Brake job cost?

[DrummerCT]

I'm getting near to the point of needing some brake work on my '05 Vibe. The dealer quoted me $280 to do the front (complete), $280 for the rear (complete), which does not cover cost of new rotors (if needed). Cost of new rotors was estimated at between $100 and $150 each. These quotes include routine parts, I believe. This all seems kinda high.What has been your experience with such? Is the dealer charging a premium price? Thanks!

[keithvibe]

you can do a complete brake job yourself including rotors for about 200bucks **depending on the type of brake pad and rotor you buy**

[DrummerCT]

Thanks. That gives me a better cost context. I'm not geared up, though, for DIY mode. There seems to be a huge markup for this kind of repair. What would be the typical pricing for an independent mechanic for this work? i.e., Cost of work (w/o rotors), and what the rotors might add to the price.

[NibCrom]

So...$560 for the front and backs and you don't even get new rotors? Personally, I would do it myself and save like $400. $280 for front and back with new rotors would be reasonable from a stealer.

[hambox]

Go to a few different shops and get quotes. Costs vary GREATLY it seems. If they are charging you almost 600 w/o the cost of parts, they must be buying you dinner right?

[DrummerCT]

IT's almost $600 with parts (would include turning the rotors but not replacing the rotors). No dinner included, but price does include indigestion.I'm starting to get a confirmed sense the dealer cost is overmuch. Anyone reading this had brake repairs done by an independent mechanic? What was the cost?

[engineertwin2]

Can't speak to your part of the country...why don't you just google some shops and give them a call?I see a Midas for you, The Brake Shop, Meineke, Muffler and Brake Shop, Anderson Tire and Brakes, etc...

[nygiantzz1]

Most independent shops have slightly lower rates but not enough to make a huge difference. You may save $100 or so in labor. Brake work has always been grossly overpriced in my opinion. If you don't feel comfortable doing the work yourself I would suggest finding an honest mechanic and paying for the labor or finding a friend who can do it for you. Your actual cost for pads, shoes, springs, turning the rotors and drums should be around $150 without labor. Do you have any mechanically inclined friends?

[DrummerCT]

The dealer indicated it would take 2+ hours for front and same for rear - does this seem correct? (I think actual # was in range of 2.25 hrs per)In any event, I'm going to want to go with a pro mechanic to do this (none of my friends are much into working on cars).

[NibCrom]

2 hours for the front and 2 hours for the rear? It will take no where near that long to do. Unless turning the rotors is some sort of huge ordeal. Sounds like a big rip off. I'm not that good at working on cars, but I do my own brakes to save money. They could probably do the entire car in about an hour.

[RIT]

If i lived closer, I'd do it for about $50 labor. And parts would cheap also. i doubt if you need rotor, also. It's really not that big of a deal.

[DrummerCT]

Well, this is all very helpful. I think the dealer is overpriced, to put it kindly. I now have a sense of what the range of cost ought to be.

[Sublimewind]

WOW man, talk about getting bent over the counter... Dude, do the work yourself... It can't get much easier than this... http://forums.genvibe.com/zerothread?id=30457As far as the rear brakes, drums require VERY little mantainence, a good blow from an air compressor and some brake grease on an "acid" brush (little silver/chrome stiff bristle brushes, usually found in the plumbing isle of a home depot, used for flux) and get some on the shoes resting points and you're golden... My 03' just did another full brake job, no pads/shoes again this time, including turning the rotors and drums and it was a BREEZE, the shoes for the drums almost NEVER need replacing... It's got 50k on it and nothing has been replaced yet...

[scott_h]

Quote, originally posted by DrummerCT »The dealer indicated it would take 2+ hours for front and same for rear - does this seem correct? (I think actual # was in range of 2.25 hrs per)There is no way in #$%! it would take a dealer 2 hours to do those front brakes. I think we spent 90 minutes tops (probably less) changing both pads and rotors in my garage, and we probably spent 15 of that trying to get the old rotors off. I had my father-in-law helping because I hadn't touched brakes in many years, which probably slowed us down a bit too. I think I spent around $250 for parts which would blow away what a shop would have put on.

[northvibe]

My brakes after like 50k miles were still fine..but I did the fronts anyway. I think I spent maybe $150 on all the parts, I didnt get "performance" ones just oem spec parts. with a DIY guide you can do it, otherwise go see what a nondealer mechanic will charge you or a brake shop to compare pricing.