Cost for a rear brakes overhaul??

[Rich 89 Gr. Wag]

How much should I pay a mechanic to replace rear drums, wheel cylinders, shoes, emergency brake shoe, and all of the brake lines in the rear portion of the car? I saw the old drums....bearly anything there.

Also, how many hours should this take for a good mechanic? Thanks.

[The BEAST]

why the brake lines. You need to remember that a technican is going to be working on flat rate he will get paid a set amount for each job ie.. brake shoes, wheel cyl each ,plus whatever lines, how long it takes is relitive plan on leaving it for the day or afternoom so the tech dosn't feel rushed wouldn't want him to forget somthing

[Zacko]

Rear brakes are a great novice job. Get yourself a manual and take on the job yourself. You can just replace all of the parts like the cylinders, drums etc. For what you'd save you could even change all of the hardware like the springs etc. Just do one side at a time so you have a good reference.
It doesn't even require the use of any special tools (although some are very handy).
If you can build a puzzle and are somewhat mechanically inclined you can R&R drum brakes.

[joe]

I agree with Zacko. It's not a complicated job. New drums will be about $50-$60 each, the cyls about $20 ea. Shoes maybe $50? I don't know if pre-formed brake lines are even avail for these anymore or how much they'd cost if they are. May have to bend your own or pay shop time to have them do it. Add a few bucks for some new spring kits etc maybe since you're in the rust belt. If you're going to have a shop do it all add some $ to the price of the parts and prolly a few hours of labor at $75/hr or so depending on what the rates are in your area. Ya prolly need to learn the minor maint stuff sometime anyway unless you're flush and can afford to have a shop do everything for you...now's a good time as any get to a manual and start learning. You'll prolly save yourself a couple hundred anyway doing it yourself. If the brake fluid hasn't been changed in a few years this is a good time to flush the old out and replace it. Get the book, read it, take your time...you can do this and when you're done you'll have this nice warm fuzzy feeling. smile.gif

[Max Power]

b-4 I knew better I paid about $350 for new drums, shoes and cylinders @ mida$, that was stoopid, they basically double the price of the parts there and they certainly take their time w/ the install.

If you know your way around a toolbox and feel comfortable working on something as critical as the brakes then I say go for it yourself.

the second cheapest option is to buy your own parts and find a shop that will install for you, forget about any of the national chains, they will not install "customer provided parts" but I have found that small owner operated shops will work with you sometimes. {I knew I found the right shop when I saw the j-4000 sitting in their yard}

if yer rich then goto Just Brakes where they will probably convince you that you need to replace the fronts too!

good luck,
Robert

[Jeepadilly]

Just bought new drums, shoes, wheel cylinders, 1qt fluid for bleeding for 150.00......did it myself in 3 hours (included knocking out and booting an access hole for shoe adj and a paintjob for the backplates and drum fronts)
I agree with Zacko...start with a job that means life or death....it builds character...

[Tad]

Originally posted by Rich 89 Gr. Wag:
How much should I pay a mechanic to replace rear drums, wheel cylinders, shoes, emergency brake shoe, and all of the brake lines in the rear portion of the car? I saw the old drums....bearly anything there.

Also, how many hours should this take for a good mechanic? Thanks.Ok, I give.
At the risk of sounding stupid (which I gladly accept as needed)...
What is an "emergency brake shoe"?

[Jeepdawg]

It really is an easy job. I just did my rear brakes last weekend. I found a bad wheel cylinder and repalced it, $13 at NAPA. Shoes were something like $23 for 4 of them. Drums were OK. Go ahead and take both drums off at once. Then tear into one side. When you get lost on how it goes back together, look at the other side that you only removed the drum. It's easy.

Doug Cefali
SF, CA
'87 G-Wag