Hi,
I just had our 1998 Pug 306 brakes checked at a Nationwide Autocentre branch and found that work needed to be done. I noticed that the rear brake drum was occasionally seizing after applying the handbrake. Seeing as the shoes probably needed replacement (probably overdue) I took it in for check - expected just needing to get the shoes replaced.
Well, the cylinders had 'exploded' (looked okay to me, but oily grime was all over the inside of the hub etc. The work they say is needed is - prices are from memory - although total is accurate):
Replace front discs (> £50) Replace front pads (> £50) Replace rear cylinders (> £110 per side - Bosch apparently, so 'very expensive') Replace rear shoes (can't remember the figure - but around £50, give or take £20 or so) De-lip drums (£32 - else will knacker new shoes) Brake fluid flush (£36)
Total £464 inc VAT etc
Does this sound reasonable to people? I wasn't expecting the front stuff to need replacing (pads replaced in mid-2002 by Pug, that was the last brake work done on the car) - although I had noticed that when at walking pace, when applying the brakes gently I had noticed a very feint pulsing in the braking effect co-inciding with wheel revolution - warped discs? I also wasn't expecting the cylinders to be > £110 per side! Apparently its because they are Bosch ones, whereas if they'd been Lucas etc they'd be more like £50 each.
I felt ripped off (personal feeling, not necessarily fair) as I had not expected such a high price, and was unable to negotiate a better deal elsewhere as they have all the wheels off and say the car is unsafe to drive (probably fair, and understandable). I also need the car for tomorrow (they say it'll be done for 5pm this evening), so no time to check with other garages about prices. I think its more then inability to confirm the prices and the situation (price, timing etc) that makes me feel ripped off.
Anyway - does this sound reasonable? In my mind I was expecting more like £200+ - although I failed to estimate the cost of the cylinders, and wasn't including/expecting any front brake work.
Thanks
David