I'm not incredibly gifted when it comes to auto mechanics, so what do ya'll think about $600 to replace a metal & rubber fuel injection system tube that returns recovered gas bank to the gas tank in a '98 Explorer? Or $1400 for new boots, and $500 for a new brake cylinder? (I think someone may be getting a new car....)
The dealer is stealer, the mechanic shops is a bit better, but still over charge by 300% or more, and if they catch you that you don't know anything about cars, they will add all kind of useless and **** repairs on your car to make more money off you. Remember, just tell them no when they want you to do this or that, just tell them to do what you NEED to fix.
new boots? That is a RWD vehicle. It doesn't have CV boots. Unless they are talking about the boots on the rack & pinion. I am not even sure if it has one of those either (more likely has a steering gear).
He said boots on ball joints? I see online where others have had them replaced... should it cost $1400? And how dangerous is it to leave bad boots on? Or not repair the master cylinder?
Unfortunately, not certain which of these we can live with w/o trading in the vehicle, and we don't know any reliable mechanics other than the dealer.
No. $1400 is outrageous. Parts and labor on front lower ball & upper ball joints should be about $500-$700 including cams/eccentrics and a thrust angle alignment. A REMAN master cylinder should run about $100-$125 from Autozone. Add another $10 for brake fluid and labor of about $200-$350 and $500 is not unreasonable there. Running on bad ball joints can throw the camber on your alignment off, which will cause uneven wear on the front tires. Its not dangerous really, but it is something you want to address.
Ah, come on Cohen... It's so simple. Maybe you need a refresher course. Hey! It's all ball bearings nowadays... Now, you prepare that Fetzer valve with some, uh, 3-in-1 oil and some gauze pads. And I'm gonna need about 10 quarts of antifreeze... preferably Prestone... No... No, make that Quaker State... And wash those windows. They got filth and muck on them.
