K (02/93) #223 1994 Laguna Blue Pearl LSi ~124K (1/94) #2408 1994 Laguna Blue Pearl LSi ~144K (10/93) #1484 1994 Laguna Blue Pearl LSi ~68K (10/93) #1525 1994 Barcelona Red LSi ~46K (02/94) #2624 1994 Pearl LSi ~41K (12/93) #1961 1995 Bordeaux Pearl LSi ~70K (02/95) #855 1996 Polo Green LSi ~95K (03/96) #872 1997 Bordeaux Pearl LSi ~55K (08/96) #097 2003 Brilliant Red LS1 Convertible ~29K (04/03) #8951 1999 Magnetic Red LS1 Coupe ~33K (04/99) #6420 My Email | Old Locker | New Locker | Picture of 15 of the 19 |
#6
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Yeah that sounds good Earl. I studied up on this a while back planning to do it myself but the biggest fear is just having never touched brakes before and only having one set of hands. I'll email ya....
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Troy 1992 SVX LSL "Serenity" 250,000 miles! I don't care, I'm still free, You can't take the sky from me... |
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