Labor charge Brakes, Cali, rotor & bearings - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

Crappy Gas Pipe · #1 07-14-2008, 09:23 PM

Does 650 bucks sound good for just labor. I already bought all the parts from MercedesShop. 2 New rotors, 2 Wheel bearings, 2 Caliper rebuild kits, 2 brake lines, 2 brake pad kits & brake sensors.

This kid knows the car and does good work. PepBoys said they would do it for less..........
What do you think?

vstech · #2 07-14-2008, 09:37 PM

sounds like you should spend 99.00 on a floor jack and jack stands, and get a set of tools and change your parts you own yourself!
not a difficult job at all... good learning fun, and we are here!

tangofox007 · #3 07-14-2008, 10:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Crappy Gas Pipe

Does 650 bucks sound good for just labor.

I would be thrilled to get that!!! That's at least $200 per hour.

Oracle12345 · #4 07-14-2008, 10:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by vstech

sounds like you should spend 99.00 on a floor jack and jack stands, and get a set of tools and change your parts you own yourself!
Not a difficult job at all... Good learning fun, and we are here!

x2

vstech · #5 07-14-2008, 10:35 PM

heck, if you are worried you won't be able to rebuild your own calipers, throw the kits away, and buy 2 new calipers... wayyyy less than $650

Skippy · #6 07-14-2008, 10:43 PM

I did almost the same work on the rear of my 300D. Granted the rears are easier and I bought new calipers rather than rebuild the old ones, but it took me an hour and a half in a parking lot, with hand tools. Way better than spending $650.

Chadahar · #7 07-14-2008, 10:53 PM

I just redid the fronts on my SEC and the rears, but didn't have to rebuild the calipers, also didn't have to do anything to the rears but pads. The fronts...well new rotors and pads. First front took me well over an hour, but I had to figure out how they came apart. driver's side took about 30 minutes.

Heck Yeah I'd do it for $650.00 on the drive way, with jack stands and hand tools.

vstech · #8 07-14-2008, 11:11 PM

oh, one question...
why are you thinking it needs ALL this?
have you tried just flushing the fluid, and inspecting the pads, rotors etc...?
you may just have routine maintenance needed...
heck, for $650, I may be tempted to drive up there, get a hotel room, fix your car, and drive back...
I'd be looking at what 100 in fuel, 40 or so in hotel, and pocket the 510... not a bad weekend...

OK, 700ish miles each way, so 150 in fuel... still I'm just sayin...

bgkast · #9 07-14-2008, 11:37 PM

I'll do it for $600

Crappy Gas Pipe · #10 07-15-2008, 09:54 PM

So far as many people as I can think to ask that know this type of car, all agree, I'm getting ripped off.

I know the guy does great work and maybe he thinks I'm going to haggle him down, so he is aiming high. Or maybe the last job he did for me (motor mounts) took him 3 days and I gave him $60.

I told him before he took the job there havent been tools invented to get the old bolts out yet. He may have had to lift my engine out

I have a floor jack and some tools and you guys (thanks) If you have kids that are off for the summer and you are heading out on vacation, your GreaseCar is screaming at you to change my brakes now or I'll kill us both. You'll know why I want someone else to do it for me.

willy2004 · #11 07-16-2008, 03:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Crappy Gas Pipe

Does 650 bucks sound good for just labor. I already bought all the parts from MercedesShop. 2 New rotors, 2 Wheel bearings, 2 Caliper rebuild kits, 2 brake lines, 2 brake pad kits & brake sensors.

This kid knows the car and does good work. PepBoys said they would do it for less..........What do you think?

If I were in your shoes and decided to pay $500 or more for these jobs, I would just ask the mechanic if I could observe the job 'so that I can learn how to do this job + I really like working on my car." (caveat: some mechanics don't like to have someone 'stand over them' so tread carefully.)

You can learn how to do the jobs, gain peace of mind by knowing that the jobs got done, ascertain whether or not the jobs are/were actually necessary, and gain confidence to do work on your car in the future.

How many miles on your car and what are you driving?

Johnson Chan · #12 07-16-2008, 04:27 AM

I have done this job a few times, its really easy once you do it and know the tricks. It can be done in 2 hours (assuming no broken bolts, stripped stuff, etc.) first time or if you run into a problem, probably 3-4 hrs.

Well,

1: you live in NY and everything is more expensive, labor too.
2: if this is not a MB mechanic or he hasnt done this job before, it might take him 3-4 hrs.

So about $120/hr. Here in the midwest, independents charge $70-90/hour and the dealer charges about $125/hour. How does that compare to labor rates in NY?

You will need 11 and 14mm flare nut wrenches and a torque wrench. You can pack the bearings by hand. Use the green MB grease.

winmutt · #13 07-16-2008, 11:23 AM

What car is this for. I *highly* recommend upgrading to W126 vented brakes in the front.

msgaevans · #14 07-16-2008, 11:56 AM

winmutt,
I have an 82 300D. What is involved in upgrading to 126 vented brakes and what are the noticeable advantages? I might do this when I need to do a brake job down the road.

winmutt · #15 07-16-2008, 12:15 PM

No warping, no fading, if you can get 15" wheels then get the second gen ones. Both are a direct bolt on. You will need the back plate from the 2nd gen, I believe the 1st gen one is compatible. The 2nd gen brakes are larger and rumor has it you can get 4 pots from the r107.....

I have the second gen ones and when I hit the brakes hard it feels like you hit a wall. I am going to upgrade my wifes wagon as well.

The only downside is more unsprung weight. But the trade off is well worth it.

If your really up to it, do the 2nd gen spindles and install ABS. I am pretty sure this will be on the eventual list for me, my left spindle is badly scarred.

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