tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2865526930790720713.post3033738056421996711..comments2023-05-05T01:35:42.668-07:00Comments on The Adventures of Yarn Salad: new brake calipersyarnsaladhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14332020851234821002noreply@blogger.comBlogger2125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2865526930790720713.post-7774176372429133832011-06-01T18:09:45.820-07:002011-06-01T18:09:45.820-07:00Wow, thanks Jason for your thoughtful response! An...Wow, thanks Jason for your thoughtful response! And you're right, I want to be safe so it is absolutely worth the money. If I could have fixed it myself, I would have, but I haven't the slightest interest in learning car repair. I wish I did, for it would be a cool thing to know as *well* as useful. If only I had grown up on a farm...yarnsaladhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14332020851234821002noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2865526930790720713.post-58030351299103803092011-06-01T17:41:50.886-07:002011-06-01T17:41:50.886-07:00I've done a bit of brake work on my own vehicl...I've done a bit of brake work on my own vehicles. I've had a sticking caliper before, so I looked it up on the Internet. Several sites stated that sticking calipers are typically the result of the *rubber* brake line being damaged/fatigued. That would be the flexible line between the calipers and the steel line. The idea is that the brake fluid is "Hammering" in the line like plumbing on old houses.<br /><br />When I replaced the brake line, the problem went away; but I also replaced many other brake parts - and that has been the case over and over again for me. I have not worked on my brakes and only had to fix one part.<br /><br />I buy cheap parts from Napa in Port Alberni. Most guys who are "into" cars won't use generic Napa parts - but I can't afford the good stuff. I bought drum brake shoes from LORDCO and they were 2.5x the cost of the Napa part. It wasn't a good decision for my lifestyle so I returned them and bought the lower cost ones.<br /><br />Also, the labour cost is typically a standard rate that allows a typical shop to survive past 6 years. This doesn't mean you are getting the best value, this means its rate that an averagely competent shop can turn a profit.<br /><br />For example, some shops have a tool that measures the dimension and stability of a rotor. If your rotor is suspect, it is tested. Some mechanics will not "need" a machine to tell them a rotor is faulty, but if it's a grey area - it could be the difference of $100.<br /><br />I am not at all surprised at the cost of your repair. I am positive that you weren't being singled-out for a gouging. Perhaps, another shop would have charged less, but lets look at the root issue.<br /><br />Cynthia (my girl) and I bought a vehicle for $1700. I've replaced about $600 in parts, and put many hours of my own time into it. The vehicle, with my added parts and time is now worth about $2500. But now my transaxle (transmision + differential on my model) is showing trouble, as well as a possible CV joint and other suspension work.<br /><br />If my brought my vehicle to a shop, the repair would reach $2500 easily. Repairing my machine would cost more than buying a better quality one. It's the reason we replace our computers every 18-24 months.<br /><br />Your truck needs the work, but how much do you need the truck? I don't like playing on that teeter-totter and it doesn't sound like you do either.<br /><br />The people you love the most are in that vehicle, and if you could - you would spend $2,000,000,000,000 to make sure they are safe. It just sux ass that in your life $471 is a very, very high cost. I agree with you 100%.<br /><br />Cya,<br />JasonJasonhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03313165824270622692noreply@blogger.com