Does this sound reasonable for a brake line replacement? (message, maintenance, rust)
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The wrenches don't cost much and a roll of 25' brake line from autozone is only like $30 and tube bender tool about $15 to $25 and they have conectors so you dont have to worry about all that double flar and such so I say DIY not only do you learn more about your car but you save a lot of money and don't get ripped off. Youtube has a video for EVERYTHING.
How do you avoid the need for a double-flare tool?
One thing that most do not understand is the number of parts and function in the Brake system.
One small part fails...you are DOL.
So you ask the shop to replace that one small part.
Week later brakes FAIL...guess who is to blame since he was the last person working on the brakes.
NO shop wants to be the FALL guy even tho customer authorizes limited repair.
Laws are very STRICT when it comes down to Repairs and Liability.
Remember a chain is only as strong as its weakest link.
.
Still are you going to lay on your back and R&R your brake lines with your arms extended into the air and then having to pull all 4 wheels to connect to each caliper or rear wheel cylinder hoping not to cross thread any fittings. And then bleed the entire system. I would let the pros do it on a lift that can have better acess to the lines and have all the proper tools. I have seen many weekend mechanics try to fix their car but end up doing more damage than they started out with, you tube can just show you so much.
There are mechanical jobs that are beyond a guy at home with a tool box. There are mechanical jobs beyond regular mechanics. I happen to be one of those other guys who can do 95% of my own work. About the only thing i can’t do is a transmission rebuild. I’ve rebuilt engines, axles, differentials, interiors electronics all because of necessity and disgust with the typical mechanic end repair quality was not to my standards. And thattrahsmission rebuild I can’t do simply because I don’t have some specialty tools. But I can follow a rebuild manual. Oh and my vehicle lift is getting installed in a month or so. Like I said I’m serious about doing my own vehicle work.
I’m going to rebuild the front end on both my diesel trucks. The labor alone on that job pays for over 1/2 the cost of that lift.
Doing the brake lines isn’t rocket science. Yeah working on the ground is uncomfortable and can be a pita. But it’s doable.
Yes, this type of job is not complicated at all. It can be a pain because you may get dirt and grit dropping down and also have to deal with some rust. I put it in the same type of work category as dropping a gas tank. Dirty job with rusted fittings. No real technical challenge involved.
I own a repair shop. Yes, that estimate is high. There are a couple of things I would recommend. Brake lines should never be done without experience. It does require a double flare to prevent line from popping. Plus it can be dangerous is brakes aren't bleed properly. You want to make sure they aren't trying to put on cheap steel lines. They don't last. Break line I would suggest is NiCopp (nickel/copper) or Poly Armour. Those lines are only about 40 bucks a roll. These lines usually last the duration of the life of the car. If its a plow truck I only use NiCopp. I will say that on average I have replaced all the lines for about 700 for a truck... parts, labor and fluid. It can run more depending of rust and if there is more than just lines needing replacing. Also depending on vehicle, lines can be a real nightmare to re-run through frame. You didn't post the details of the estimate so I can't look up the actual labor for you. I'd makes some calls and give them the details of your estimate EXCEPT the cost. Talk to people, and ask them who they have do their work. There are still solid repair shops out there that do good work. Good luck!
I have my car in a shop right now n they are trying to charge me 657 so far n he told me that would include changing 3 rusted lines in the front n 2 down below ..now when they did the 2 under they said that the 3 upfront busted n that it was going to cost me more , mind you they already said it was included .... I went in n they did nothing to the front n did not replace the whole 2 bottom lines they only spliced it ! Something just don’t seem right
I have my car in a shop right now n they are trying to charge me 657 so far n he told me that would include changing 3 rusted lines in the front n 2 down below ..now when they did the 2 under they said that the 3 upfront busted n that it was going to cost me more , mind you they already said it was included .... I went in n they did nothing to the front n did not replace the whole 2 bottom lines they only spliced it ! Something just don’t seem right
I replaced very few brake lines in my time simply because they don’t rust out as much out here. But whenever I replaced a hard line it was replaced with a factory prebent flared with fittings replacement piece.
I don’t know if it’s illegal to splice a brake line but I would rather have the line replaced completely.
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