Pricey Inspection/brake adjustment

[WaltP]

It was time for inspections on my Ridgeline and Escape so I took them in together to my local Honda dealer.
Well, I suspect that was a mistake.
They adjusted the brakes on the Escape and charged me $212.
I suspect they were just unfamiliar with the electric brakes and didn't know how to go about it, so they made a much bigger deal out of it than necessary.
Since I don't know much about them either, I thought I'd ask for some advice here, before that happens again.

Walt

[Rossue]

Aren't auto repair shops in VA required to give a written estimate before any work is done? Most of us who do our own would tell you it takes no longer than 30 minutes per side to adjust(with a tandem axle!) so anything over one hour of labor is suspect IMO. I would call a few independent shops and if a big discrepancy exists would talk to the Service Manager at the dealer about it- but only if that amount wasn't quoted up front that you signed for.

[HABBERDABBER]

I agree with Rossue....about an hours toil on a tandem axle rig. I think you got hosed, but shop rates are crazy high. Live and learn.....and learn how to adjust them and save big money. All it takes is a jack & a screwdriver or other stout, flat tipped tool; videos galore on U-tube where and how to adjust them.

[escape artist]

Hi: WaltP... After getting a big brake charge you should be able to stop on a "Dime". It only hurts for a little bit!!! Alf
escape artist N.S. of Lake Erie

[padlin]

I think that's what one pays when you take them to a car dealer for service. I took mine to my non dealer car mechanic, although I don't remember the price, I do know he charges $80 and hour labor, whereas the dealers around here are about double that.

[oldwave]

A local rv place charged about that for disassemble and repack the bearings as well as the brake adjustment

[Brian B-P]

Originally Posted by padlin

... I took mine to my non dealer car mechanic, although I don't remember the price, I do know he charges $80 and hour labor, whereas the dealers around here are about double that.

Even worse, it is common to charge an hourly rate for "shop supplies" on top of the base hourly rate (which is called "labour", but is mostly shop overhead). I wouldn't be surprised if one hour at a Honda dealer in cost over CA$200 for "labour", "shop supplies", perhaps some other fees, and taxes; I have no idea what rates elsewhere might be.