Brake Job? (West, Van: maintenance, price, shops)

[Pops and Sweets]

I have an Infiniti G35 that needs brakes all around. Does anyone know [disclaimer: here come the cliches..] a 'reputable, relatively inexpensive, & good' mechanic in SA?

I searched the forums, but was unable to get a good idea of the mechanic situation in town.

Thanks in advance

[lsdude]

Inexpensive and quality are sometimes at odds. A mechanic can do a variety of levels of a brake job depending on the quality of the parts used. The cost and quality of brake pads vary considerably. I've had outstanding results with Kayser's at I10 & Vance Jackson as well as Blackmon's on West Ave.

[majormadmax]

There are several reputable auto shops that folks have recommended on this forum, it would be very helpful if you could give us an idea of what part of town that you're in!

For us, we use MD Automotive over off of 1560 just outside of 1604 between Culebra and Shaenfield. They've worked on four of our cars and do a great job. Plus, they stand behind their work 100%. I had a co-worker who took his Grand Cherokee there for some work on the water pump. A year later a part near the pump but not a part of it failed, and they fixed it for free saying they should have caught it when they did the previous work. They are some of the most honest mechanics I have ever met, and being a family-run business, they put a high emphasis on customer satisfaction.

I will admit they aren't the cheapest place in town, but I would rather pay a little more and ensure that not only does the work get done right, but that it is guaranteed. It is well worth the peace of mind!

Cheers! M2

[tejano2828]

just brakes is 99 to replace all brake shoes plus the labor I think that's a pretty resonable price. EXCEPT watch out they will try to sell you the springs and mechanisms in your brake drums no matter how old your car is one year, two years, they don't care they will pressure you to replace them that's how they make there money. I know alot about cars but now I'm a teacher and when I went to just brakes to get my 3 year old car's brakes replaced they insisted on changing my springs and mechanisms I just told them to change the brakes out and that I had no money to pay for extra stuff works every time, but they do good work but a little corrupt I think.

[SATX56]

Any where but Brake Check alias BrakeO.... Think Midas does them now. Dealer might your best bet though.

[majormadmax]

A dealer will gouge you for the same work that can be accomplished just as well at an independent mechanic. I would only recommend a dealer for warranty or recall work, as they are no guarantee of better maintenance being completed on the vehicle. The only guarantee you will get is that you'll pay more money for the same job!

And just to clarify, I see where MD Automotive's warranty for any work done is two years/30,000 miles.

[lsdude]

Never let the dealer do anything but warranty work. As far as brake jobs, you will get what you pay for. $20 for Autozone pads or $100 for Brembo pads.

[Pops and Sweets]

I appreciate the all the input. I got a couple of PMs with very good leads - one that I definitely will follow up on.

A little parting advice: For any Nissan Z, Nissan owners, or Infinity owners, check out R&N Garage [apparently they specialize in those cars]. I was PM'd their info and when I called them, they were extremely reasonable & helpful.

[PopsGuysRule]

Originally Posted by Pops and Sweets

I appreciate the all the input. I got a couple of PMs with very good leads - one that I definitely will follow up on.

A little parting advice: For any Nissan Z, Nissan owners, or Infinity owners, check out R&N Garage [apparently they specialize in those cars]. I was PM'd their info and when I called them, they were extremely reasonable & helpful.

hey where'd you come up with the name Pops and Sweets???

[PopsGuysRule]

Originally Posted by tejano2828

just brakes is 99 to replace all brake shoes plus the labor I think that's a pretty resonable price. EXCEPT watch out they will try to sell you the springs and mechanisms in your brake drums no matter how old your car is one year, two years, they don't care they will pressure you to replace them that's how they make there money. I know alot about cars but now I'm a teacher and when I went to just brakes to get my 3 year old car's brakes replaced they insisted on changing my springs and mechanisms I just told them to change the brakes out and that I had no money to pay for extra stuff works every time, but they do good work but a little corrupt I think.

ohhhh, I wish I had been able to talk to you a year or so ago, before my non-romantic sexual rendezvous with Just Brakes...

I have a nickname for them that sounds a lot like just brakes, but afraid I'll get banned if I post it.....
think reptiles....