Re: [ihc] Off topic brake question

[John Hofstetter <hofs@xxxxxxxxxxxx>]

On May 19, 2004, at 8:14 AM, Leo Horishny wrote:

> I understand many here are do it yourself brake mechanics, but I'm not 
> and
> as we were looking for something to
> tow a 4 horse trailer, we purchased a 91 'Burb.   When we did a pre 
> purchase
> check, the mechanic I normally go
> to told us the brakes were in need of total replacement soon: rear 
> drums
> turned, new rear shoes, new front pads and
> I can't remember now if it was new front rotors or just resurfacing and
> quoted me $900 for the job.
My opinion for what it's worth.

Brake places are apparently required to turn the rear drums for 
liability and profitability reasons. Unless they are badly scarred, I 
NEVER turn my drums. Front rotors are a different story. They will need 
to be turned or replaced.

If the rotors need to be replaced, I'd guess a fair price for the 
complete job is around $600. If they can be turned, then I would guess 
a fair price is around $450. This gets more complicated and more 
expensive if the front hubs have to be taken apart to remove the 
rotors, as they do on my Dodge.

I bought perforated rotors for my big Dodge from off the internet, but 
unless you are talking about a long time relationship with your burb, 
and lots of towing miles, you won't want to put out that much money. 
Still, even with the better rotors, you should be in the $900 
neighborhood.

It would be really nice for you if you could find a neighborhood 
mechanic who could do it for you.

Remember, I'm seldom up to date on what things cost, but I do know 
brakes, and towing.

John Hofstetter