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I wouldn't let Firestone put air in my bicycle tires, they are some of the biggest rip offs I've ever had dealings with.
LMAO . These chains are alive and thriving because too many people know too little about cars and maintenance.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Omaha Rocks
Of course.
But one clue is that the OP said he took it to "Firestone Complete Auto Care". Those chain joints like that are notorious for ripping people off. It's no different with - for instance - Brake Masters. They offer a cheap deal on oil changes, but when people come in for the oil change a "mechanic" always tells them what horrible condition their car is in, and scares them into agreeing to hundreds (sometimes thousands) of dollars of repairs.
I thnik maybe thewir is more to it than replacing the brake cylinders and shoes. My guess is there are new drums involved because they are too thin. I don't like firestone but they do have a set price and its usually pretty much inline with others from what I have seen.
My 2001 Dodge Neon failed its safety inspection. I took it in to firestone complete auto care, and they want $415 to replace both rear brake cylinders and the pads. Is that a reasonable price?
I need the work done asap, and they are one of the few places in the area open Sundays. Thus, I don't necessarily want to wait until Monday to get competing bids, if that price seems reasonable. Seems a little steep to me, but I don't know how much to expect.
Just to clear up any misunderstanding, could you post a copy of the written estimate? Block out any personal info and the shop name for obvious reasons. Thanks
I don't have the written estimate because the shop was closed when I went to pick up the car last night, but I just called them. Here is exactly what they said needs done:
Flush brake fluid
Clean Brakes
Replace both rear cylinders.
Some times a rubber boot (cover) on a wheel cyl will be moist and still not leak per se to cause any wetness on the brake shoes. Obvious leakage will be shown on the inside rim and tire as stated above. Resevoir will be also be low which is a sign of leaking fluid somewhere. (tell tale eign)
Rear brakes in general are brake shoes and drums...not that expensive like rotors etc.
Those chain operations are out for the money like one that told my friend he needed to have the trans fluid and screen changed when in reality it was a 4 sp standard trans and not an automatic. I was there to correct the techniction????? on his mistake otherwise my friend who is sometimes gullable would have agreed to the work.
I would go to an Independent garage and have them recheck the work needed.
I just took it in to a second place that was recommended. The place wants $50 for the adjustment and inspection and said it should be good after that. I specifically asked about the cylinders and they said they looked ok. So Firestone wants $415, this place wants $50. Thanks for the advice in this forum. Firestone is a ripoff.
One note, not too many people understand the importance of changing brake fluid about once every 2 years, possibly more often in humid climates - this both improves the brake's ability to perform at high temperature, and prevents corrosion/deterioration of rubber parts, if not now, go on back to your honest local indy shop and get them to do this, you will be glad you did.
You're all nuts, anybody ever do this job hands on? First off there are so many potentials... Brake line chance of breaking, cylinder bolts rusted an d can't be removed with a. Standard 10mm wrench... Leading to either torching them off or somehow figuring out a way to ge a grinder etc in there... You're all nuts this is no cut n dry job!
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. These chains are alive and thriving because too many people know too little about cars and maintenance. 
Amen. Great posts.
