Am I getting Ripped??

[LaXplorer]

This guy who owns an auto repair store is fixing my explorer, and we have been going to him for years. He called and said that the clutch master cylinder and the slave woudl ahve to be replaced, and he is saying it will cost 1000 bucks to fix!!!! I think im getting ripped off royally!!!!! I looked up proces and it looks like those parts couldnt cost more thatn 200 bucks, does it really take taht much time that it will cost me 800 in labor......what do you guys think. Thanks for your help

-Vic

 

[MSTNGGUY88]

That is crazy. I can replace both of those in a few hours. You may wanna get another estimate.

 

[Gary Steeber]

LaXplorer

I would say the estimate is a little high, but you also must realize that they will be removing the Transmission to do the job.
Usualy the cost of a complete clutch, slave job is $600 to $800. So $1000 seems way high.
Is the problem the slave or the master cylinder. The master can be changed with the transmission in place in about a half hour. The slave requires dropping the trans.
Find out exactly what the problem is and get a second estimate.

 

[LaXplorer]

The problem as he tells us is the clutch master, and the slave....he is going to call back on monday with an exact estimate

 

[jimmiecakes]

It's entirely possible that could be both faulty.... I've seen people endure a leaking slave long enough to make sure they get lots of dirt in the master cylinder.

That would get you into the three hundred dollar range for parts here in Canada.

You don't indicate mileage or other related repairs so I must assume that it just may be an ideal time to consider changing the clutch.

Of course he's been fixing your cars for many years so now is a good time to start distrusting him..... after all, he probably drives a brand new luxury car and has the biggest house in town. You will always find someone to do it cheaper but it can be hard to find someone to do it better.

 

[RON COX]

Man that is way out of line. I paid a shop to install a Centerforce 2 clutch and pressure plate and replace the slave cylinder and they also replaced the trans mount for $300. I provided the clutch to them and they provided the other parts. I think total for me was close to $700 and I got the whole works. Get another est. Good luck.

 

[drnaline]

not no off price

I own a shop too. I don't think its that for off. You slave cylinder is in the tranny, requiring removing of the tranny. the book calls for 5.3 hrs plus .6 for the flywheel and pilot bearing. In my neighborhood thats 325.50 befor taxes. I like to sell Luk clutches, Its what all the OEM manufactures use. Average price 180.00 to 290.00. Turning the flywheel is antwhere from 25.00 to 40 bucks. If you need a flywheel shim to bring the flywheel back to spec theres another 17 bucks. The clutch should come with the a slave cylinder but not the clutch master. If you get it from ford your looking at 80 to 90 bucks. To R&R the clutch does not include changing the clutch master, which Ford and Luk highly recommend. If you've ever replaces one and had any trouble bleeding it you know what I mean. The book calls for 1.2 hrs to change it, but Fords probably the only one that can do it in that time. Sometimes very time consuming. If hes conservative in his estimates I normarlly go up about a hundred bucks to count for misshaps or lost bolts, stripped boles, bearing retainers and such. I'd rather have a customer that you actually charged less than underbid it to get the job, only to have a pissed of customer when he comes to pick it up and it turned out more. Sounds like the relationship has been fine not to trust him, but on the same token he should have no problem explaining the charge.
There are definate cheaper routes, doing it your self, if he allows your to bring your own parts( I do). Check what the dealer charges. If hes honest and cares about his reputation he won't be that far of them or his competitors.

 

[LaXplorer]

After considering it alot, and going against what my father wants, i have decided to do it myself with the help of a friend, i went out today and picked up the slave, and i will go and try to get the master cylinder tomarrow....hopefully i can find it somewhere where i dont have to special order it. Im hoping this is a job that me and my friend (who knows more about autos than i could ever want to learn) can fix it in a day or 2. Wish us luck, and thanks for all your help.

-Vic

 

[jimmiecakes]

I dunno.... you may want to listen to Dad (us ol' farts didn't get to be old by being dumb).

Seems to me you have to drop the exhaust..... before you start on any other bolts, you may want to try the exhaust bolts just to be sure.

I can honestly say that this is not the kind of job I'b be wanting to do on my back in the driveway. Best of luck to ya...

 

[drnaline]

My suggestion

Jack it on all fours as high as you can get it. If you have access to one use a sawzall to cut the exhaust where you need it. And take it to and exhaust shop and have it welded back together. If you just replacing the master and slave cylinder, when you bleed the hole assembly, Keep the reservoir full and let it drain until you get clear fluid. Then gentley tap on the pedal and have some one watch. Bubbles will rise with a proper tap. The angle of the master does not suit bleeding and this is the only and quickest way I know. Tap long enough to stop the bubbles rising and you should have full pedal. Regretable this is the only way your gonna learn. Glad you have the gumption to try it. Email or call if you have a problem! Leonard505-501-1954 mobile

 

[LaXplorer]

day one of my project complete.....we had alot of trouble with a few screws, namly the ones that hold the shifter the the grear box, those were a pain, we had to grind the tops off them because they all stripped. we called it a day after we were unable to get the tranny out, we have gotten it all undone, but it seems like the space is to small, the exhoust pipe is blocking it so it is really hard to get out. We are going to try again tomarrow. My buddy says that he has gotten it out on a ford ranger before without doing anything differant, it just takes a little wiggeling he says......but we will see tomarrow and i will keep ya'll posted. and any tips would be greatly apreciated.
-Vic

 

[Diff Whack Daddy]

Originally posted by jimmiecakes
I dunno.... you may want to listen to Dad (us ol' farts didn't get to be old by being dumb).

This is a true statement but I didn't get smart by sitting on my but. Sometimes you just have to take things apart and put them back together. 9 times out of 10 you will do the job right, it may take longer tyhan a professional shop, but at least you know what was done, how to do it next time, and have a great feeling of accomplishment when it's done.

 

[jimmiecakes]

This is a true statement but I didn't get smart by sitting on my but

This is quite true.... but I can think of many jobs I'd rather have as my "trial by fire"

 

[Diff Whack Daddy]

There is no job with the exception of replacing spark plugs that I can think of as my trial by fire job. I learned that by researching and being prepared for the job is the best way to go. When I installed my first lift, Superlift 5.5", I must have read the the instructions 50 times before I actually started. The clutches and master/slave cylinderscan all be done with ndonne with regular hand tools, no "special toolls" required, so it is a tough but good trial job.