$900 quote for new front brakes, rotors, calipers; plus shocks?

[caleboar]

The front brakes on my 1976 450 SE have been squealing and overall in need of replacement. Also, the front shocks have been riding rough and leaking. I took my car to the local Les Schwab (a tire/brake/battery place on the west coast) and was given a quote of roughly $900 for new front brakes, calipers, rotors as well as new front shocks--all of which they deemed in need of repair. ($650 for the brakes--$250 for the shocks).

Does this seem like a fairly reasonable estimate?

Also, I possess neither the time nor knowhow to handle this project as a do-it-yourselfer...so no need to suggest that

Thanks in advance!

[MattBelliveau]

Originally Posted by caleboar

The front brakes on my 1976 450 SE have been squealing and overall in need of replacement. Also, the front shocks have been riding rough and leaking. I took my car to the local Les Schwab (a tire/brake/battery place on the west coast) and was given a quote of roughly $900 for new front brakes, calipers, rotors as well as new front shocks--all of which they deemed in need of repair. ($650 for the brakes--$250 for the shocks).

Does this seem like a fairly reasonable estimate?

Also, I possess neither the time nor knowhow to handle this project as a do-it-yourselfer...so no need to suggest that

Thanks in advance!

First of all, you need to find out what kind of parts they will be using, especially with the shocks. don't think I would pay to have someone elses hands on those unless you were guaranteed origional equipment (in writing).

[TX76513]

Like Matt said - what brand are they using, especially on the shocks. They probably have some high labor in that quote and off course part mark ups. Just to give you and idea (roughly) of part prices

Disk $80 X2 $160
Pads $ 50
Reman Rotor $100 x 2 $200
Sensors $ 5
$415

[caleboar]

good point; thanks. i'll have then write a detailed written estimate that includes the specific part info. any other feedback is appreciated.

[todds]

I would take the time and find a good independent reputable specialist for older benzes. It'll cost about the same or less and you'll get correct parts and more experienced labor. A little leg work now will pay dividends in the future.

Your local brake and muffler shop is used to working on corollas and tauruses, not 30 year old mercedes. The only gotcha is time, make sure to ask if they can do it right away or what the deal is. There are plenty of benz specialists in any given metro area (and I'm NOT talking about the dealers here...)

[cth350]

there is a big difference in price between rebuilt and new calipers in price. Ask them if they would use rebuilt calipers and if they don't have a ready source for them, find another mechanic. We tend to use www.********.com for them. -CTH

[300SDog]

Careful of 'recut' rotors too.... Les Schwab is notorious for this. You must insist on new rotors since recuts quickly warp. Ask for complete DOT4 brake fluid flush too.

Otherwise the work you've mentioned is meat'n potato stuff that anybody can handle at approx the same price. Given that parts (new *bilstein* shocks, new rotors and rebuilt callipres) generally oughta equal less than 60% of the total bill.

But wait - i asked Scwabb about Bilstein shocks for my 116 when buying tires and was told they could not get em. Furthermore do not trust their "free" wheel allignment either that skips all 4 wheels and neglects caster and camber adjust. Othewise seems like a decent deal to me. Heck, there's lots of shops that soak customers $1200 for brakes alone.

[Blue 72 250]

I have not had a problem with Schwab. Naturally each location is different. The Schwab guys are normally pretty good, plus you always have the corporate tree to bark up if anything goes wrong.

That being said, all of the advice above is good. Such questions are evident of a well informed consumer. DOG is right about it being an easy job, if you have the means and want to save a little $ you could DIY. Another option is a buddy who is mechanically adept can do it for you (this is a risky option if you have a friends like mine - that is a 2 "case-o-beer" job).

[ADP]

Caleboar,

Whew, I just bought 4 Bilsteins for Brunhilda - the list price for 2 of em is about 1/2 Schwabs quote from the work you described.

I don't think there is a huge difference between the shocks spec'd for a 72 SEL and a 76 SE...

I've also been replacing a lot of other less-than-quality brake and suspension parts from non MB suppliers on my car. Its cost me some serious money.

I've also seen some amazingly bad work and some hidden repairs after things have been broken from a well known Schwab competitor, on a car in the shop I patronize. The owner was in for some odd tire wear issues - after the competitor had at the car.

So all I'm saying is gather lots of info before you go for that deal.

Ann
who hates fixing things twice!

[imagesinthewind]

WE just paid $1500 for full front brakes; calipers, rotors, pads. $900 sounds like a bargain with good parts.

[wbain5280]

Replacing shocks and brake pads is not that hard. Save yourself some money and do it yourself. There are alot of posts on doing your own brakes. Why do you need front calipers?