Front brake job cost?

[APKhaos]

Not all people are mechanics. There are some people that should not even touch tools. That is the reality. Mud wants to make everyone a mechanic. Not a good thing.

I'm with you up to the 'not a good thing', because that depends on attitude.
- The guy who wants to rip into a major job without a clue is trouble waiting to happen. Agreed.
- The guy who really wants to learn, gather a good collection of tools, and enjoys the satisfaction of doing things right is a good thing.

We have a very active Porsche DIY community in the NOVA area that started maybe 12 years ago with a small crew doing engine drops on older 911s. We had a few core guys who really knew their stuff, and a few rank beginners who are now truly experienced hands. As guys come into the community, there's always someone who will help them out with guidance, tools, and moral support until they become independently capable. Complete engine rebuilds, full resto jobs and more are possible. The key is to start small, to recognize that there is a lot to learn, and to seek out local guys to learn from. One thing you are bound to learn in the process is what is actually beyond your capability for reasons of experience, facilities and the like. DIY bumper fabrication with a cheap MIG set is right up there in that category Brakes are something that most can learn to do easily and safely. </sermon>

 

[Gottagetone]

I love these threads. When a poster questions the cost to do a job, but has never done it himself. We see this all the time. Not all people are mechanics. There are some people that should not even touch tools. That is the reality. Mud wants to make everyone a mechanic. Not a good thing.

I am all for one learning, and DIY, but don't question the costs before you have either done it or knows how to do it. What it the potential downside to botching the job? Trashed wheel bearings and spindle? Wheel coming of due to bearing seizing up?

Makes me think of the DIY bumper threads. Hey this sh#($t is way to expensive, I can do it for 1/2 the price. Anyone have the drawings and can post some pictures how DIY bumpers. PS, what welder should I buy?

I think its certainly fair to question any cost weather you have done the job or not. I was quoted $250 from someone but was not sure they knew the Toyota specs, they do brake jobs on many vehicles and are not Toyota specific. The second quote of $479 was from a Toyota tech that owns his own shop. I found that difference somewhat shocking and love the fact that this forum has people that are willing to help. Im no hack and do most of my own work and I certainly understand the importance of doing the job right, especially since I carry my family in this truck all the time.

Two people confirmed the price is in the ballpark and also suggested the possibility of doing it yourself. This site is all about DIY and tech, not just price checks.

Thanks TM.

 

[SWUtah]

I just had the local Toyota dealer do the following. Repack front wheel bearings and replace some washers and seals. Also replace front and rear brakes including new front shim kit and brake fluid flush. Out the door cost including tax $780. Think this was a good price?

 

[AATLAS1X]

I just had the local Toyota dealer do the following. Repack front wheel bearings and replace some washers and seals. Also replace front and rear brakes including new front shim kit and brake fluid flush. Out the door cost including tax $780. Think this was a good price?

Since it all breaks down by time + parts - coupon.

List price is established by Toyota and the hourly rate is dictated by demographics. Most every dealer who has a website offers online coupons that are printable and mail you coupons based in your prior visit recommendations.

The Toyota dealers around the PDX area have a $20 difference for their hourly shop rate and all have online coupons for % off, standard rate for K services and so on.

I assume the front end pack and brakes overlap in time and they use an on car brake lathe @ 2.5 hours (saving you 1.0 - 1.5 hrs)

Rear brakes at 1.5-2.0 hrs depending on if they cut the rotors

Brake fluid flush 1.0 hrs $129 (flat rate)

4.5 hours @ $110 = $495
Parts-

Front pads $75
Rear pads $75
Seals and star washers $20

$795 +/-

A good deal is a state of mind. I have customers who will only do services with a coupon as they want the best deal. Also you has services done, not repairs, so the price is standard. If you used an online coupon from your dealer or another in the area (simply show them on your smart phone) then you got a fair deal from your dealer.

 

[SWUtah]

Since it all breaks down by time + parts - coupon.

List price is established by Toyota and the hourly rate is dictated by demographics. Most every dealer who has a website offers online coupons that are printable and mail you coupons based in your prior visit recommendations.

The Toyota dealers around the PDX area have a $20 difference for their hourly shop rate and all have online coupons for % off, standard rate for K services and so on.

I assume the front end pack and brakes overlap in time and they use an on car brake lathe @ 2.5 hours (saving you 1.0 - 1.5 hrs)

Rear brakes at 1.5-2.0 hrs depending on if they cut the rotors

Brake fluid flush 1.0 hrs $129 (flat rate)

4.5 hours @ $110 = $495
Parts-

Front pads $75
Rear pads $75
Seals and star washers $20

$795 +/-

A good deal is a state of mind. I have customers who will only do services with a coupon as they want the best deal. Also you has services done, not repairs, so the price is standard. If you used an online coupon from your dealer or another in the area (simply show them on your smart phone) then you got a fair deal from your dealer.

Your right, they did a great job for a fair price, they used one of their Lexus certified tech's. I'm just glad I found a dealer that I feel good about and treated me fairly.

 

[SanDiegoCruiser]

I had something similar done. I provided all of the parts (4 PowerStop pads and Rotors) and had my mechanic install them as well as repack the ft bearings. Total cost: $250 for labor. Note, this was not a Toyota Dealer, but a local mechanic who works on LC's all day long.

 

[OregonLC]

I can't even fathom paying that for a brake job. $100 of pads, $10 of fluid, 2 hours bonding with my truck. True front wheel bearings are a much larger task. I've just never ever paid for work on any vehicle...

 

[SWUtah]

I can't even fathom paying that for a brake job. $100 of pads, $10 of fluid, 2 hours bonding with my truck. True front wheel bearings are a much larger task. I've just never ever paid for work on any vehicle...

That's great!