I posted a thread recently about a front end problem I was having. The front end would start to shimmy at higher speeds. The problem became more and more frequent. Then the brakes started lock down as if the calipers weren't releasing. I gave up diagnosing myself and took it to a shop. Tell me if this sounds right. I was told that some time back, something other than brake fluid had been added to my brake system. Over time, all the rubber components in the brake system have started to deteriorate and break down. This would cause the calipers to hold on while the rear wheeles were still trying to accelerate causing the shimmy in the front end. The shop says I need to replace every component that has any rubber in it. This includes all hoses, both calipers, master cylinder and reservior, rear wheel cylinders, and replcing pads and rotors. This seems excessive to me. Not to mention, about a $1,300 job by their estimates. Now while I don't like to "half-ass" anything, shouldn't I just be able to replace the master cylinder, flush the entire system, replace the pads and turn the rotors? That could be done for a quarter of the price. I understand these guys work on commission so I see why they suggest a total overhaul, but is this completely necessary. Thanks.
- posted
17 years ago