Dealer is quoting $170 to install new pads and turn rotors. Is that a ripoff. I wouldnt mind taking it somewhere else if I could get them to use oem pads. Anyone know of any shops (chain or local mechanic) in Long beach, CA that would do this?

Thanks

 

No, I dont know of any shops there, but YES $170 is a rip off. One question, why are you taking them to have them done? It literally takes about 10 minutes per wheel (disc brakes) from on ground to back on ground to change the pads. Turning the rotors is a different deal, but any brake shop, or machine shop can do it. I'd say buy lifetime garuntee pads at Auto Zone, and have a shop turn the rotors, spend about $50 total, and do it yourself. Just my .02. Good luck!

 

pep boys will turn them for $5~10 ea. watch em while they do it.

a clamp tool to compress the calipers is needed to do it in 10min

 

leave the old pad in , and compress with a screwdriver by pushing in the middle of the old pad, but make sure the pad is in on the oppiste side also, or you'll over extend the pistons on that side, which isnt neccesarily fatal, but it can prove hard to getit back in there straight, and it will NOT go in crooked.

 

do it yourself for less a third of the price, but i say stay with oem pads.

 

Ditto on do it yourself job. However compressing the calipers I use another technique. Simply leave the old pad install and use a c-clamp. Might be a good idea to make sure the master cylinder is not completely topped off or you may get a little spillage.

 

170 for a shop is well....about right. Lets look at this:
Pads= 60 bucks(for good oem replacements not junk autozone specials)
Turn Rotors= 25 per rotor
Shop Rate=80 per hour( job will be about 1 hr for customer work , less if it's warranty)
Total= roughly 190 bucks plus or minus 20.
This is just to give you an idea.....now for those of us who have a few tools laying around doing the job yourself is easy, and saves tons of money. But for those who have to take their rig to the shop then that price is a FAIR price.

 

let see,

diy man!

in rosemead, ca,

brake pads $35

newbrembo rotors $36\each

a lil shy over $100 for quality stuff

 

Findlay toyota quoted me $240 to machine the drums and replace shoes... Take it somewhere else or do it yourself. Once you do front brakes on your own you will wonder why you ever paid anyone to do it.

 

Unless you drive a late model 2wd f-150 or a 4wd dodge 3/4 ton. Damn non floating rotors!

 

Junk autozone specials? Call them what you will, they re lifetime gruntee, you buy them ONCE, then pay for the next set, but take the old set back and get your money back, you only ever have to buy one set of brake pads for as long as you own your truck...try that with OEM pads.

 

I stand corrected. I'll have to try those autozone lifetime gurantees and ditch my napa counterparts. Lifetime warranty of brakes....wow now if they would just do the same for rotors.