I took my car into the repair shop because it was leaking brownish colored fluid from a hose...located under the front area towards the right (passenger) side. I am not disputing that they diagnosed it correctly...I am sure they did. I just wanted to ask if $250 sounds like a "fair" price, to make sure I am not getting ripped off (have been ripped off by mechanics several times before, although I know that probably the majority of them are trustwothy & skilled).
Also, is it advisable to get the hoses replaced (now that I think about it, isn't that what they do anyway to fix it...but they asked me if I wanted the hoses replaced too)? Do I need to get the radiator flushed? For all that, the charge would be $450-500, but they said to at least get the water pump fixed ($250).
I am a single parent, working & in college part-time & don't have much money to spend at the present time, so any mechanical advise would be appreciated. Thanks.
2007-01-15 12:29:50 · 10 answers · asked by SamB12 3 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
It amazes me how some of you try to give a price or even try to answer this question without having a clue what kind of car it is.
2007-01-15 13:05:36 · answer #1 · answered by TonynNC 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It depends on the car, but normally that's not too bad of a price. Some cars really make this difficult and require pulling the timing belt - at that price, I'm guessing it's an easier job on your car.
Whether the hoses need replacing depends on their condition. If they're looking discolored, cracked, or seem to swell up where the clamps are, I'd recommend new ones. This should be something that's not too hard for you to check yourself.
You can usually put off the radiator flush until you have the money to spare - your car probably doesn't even need it. That's one area you don't have to spend on now.
2007-01-15 13:01:22 · answer #2 · answered by Mad Scientist Matt 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
hi Sam.. I am a self employed mechanic ....brownish fluid dripping = rust in cooling system... it probably was the water pump if it wasn't just a hose price sounds fair there is quite a bit of labor involved though not difficult ...you need to back flush your system though go to wall mart get antifreeze and flush kit it has directions on package to do it...you can also go to car parts store and buy a manual for whatever car you have it will be about 20.00$ it has troubleshooting section in it you don't have to be a wizard for a lot of small repairs and it will give you piece of mind to know your not getting ripped off also change hoses that book will tell you exactly how to do it
2007-01-16 02:49:53 · answer #3 · answered by danny n 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
on many cars 250 sounds like a fair price to pay for having a water pump diagnosed and replaced along with refilling the cooling system yes you should have your hoses replace on a regular basis along with belts and flushing all fluids in your vehicle, when you call your autoparts store and find out the price of your water pump remember that the shop you are having the work done is going to mark it up and you may be able to save by buying it yourself, so if you figure your water pump is say 50 dollars from the parts store the sho is going to charge around 75 or so for it and with labor costs being around 75 per book hour it sounds like 2 hours for the repair 75 for the pump and the rest is coolant and shop supplies
2007-01-15 12:41:32 · answer #4 · answered by wrenchbender19 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Sounds pretty reasonable depnding on the make of the car. The hoses probably should be replaced, it's hard to visually see if they're OK or not. I would pass on the radiator flush. They will be putting in new anti-freeze anyway when they replace the water pump.
2007-01-15 12:55:24 · answer #5 · answered by crazydave 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Probably what he is saying is "back flow" There should be no small pipes on a water heater except the gas flow. Do you have no water from the hot water side or only cold water? In the previous case, the cold water supply valve may still be closed. In the latter, the gas may be off or the pilot put out and so needs to be relit if gas.
2016-05-24 18:51:20 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
for one ur if water is not leaking through ur engine do not change ur water pump it is ur hose. in order for that to come out ur radiator has to be flushed anyway cause that is where it comes from same as the water pump try changing ur bottom hose first i think that will do they should not charge more than 180 for parts and labor for that work and for water pump it sounds fair
2007-01-15 12:40:48 · answer #7 · answered by elisabeth m 1 · 0⤊ 1⤋
You don't say what vehicle it is. That can make a huge difference as some are a lot of work. If not sure get a couple more estimates.
2007-01-15 12:36:16 · answer #8 · answered by wheeler 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
When you ask car questions, dont forget to state
the MAKE, MODEL, and MILEAGE.
it is hard to tell if thats a fair price without this info.
2007-01-15 12:35:10 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
you didn't specify make & model year of car,
but $250 sounds high to me ....... you could call auto parts stores in area to check to see what cost of new water pump is and compare to rate they are asking
2007-01-15 12:36:57 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋