Any mechanics out there?

[topoon]

Ok so the brakes started seriously grinding today so I took it in to get looked at. Mechanic puts it up on the hoist, takes the wheels off and pulls apart the brakes. Says the backs are fine but i need both front brakes fixed.

Says i need 2 front brake pads, 2 front brake rotors, and 2 front brake calipers. The guy has given me an estimate of $700 plus tax, which includes labour. Says he can have it ready for me tomorrow by 5.

To the mechanics out there...does that sound like a reasonable price for the work? I'm going to call around in the morning to a few places and see if there's any better deals out there and maybe get it towed to another shop....any help is appreciated!

 

[hunter001]

What kind of car?

 

[topoon]

Nissan Sentra..2003,

 

[stang]

Sounds a bit high.
Get another quote if you can spend the time.

 

[topoon]

how high are we talking...like $100 bucks too high, or like $300 to high

 

[landscaper]

its not totally out of line for a higher end shop, i would not look to get it done for under 500.00 thats a lot of work and materials on that car

 

[KBear]

Odd that both front brake calipers failed at the same time?

I would be taking the car to another garage.

 

[topoon]

It's not really a high end shop..A1 auto service at Dundas and Ossington

 

[TRX]

I think it's resonable, just the parts alone you mention will cost approx. $500+ excluding tax. I based on where I ordered my parts which is much cheaper because it's ordered only online.

 

[doinker]

i know a place around weston and rogers and they charged me $300 for my van

 

[doinker]

pads $75 a pair rotors $30 - $50 each do not know the price of calipers

 

[Planner]

300 in parts.........max tell him to throw in a blow job

 

[topoon]

hey doinker..whats the name of the place?

 

[hairyfucker]

its on the high side and as kbear stated you probably do not need the exact same work done on both sides. normaly the pads and possibly a rotor or two but both calipers seems nothing but easy $$ for him.

i would get a second if you can. if you need to tow the car though you will not be saving much. you can drive a short distance on the grinding rotors and pads since they will be replaced anyway. the guy should put the car back together the way he got it but be careful.

 

[topoon]

if im a CAA member can't i get it towed to another shop? park it outside the first one and ask for it to be towed to the one i pick?

 

[hunter001]

if im a CAA member can't i get it towed to another shop? park it outside the first one and ask for it to be towed to the one i pick?

If you haven't already got it towed to this place you should be able to get it towed.

I guess it all comes down to what your time is worth. If they do a good job you will be happy with the results. (Brakes like new...)

 

[OnTheWayOut]

2nd opinion

I'd agree most likely just need pads and rotors. If only one side was grinding and the other side still had lots of pad left then MAYBE 1 caliper could be defective. If both sides are fairly close to the same wear rate the calipers are most likely fine.

I'd want a second opinion, this shop sounds like it might pay it's mechanics commission on the parts they sell.

 

[MYSITEONLY]

You don't need calipers, very unlikely, 20 years in the car business, and more than 10,000 cars under my belt. I have only changed may 30 sets in my career.

 

[OnTheWayOut]

if im a CAA member can't i get it towed to another shop? park it outside the first one and ask for it to be towed to the one i pick?

Depends if you're a "Plus" member. This would be best answered by CAA, call the number on your membership card, questions are answered for free for certain.

 

[stang]

how high are we talking...like $100 bucks too high, or like $300 to high

I'd say maybe a couple hundred high?