8 replies to this topic

[Sturphy]

I believe I was almost robbed today.

They wanted $729 to replace both front and rear rotors and drums on a 2003 Altima.  Oh, and brake fluid... that must have been the deal breaker.  



Does this sound right at all?

[buddahj]

In a retail environment, maybe just a little depending on the shop you went to.

Edited by buddahj, 01 May 2012 - 07:19 AM.

[stevegrab]

Couldn't hurt to get another estimate. If this was a dealer, I'd try somewhere like Midas (the one by me has done good work in the past at a more fair price) or an independent shop. A lot depends on the prevailing labor rates in your area, I'd expect the parts are probably $400 or more.

Its hard to find anybody reputable these days, and I've heard stories of some shops (a local motorcycle dealer) actually charging people for work that wasn't even done (which is fraud and a far cry from just overcharging).

[MrTed46]

I paid $375 to replace my rear brakes at the dealer. I'll never go back there.

I think you can find much cheaper, but it isn't out of the realm of possibility that's what they charge people.

[whoopazz]

I had rotors replaced at a cheap place and they warped in less than a year. He replaced them again free of charge and - yep, they warped again. So I took it to a reputable place - NOT a dealership - but a guy that does good work and uses OEM parts. Cost a little more but problem solved. You get what you pay for with car parts.

[MrTed46]

For what it's worth, I always try to use OEM

[paulzale]

Make sure you get a lifetime warranty on the parts, they tend to be better quality then. Went to www.rockauto.com and priced out the parts (used parts that were themost $$)

Pads Front and Rear $30/set = $60
Rotors Front $50/rotor = $100
Rotors Rear $60/rotor = $120
Total Parts = $280 (could go cheaper)

Labor I would guess 2 hours tops at $100/hr = $200

So, I think a fair price is around $500.  Not sure about changing the fluid and time that takes, but no way that is another $200+ Also, make sure whoever does the work does not over torque the wheels as this is a leading cause of rotor warping.

[tbimm]

paulzale, on 01 May 2012 - 12:54 PM, said:

Make sure you get a lifetime warranty on the parts, they tend to be better quality then. Went to www.rockauto.com and priced out the parts (used parts that were themost $$)

Pads Front and Rear $30/set = $60
Rotors Front $50/rotor = $100
Rotors Rear $60/rotor = $120
Total Parts = $280 (could go cheaper)

Labor I would guess 2 hours tops at $100/hr = $200

So, I think a fair price is around $500.  Not sure about changing the fluid and time that takes, but no way that is another $200+ Also, make sure whoever does the work does not over torque the wheels as this is a leading cause of rotor warping.

Here is where it gets tricky. Parts mark up!
You can buy your own parts and find a shop willing to install them for you. The thing is you will be guaranteeing said parts. Shops use the parts mark up to cover overhead. It is just a part of the business. The percentage of mark up can vary greatly. A fair mark up is 30 to 40%. I know for a fact that some shops will go with straight list price which can be upwards of 100% mark up from cost.

I just did a quick complete estimate on that job. At our shop it would have cost you 594.35 out the door at a 30%mark up on parts.

My boss does not stick with 30% so honestly you would have been right about where you are at dealing with him.

[Sturphy]

Thanks y'all.  I feel better... and worse at the same time.