Hey Guys,

Hoping I can pick your brain. So Bertha has been sitting for awhile and I noticed that her brakes were quite squishy. The red brake light was on (along with the 3 amigos which has been on for years). I took her in for a quote and just received a gob smacking number of $2900. It includes new pads, rotors, and calipers, front and rear, along with the ABS system fixed and a brake pipe replaced (is looking rusty).

The breakdown is as follows:

• Front/Back rebuilt calipers, rotors and pads and front/back brake hoses: $1958.44
• New lug nuts on all tires $207.40
• Remove and Replace Rear Brake Pipes: $464.96
• Remove and replace the ABS pump: $366.31

The total is $2997.11

I've had brakes replaced before on the Rover and I don't recall it ever being this high? Granted, the calipers are being changed out. I also know that I can purchase lugnuts for $50 new on ebay but was told that it's a liability issue? Just curious what others are paying for brake jobs on their DIIs if not doing it themselves.

TIA,
Christina

 

I think you need a second opinion.

I never priced rebuilt calipers, so I cannot say if you are getting ripped off there or not. The lugnuts you certainly are: I bought brand new one from bearmach in the UK. They are $3.48 each. That's just under $70 plus shipping.
The Three Amigos is usually not caused by the ABS pump, but by the sensor at the wheel hub, it's a fairly easy fix.

Take your truck to a different shop, and I hate to suggest this, bring your SO or some other guy with you. Many shops see a woman and all they see are dollar signs. It's scummy, but it's a very true stereotype. If you lived closer to NJ, I would do it for a pizza if you supplied all the parts.

 

Obviously that shop doesn't really want to work on your truck.

Just looking at Lucky8 calipers cost around $450 for all 4... Rotors cost around $160 for all 4. Pads around $100 all 4. Hoses and lines around $100... So that leaves $1300 labor... Not a 13 hour job.

I have no idea what a rear brake pipe is.

You don't have to change the ABS pump to fix the 3 amigos. Can be done usually for under $20.

RUN from that shop!!

You can do most all of this brake stuff yourself, it really is easy. The bleeding is the only technical part which you could also do with a simple switch and a wire.

 

So parts-wise I think they are really over charging you for the brakes Atlantic British has a full set of pads/rotors/hardware for $250 (and that's the expensive one) and is selling calipers for $100 each and a brake hose kit for $170. So all together that's $820. It's honestly been a while since I've paid someone to do brakes on my car but it certainly doesn't seem like over $1000 in labor to get all that on, especially because you are putting on all new parts! Is there a place nearby where you can supply parts without "liability" issues? I've never had an indy shop have a problem with that (but I could see how a dealership would balk). Best of luck.

 

l


i agree your pricing of parts are dead on.
Guess what that shop is not going to sell parts at your cost. They will double or more
$70 for lug nuts plus shipping $200 sounds right

how do you think they will pay rent all the utilities and employees and make money ????

 

I was assuming the shop was not paying full retail for the parts... Probably 50% possibly 60%...

They pay the rent by generating repeat customers, not by gouging women and having them either not use you or never return if they do.

You see someone come in with a Rover and you treat them well, you have a very steady customer for years to come.

 

Thanks Guys... it's an indy shop and most places around here don't want a customer to supply parts. I thought it was pretty high but don't want to be known as el cheap-o, who has a problem with pricing every single time. I know that places are in business for a reason and they have to make money. I just thought this was slightly elevated. And thanks for saying if you were closer you'd do the work for a pizza and parts, Art H. That is really kind. I have a call in to a brake place in town where I buy my tires. I just figured if I went to an indy shop that works on Rovers I could keep going back to them and build a rapport. Unfortunately, all it seems I do is spin my wheels trying to find someone I trust that wants to actually work on Bertha. If I had more confidence in my abilities I'd be tearing her apart somewhere to get it done. I definitely have the time - no excuses there.

Was kind of in a pinch this week because the lady next door started complaining to the condo association about my Rover just sitting in one place. She didn't like looking at it every time she goes outside (after she tore all of her bushes and trees out recently) so I figured I'd kill 2 birds with one stone and get it worked on.

I have a call in to an independent tire/brake place that I should have taken it to in the first place. I was thinking I could get more done on Bertha than just the brakes but not at these prices.

thanks all for the input!

Christina

 

i find shops these days have no time for customers. And listen to the needs miss communication etc.
Really sad

 

Well obviously your neighbor has poor taste, the D2 is a beautiful object to behold.

 

lol...I think the straw that broke the camel's back was the pollen settling on the hood I overheard her having a fit to the President of the association over the weekend. 'And look at all the dust over it! Every time I come outside it's sitting there and I have to look at it!!!'

I see that you have good taste - I'm with you on that one I love it!

Just placed an order for OEM lugnuts. Saved $140 there....