750$ to replace front brakes?

[yoMAMA]

Hey everyone:

I need help ASAP!

Today I took my car (1996 Toyota Corolla) to the local tire plus to do the routine engine oil change, no big deal.

however, my car's brake systems (already replaced 3 years ago at Costco) has also being acting weirdly, with it having a weird, squelching noise whenever I use the brakes (however it has no problem of stopping).

So I asked the tire plus guys to check it out, they said that basically the front brake has been worn out, and when they said it would cost me -750$!

Is that normal pricing for changing brakes, or are they trying to price gauge me?

Here’s the invoice list: (because they don’t have the parts today, they are ordering them), and they said that Toyota parts/labor will be even more expensive if I take it to the dealer.


Basic front brakes (job) $100 (labor)

Both front Brake rotors - $42.99 (parts)

Both front calipers-$118.09 (parts)

Remove & replace both calipers -$126, labor

MSIC brake hoses front brake hoses (2 of them) $42.87

Brake flush: $49 labor, $20.99 fluid

Add Tax and shop supply fees

Total: 748.27$



Is it real or scam?

Thanks a lot!

[Craig]

Sounds like they are trying to rip you off ...

[yoMAMA]

Originally Posted by Craig

Sounds like they are trying to rip you off ...

thats how i feel too.

but brakes are important and I know there's something wrong with them.

[Craig]

Originally Posted by yoMAMA

thats how i feel too.

but brakes are important and I know there's something wrong with them.

If you can't trust them to make a reasonable price quote, then how can you trust them to do a good job taking care of the brakes ?

[yoMAMA]

Originally Posted by Craig

If you can't trust them to make a reasonable price quote, then how can you trust them to do a good job taking care of the brakes ?

well I assume they will do a good job, since they are a national chain.

but to be honest there's no way to know for sure.

I may take it to a Toyota dealer (or another repair shop) to see how much they would charge me for those services.

[jimbo]

Definately take it to at least one other garage and get a second opinion.
Don't even mention the fact that you got a quote elsewhere and what price they quoted you.

[yoMAMA]

Originally Posted by jimbo

Definately take it to at least one other garage and get a second opinion.
Don't even mention the fact that you got a quote elsewhere and what price they quoted you.

cool.

yeah.

i'll do that.

[537]

Originally Posted by yoMAMA

Basic front brakes (job) $100 (labor)

Both front Brake rotors - $42.99 (parts)

Both front calipers-$118.09 (parts)

Remove & replace both calipers -$126, labor

MSIC brake hoses front brake hoses (2 of them) $42.87

Brake flush: $49 labor, $20.99 fluid

Add Tax and shop supply fees

Total: 748.27$



Is it real or scam?

Thanks a lot!

Why are they replacing your brake calipers and rotors? Were they somehow damaged?

What does the 'squelching' noise sound like? Is it more of a high pitched squealing? When you apply brake pedal pressure, are you getting any pronounced vibration? If it is just high pitched squealing, I would assume you are in need of brake pad replacement & rotor resurfacing (sandblasting) only. That should not cost a lot at all.

However, if you truly are in need of replacement calipers and rotors, this price is reasonable.

Hope this helps.

[Arex]

When you go in for a second opinion, just ask them to diagnose the squeal. Don't ask them if they think you need any specific repairs, 'cause the answer to that will almost always be yes if they think you'll pay for it.

[Boy_Hong]

I agree, they shouldn't be replacing your brake calipers or rotors. They should machine your rotors before replacing them. I didn't pay anymore than $450CDN for machining of rotors, and new higher quality brake pads (a step up from stock brake pads)

[AltimaGTR]

You can't trust them just cuz they're a national chain...have we already forgotten about the Sears Auto fiasco linkie here?
These stores were notorious for getting you to pay for more than you needed to.

[yoMAMA]

i know!

[yoMAMA]

I went to a repair shop owned by a chinese guy.

he fixed it for 200$, and told me that he repaired my caliper (but it didnt need to be replaced).

and he replaced my rotors.

drives beautifully now

:)

(although he didnt change the brake fluids....so i may have to make another trip to my toyota dealer...got a coupon).

and.....

FUCK tire plus.

[AltimaGTR]

Originally Posted by yoMAMA

I went to a repair shop owned by a chinese guy.

he fixed it for 200$, and told me that he repaired my caliper (but it didnt need to be replaced).

and he replaced my rotors.

drives beautifully now

:)

(although he didnt change the brake fluids....so i may have to make another trip to my toyota dealer...got a coupon).

and.....

FUCK tire plus.

I love good endings to these stories :)

[yoMAMA]

Originally Posted by AltimaGTR

I love good endings to these stories :)

thanks dude!

:)