I just got charged $883 to get my back brakes fixed w/ replaced callipers. Is that too much?

Question

Midas charged me $883 for just my back brakes to be fixed. I feel very ripped off. Labor costs ended up being $144 an hour. How much should you pay for back brakes?

So the labor came to $277.02. It took them two hours to fix the car. So I guess that makes it $138/hr. They installed disc brake pads/ brake rotor/ 2 rear brake rotors/ 2 disc brake calipers/ and bleed brake hydraulic system. Each one they charged a set labor fee that was predetermined.

Oh yeah it is a 1997 Honda Odyssey

Answer 1

What year and model? What exactly did they do? Were the callipers seized dis they get replaced? What other break work did you have done? I doubt their labour rate is $144.00 an hour.

Answer 2

Sounds like you got shafted. For starters, the labor rate shouldn't have been more than $95.00 per hour tops. Secondly, I have to wonder if the calipers really needed to be replaced -- unless the car has over 100,000 miles on it, the calipers should have been fine. Finally, if you have an American-made car the replacement parts shouldn't have cost more than $300.00.

You can go back and complain to the manager, and you could also file a complaint with the Better Business Bureau. Before you do any of those things you should check with other shops in the area and find out what the going rate for parts and labor is in your area. I still think $144.00 an hour is way too high, but you really should check.

To give you an idea: I have a 2001 Pontiac Grand Prix GT that had a brake job last year. It has 4-wheel disc anti-lock brakes, and all the rotors had to be replaced because they were pitted. The quote I got for the front and rear brakes, including replacement of all four rotors, was $550.00. Does that give you a better idea of how much a brake job should cost?

Answer 3

Your bill should have a break down of parts and labor, and what was actually done. The cost for any job depends on the complexity of the job. One vehicle may need brakes which would mean removing a tire and replacing pads. The next one in may have worn to the point where the entire rotor has been scratched and scored to the point it must be replaced on both sides, which would mean labor and new bearing all the way through the system, and be more. The next may need that, plus other components replaced due to breakage.

I'd suggest you go back to Midas and ask some questions if you feel you didn't get good value for your money, since they are the only ones who can tell you exactly what was done, and why. Usually a repair shop will give you an estimate, and call for approval if the actual repair goes over the estimate. Did that happen? If so, and you said "yes" to it, you approved it. But we weren't there, and we don't know, so those who say "Yes, you were ripped off, it shouldn't cost more than $200" don't have a clue what they are talking about.

Answer 4

What kind of car is it and what did they do exactly? Don't jump to conclusions about being ripped off because the parts and labor alone could be justified, depending on the type of vehicle and how extensive the job was. If they replaced the brake rotors, pads, calipers, brake sensor wires, and brake lines, I can see how the bill can come to over $800. We need more information.

Also, I doubt that the labor charge was $144/hr, as most mechanics charge no more than $55-$75 per hour. It's possible that the total labor cost was $144, but I wouldn't expect a labor charge of $144/hr unless you are servicing a Ferarri or Lambourghini at the dealership, which can charge anywhere up to $250-$300 per hour for labor. That's how they make their money.

Answer 5

Go back to Midas, and ask to see the average labor cost book, It'll have a standard hour rate, of X amount of hours, If the book says replacing brakes takes 2 hrs, And it only took them 1 hour, they'll charge you for 2 hrs. However on the flip side if it took 3 hrs. they are only supposed to charge you for 2. Midas should also have the hourly labor rates posted, along with a itemized bill explaining all charges. Brakes can be costly if you put getting them replaced off. Mine cost 750.00.

Answer 6

finding on the motor vehicle. some have a spring that retains the caliper from shifting whilst the brakes are utilized. Rotor thickness dictates in spite of if the rotors could desire to get replaced. If the pads are 70%, they're superb. Take it to numerous shops and locate somebody which will do the restoration and not employing an entire gadget replace. every person can stand there and throw areas at it yet a qualified mechanic will purely do what's mandatory to repair the subject except you ask in any different case. seem for a save that has ASE qualified technicians. those adult adult males took tests on their specialties and had to make a minimum score to be qualified. They be attentive to their stuff.

Answer 7

you were ripped off , the Labor being 144$ an hour .. thats Crazy. I take my Truck '02 to the Actual dealer , an the Dealer shop only charges 80$ a hour for labor. Call some Local shops in your area , an ask what there labor charge is ..

Answer 8

lots of people will say yes,but without car info who knows,my step son just paid 1000.00 for his and i checked the bill and other that a double charge on a labour item it was accurate,calipers rotors pads ,maybe hoses bleeding fluid shop supplies and labour,sure it could cost that.
the front calipers for my tbird are 350.00 each

the labour is based on a flat rate charge,more than likely 1.5 hrs per side for a total labour charge of 3.0 hrs
the fact that they finished it sooner doesnt matter with flat rate,if it took them 5 hrs they still would charge the 3.0 hrs if they are honest about the use of the flat rate guide
btw calipers 130 ea,rotors 100 ea ,pads 75 set
doesnt take long to add up

Answer 9

You got royally screwed!

Just Brakes does the same thing for $99 for all 4 wheels. Calipers only cost about $60 each installed.

Answer 10

For it to cost 883.00 you must of had an up grade in calipers,not stock replacements.Labor sounds too high,about 90.00 an hour too high. Most likely you got ripped off by the midas touch!