fastrider

Hey guys - I wanted to ask the forum about what you guys think of auto repair shops for brake pad and caliper change in lieu of the dealer? The dealership which I normally get oil change said I need rear brake pads and calipers because the pads are worn down and calipers are not aligned. They are quoting me $1500-1600 for labor and materials. (think about $800 for labor)

I've had my front brakes changed from them before and it costed me about $800. I probably could have gotten cheaper somewhere else but didn't have time to look at the competitor's prices.

There is a Midas shop and there is also a Pep Boys not too far from my work. I figured the forum members have had dealings.

Thanks,
Justin

jonathanz

iTrader: (2)

i would NEVER use Midas/Pep boys/Fire Stone..etc
they use same price as dealers which I rather go to clean if i have to pay same price

Ants350

iTrader: (1)

Wow ! You can do it yourself so easy !

fastrider

Does anybody know of a good independent lexus mechanic in northern virginia? I want to get a decent estimate just to compare prices.

From DIY websites, changing the pad and caliper looks to be pretty easy. I should learn how to do this.

Sportskid1

iTrader: (1)

Honestly you can get brand new pad and rotors from Seawell for the rear for under 200. If all you need is pads those go for around $50. I have never heard of a caliper being "misaligned" so I can't really comment on that but is sounds a little fishy. But rear calipers are cheap as well if they need to be replaced. I would buy the parts you need online and find a good independent shop or try it your self. Also most shops will give you a free break inspection so I would get a second estimate as a complete rebuild of the rear brakes is no where near 1500-1600.

As a reference I just changed the front and rear pads on my IS350 last weekend and it took me a total of one hour using a harbor freight $60 jack and stands. Very easy job.

jonathanz

iTrader: (2)

if you're in nyc i'll chage you $200 as labor and replace everything for you. lolz

MikeFoxx

iTrader: (8)

im still stuck on you spending $800 for front pads being changed... you could have gotten a lot of things with all that extra money spent.

i bought front pads on sewell and just had a local shop AutoSport209 toss them on for me. I spent under $90 total for parts and labor. Spent $40 for them to do it because i didnt want to.

Ants350

iTrader: (1)

I charge you $100 if your in nyc! Lmao nah j/k.. It's so easy to do bro look at the diy ..

Gville350

iTrader: (10)

Do I hear $80..who will take $80! LOL

Jaytea

iTrader: (1)

Brake pads are DIY able. Just make sure you get the right cleaners and also apply anti cease incase.

Ants350

iTrader: (1)

Hey I do it for $80 and a 6pk of Stella! Lol..

swinger33

I wouldn't be afraid to have a local or independent mechanic do your brakes. As everyone else says it is really about the parts you get for the job. I had all four corners done by a local on my 2010 IS 350 and they are fine. This job is about as basic as it gets for indy shops or guys who aren't the dealer.

FivesIS

iTrader: (1)

I agree with all the others. For less than the price you paid for a front brake job. I was able to upgrade my is250 to an is350 brake system with ss lines.
The rear brakes are really easy to do, including calipers. The only thing hard about the changing the calipers would be getting someone to help you bleed the brakes but everything is really easy. With a quick search you'll be able to find a DIY for your needs.

fastrider

Just an update. I got a quote from a major service shop in McLean area and a local ma and pa shop in a city nearby. The Eurasion Service, I think its called, quoted me even more than what the dealer said. They said changing rear calipers and brakes also required some brake fluid drainage which would've set me back $1900. The local shop said the calipers were mostly fine and about 30% of brakes were left. I went to the local shop and paid $240 for the rear brakes.

I knew dealers and something equivalent would've raped me but I didn't realize it would be an a$$ rape. I'm never going back to dealer again except for oil changes (my lexus credit card get points).

NikonGuy

iTrader: (1)

These days with easily accessible resources on DIY car maintenance shops just aren't as busy anymore. Thus they have to rape everyone that comes in now. $1900 for brakes is totally ridiculous. I hope you laughed in his face when he quoted you that.