Help Dealing With Mechanic

[NaOH]

So I agreed and scheduled to have my CV boots replaced because they've asploded. The thing is, he is buying OEM parts so it's like 30 dollars for each one (I'm having all of them replaced). On top of that, he is charging like 350 for labor.

I've been hearing this clicking noise whenever i make a hard right turn and have been wondering what it was. I never asked him about it, but I'm pretty sure my cv joint is a goner. So, I was thinking to just buy the remanufactured joint from autozone and have him install them for me (prob do both of them for good measure).

First question, I'm probably getting ripped off aren't I?
Second question, should I ask him to make a change of plans to just install a new axle. Seems like a retarded thing to do since he already ordered the parts.
Third question, should I just cancel altogether and get someone else to do it (seems be charging A LOT for the labor, I assume it'll be the same to do the axle's if not more).

 

[ValValline]

$350 labor for both half shafts is a decent estimate, and $30 per boot kit is about standard for OEM parts.

Call him and see how much the shafts cost, and then see if he will knock down the labor cost, because he won't have to R&R the boots. I would guess about $75 less labor would be fair, but that's a guess.

Since the parts have to be ordered time is on your side. If you are having second thoughts put the work on hold and call around for additional estimates.

 

[Zenmervolt]

Actually, it's usually less labor to change the entire axle, though the part costs a little more. Doing the CV joints requires removing the axle in addition to replacing the joint and boot.

ZV

 

[NaOH]

hmm....the clicking is only there right when i begin driving and it stops clicking after that no matter how hard i drive. I wonder what it could be if not the cv joint. He doesn't seem to be the type to try and screw me over by replacing the boots and then the axle later on.

 

[ValValline]

Originally posted by: NaOH
hmm....the clicking is only there right when i begin driving and it stops clicking after that no matter how hard i drive. I wonder what it could be if not the cv joint. He doesn't seem to be the type to try and screw me over by replacing the boots and then the axle later on.

A bad CV joint will "click" when turning and if it is really bad when going in a straight line. I have not seen the "clicking" come and go. I think the sound you are hearing is something else.

If the boots are bad, then they should be replaced. If it is more cost effective to replace the half-shafts, then go that route.

 

[Pacfanweb]

I wouldn't bother replacing the boots, particularly if you're already hearing the clicking noise when turning. Just buy replacement axles and have him put them in.

You should save quite a bit in labor, but pay more in parts. There's so much labor to replace the boots that I would never bother with them.

 

[Zenmervolt]

Originally posted by: Pacfanweb
There's so much labor to replace the boots that I would never bother with them.

If someone else is doing the work, I'll agree, but if I'm doing it on my own I'd just replace the boots if the joints were good. Then again, my labor is always free.

ZV

 

[NaOH]

Originally posted by: Zenmervolt

Originally posted by: Pacfanweb
There's so much labor to replace the boots that I would never bother with them.

If someone else is doing the work, I'll agree, but if I'm doing it on my own I'd just replace the boots if the joints were good. Then again, my labor is always free.

ZV

Wanna visit me in Irvine, CA

 

[Vette73]

Originally posted by: Pacfanweb
I wouldn't bother replacing the boots, particularly if you're already hearing the clicking noise when turning. Just buy replacement axles and have him put them in.

You should save quite a bit in labor, but pay more in parts. There's so much labor to replace the boots that I would never bother with them.

WFW what i was going to say.

Noise usually means the damage is done. Advance auto, AZ, etc... have joints for under $99 for most cars and they have a decent warrenty.

 

[nwfsnake]

As a point of reference, I just replaced the right axle on my Accord this past weekend.
The part was about $76 including tax, and comes with a lifetime warranty. That was a local buy also, online you can get them cheaper. Took me about 90 easy minutes, but I cleaned up all the grease it had slung over everything.

 

[Pacfanweb]

Originally posted by: Zenmervolt

Originally posted by: Pacfanweb
There's so much labor to replace the boots that I would never bother with them.

If someone else is doing the work, I'll agree, but if I'm doing it on my own I'd just replace the boots if the joints were good. Then again, my labor is always free.

ZV

On your cars, might make sense because of parts pricing, but on the average sedan, it makes no sense to do all that labor to disassemble the axle and replace the boot only, when a complete reman axle is usually under 100 bucks and takes 1/4 the time to install.

 

[Killrose]

Clicking noises while turning are usually CV joints, but I have experienced clicking noises with worn struts, strut bushings, ect. However, if your boots are torn and the car has high mileage and you are hearing noises then the CV joints are more than likely on their way out and soon there will be enough play in the joint to click for you everytime you turn.

Do the math on having your mech replace the whole joint as an assy and if he charges you the same or more than for doing so he is clearly ripping you off and doesnt deserve your money. I would think like others that the savings he will most likely offer you on just replacing the whole axel with a rebuilt instead of tediously replaceing only the boots would be money well spent, provided you plan on keeping the car.

 

[jtvang125]

When I still had a car with cv joints I just buy the axles for ~$100 at kragen/autozone with lifetime warranty and have a shop put them in for $40 per side. They'll do it on the spot and it takes them about 20 minutes a side.