I need new brakes
@3SnuggleBunnies (16374)
United States
September 9, 2011 7:08am CST
So I found out that I need new rear brakes & rotors on my van. Well the dealership wanted over $550 to do it! 
I'm thinking that better be all 4 wheels not just two. So I've been calling around to get estimates over the phone. And they are all over the place 250-400 so far. Then I talk to hubby about further places he wanted me to look... he didn't say anything. Then he walks up to me and says he's got a plan... Oh dear Lord what's he thinking now. He thinks he's going to get his buddy and or former co-worker to help him replace them. He said that he replaced them on a car he had years ago. Well.... I dunno. For one our drive is gravel and not a flat surface. Two.... this guy is a good guy but a lil bit of a scuzz on appearances and lifestyle Either way or I asked does he know how to do ABS? Hubby thinks it doesn't make a difference if it's ABS or Disc brakes. I think it does make a difference as I don't need them jagg'n up the sensors or whatever on it.
Anyone know if a regular schmoe can do ABS or better leave that to a professional? I'm voting professional just not super expensive professional *lol& So I'll be doing more calling around today for places people have recommended.
Oh and a few acquaintences have recommended their husbands have a go at it. But I don't think I could ask someone I hardly know, and a husband I've never met work on my van KWIM? Plus how much would I give them? Hubby's buddy will do about anything for a case of beer.
I'm thinking that better be all 4 wheels not just two. So I've been calling around to get estimates over the phone. And they are all over the place 250-400 so far. Then I talk to hubby about further places he wanted me to look... he didn't say anything. Then he walks up to me and says he's got a plan... Oh dear Lord what's he thinking now. He thinks he's going to get his buddy and or former co-worker to help him replace them. He said that he replaced them on a car he had years ago. Well.... I dunno. For one our drive is gravel and not a flat surface. Two.... this guy is a good guy but a lil bit of a scuzz on appearances and lifestyle Either way or I asked does he know how to do ABS? Hubby thinks it doesn't make a difference if it's ABS or Disc brakes. I think it does make a difference as I don't need them jagg'n up the sensors or whatever on it.
Anyone know if a regular schmoe can do ABS or better leave that to a professional? I'm voting professional just not super expensive professional *lol& So I'll be doing more calling around today for places people have recommended.
Oh and a few acquaintences have recommended their husbands have a go at it. But I don't think I could ask someone I hardly know, and a husband I've never met work on my van KWIM? Plus how much would I give them? Hubby's buddy will do about anything for a case of beer.1 person likes this
7 responses
@cynthiann (18612)
• Jamaica
9 Sep 11
I just noticed that mine are a bit soft so will have to ask son to get it done. We have a mechanic who does all the work and doesn't charge an arm and a leg. Only my second son thinks that he can do anything with a car's innards - but he really can't. so I don't let him near my car.
Unless the person has proved to be capable in the past then I prefer to use a professional for any car work.
Unless the person has proved to be capable in the past then I prefer to use a professional for any car work.1 person likes this
@3SnuggleBunnies (16374)
• United States
21 Oct 11
I hear ya! I have a husband who is kinda like that. There's things when he thinks his ideas are grand and I just don't see it working, he goes about it anyway like my clothesline for example.
@wilsongoddard (7291)
• United States
9 Sep 11
I agree about being uncomfortable about acquaintances recommending their husbands. Some women think that their husbands are "car guys"... and they really aren't.
If your husband has a friend that he trusts to help him replace them, why not? If you generally trust your husband with automative issues, I'd say have faith in him on this one as well. Of course, make them take it for a test drive after they do the work...
My boyfriend is a run-to-the-dealership kind of guy. Unfortunately, his lack of knowledge about cars gets him into trouble. I do love when dealers and sales people talk to him and ignore me 
; I don't know a ton about cars, but I definitely know more than my dear boyfriend.
; I don't know a ton about cars, but I definitely know more than my dear boyfriend.1 person likes this
@3SnuggleBunnies (16374)
• United States
9 Sep 11
This guy isn't a car guy he's a DIY guy who does stuff because he has to. He did install our hot water heater for us for nothing the other year.
My hubby is usually the guy who runs to the dealership, not to get it fixed but toooo trade it in so he doesn't have to do the repair!!! 
Which we are at a point where he can not do that anymore and I won't let him trade our van. 
Which we are at a point where he can not do that anymore and I won't let him trade our van. 
@katsmeow1213 (28716)
• United States
9 Sep 11
My husband generally does our brakes himself, it's really not difficult you just need the right tools. I'm almost certain ABS makes no difference because most of our cars have had it, and hubby has never had our brakes done at a real shop. Either he does it himself or he has a buddy do it. You just gotta buy the parts, rotors might be about $80 each but pads should only be $20-$40 each. Then whoever puts them on can get like $20-$40 for doing it. I would call the auto parts store to check on the pricing of the parts before you decide whether to have a garage do it or a buddy.
1 person likes this
@3SnuggleBunnies (16374)
• United States
9 Sep 11
I got a quote from a guy my co-worker suggested and he said he'd charge $75 to put them in if we bought the parts. I don't think is bad at all other wise 190 if he bought everything. We'll see what happens I guess
@Shar19 (8236)
• United States
9 Sep 11
I know my husband used to change the breaks on our cars. He has said though that it's a real pain to do. If you know someone who will do it then let them. The cost at the dealership is all from labor costs. I think the actual breaks only cost about $30-$40 dollars.
1 person likes this
@3SnuggleBunnies (16374)
• United States
21 Oct 11
You are right the cost is all labor! I think it should be illegal to charge so much in labor it's truly a crime what they charge!
@lologirl2021 (5541)
• United States
9 Sep 11
Well there are so many mechanics out there that will do side work. If you go to a local mechanic shop you can ask one of the guys there if they will come to your house and do it or you can go to there house and drop it off and they can do it. I know this because my boyfriend is a mechanic and has gotten side jobs before. Its cheaper if you buy the items you need and then just pay for the time and it will be alot cheaper for you. Just a thought for you and goodluck
@3SnuggleBunnies (16374)
• United States
9 Sep 11
I wasn't sure if that's what a friend from HS was intending when she named her uncle as a tech at the dealership I was at. She never directly said it. So I dunno why she told me his name for otherwise?
@3SnuggleBunnies (16374)
• United States
21 Oct 11
I'm sure there is a book out there but... we don't have a flat surface to work on nor all the tools to do any of the work. Good suggestion though....
