My rattle identified (and repair costs)
08-28-2002, 01:30 PM
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My rattle identified (and repair costs)
Well, I got my estimate from the shop. The rattle I heard from underneath the car is indeed the "flex plate" or flex disc, or automatic dampener many of you have suspected.
He said that they can get the part for $1100 plus it'll take 18 hours (at $69/hr) to pull the underbelly of the car out and get the damn piece replaced. Is 18 hours about right for such a job? I told him that I can get the part for under $700 elsewhere and he said that he is fine with that but they will only warranty the work. Am I better off with my own acquistion of the part or pay $400-500 more for the warranty?
Other items that he said need replacing are two
motor mounts. Said that cost will be $300 for the parts and 4 hours of labor. And lastly, my rear breaks are in need of new pads and sensors. Total parts/labor cost of $230. Are those estimates acceptable?
thks,
-timmer
He said that they can get the part for $1100 plus it'll take 18 hours (at $69/hr) to pull the underbelly of the car out and get the damn piece replaced. Is 18 hours about right for such a job? I told him that I can get the part for under $700 elsewhere and he said that he is fine with that but they will only warranty the work. Am I better off with my own acquistion of the part or pay $400-500 more for the warranty?
Other items that he said need replacing are two
motor mounts. Said that cost will be $300 for the parts and 4 hours of labor. And lastly, my rear breaks are in need of new pads and sensors. Total parts/labor cost of $230. Are those estimates acceptable?
thks,
-timmer
08-28-2002, 01:54 PM
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I don't know about the 'flex plate' item. Is that on an automatic trans? Sounds like it. The other costs are reasonable. Although I'll say here that doing the brake pads and sensors are actually QUITE easy, and the parts from qualified German parts retailers are reasonably priced.
Have you already done the front brake pads? If not, do the whole job now. It took me about 2.5 hours and about 3 beers to do a complete brake pad R&R, and system bleed using new Super Blue fluid with a Power Bleeder, and I'm not a mechanic. I actually had a great time doing it since it was the first time I've done brakes on a 944. (BTW I didn't turn [machine] my rotors because I had a mechanic look at them [and gauge them for thickness and warping] and he said the rotors were fine. Cost to do it myself, about $220.00 in parts (Carbon-Kevlar pads), including a new Power Bleeder and Fluid, and 1 Saturday afternoon...... plus a six-pack of Corona's.
Good Luck! <img src="graemlins/beerchug.gif" border="0" alt="[cheers]" />
Have you already done the front brake pads? If not, do the whole job now. It took me about 2.5 hours and about 3 beers to do a complete brake pad R&R, and system bleed using new Super Blue fluid with a Power Bleeder, and I'm not a mechanic. I actually had a great time doing it since it was the first time I've done brakes on a 944. (BTW I didn't turn [machine] my rotors because I had a mechanic look at them [and gauge them for thickness and warping] and he said the rotors were fine. Cost to do it myself, about $220.00 in parts (Carbon-Kevlar pads), including a new Power Bleeder and Fluid, and 1 Saturday afternoon...... plus a six-pack of Corona's.
Good Luck! <img src="graemlins/beerchug.gif" border="0" alt="[cheers]" />
08-28-2002, 02:00 PM
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Thks for the option. Where do I find directions to do the type of job on the brakes myself? My Haynes manual will be here in a week so I hope good directions are found there but are there other sources?
thks,
-tim
thks,
-tim
08-28-2002, 02:47 PM
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timmer it is a very easy job to do the brake pads.
parts are cheap. you can get a set of pagid pads for about $45 and sensors for $5-6 from eurowebparts.com . (so I would say the 200+ quote to do the rear pads and sensors is really not worth it.) I used PBR pads because i was a little low and wanted to save as much as i can. The problem with the haynes manual is that it only talks about changing the pads on the pre-85.5 cars. the retaining pin and sensor on the later cars are actually different but just as easy if not easier. If you need instruction email me as I just did the rear rotors, pads and sensors this past weekend.
I have never done it to my car (not necessay yet) but i hear the motor mounts are relatively simple as well if you want to be a little more adventurous.
good luck otherwise.
parts are cheap. you can get a set of pagid pads for about $45 and sensors for $5-6 from eurowebparts.com . (so I would say the 200+ quote to do the rear pads and sensors is really not worth it.) I used PBR pads because i was a little low and wanted to save as much as i can. The problem with the haynes manual is that it only talks about changing the pads on the pre-85.5 cars. the retaining pin and sensor on the later cars are actually different but just as easy if not easier. If you need instruction email me as I just did the rear rotors, pads and sensors this past weekend.
I have never done it to my car (not necessay yet) but i hear the motor mounts are relatively simple as well if you want to be a little more adventurous.
good luck otherwise.
08-28-2002, 02:58 PM
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thks, meng. I would really appreciate instructions on replacing the pads and sensors in the rears. If I can do more myself, not only will I save money but gain confidence at the same time.
thks again,
-tim
thks again,
-tim
08-28-2002, 03:15 PM
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"He said that they can get the part for $1100 plus it'll take 18 hours
(at $69/hr) to pull the underbelly of the car out and get the damn
piece...."
OK, I've never been under a 944 automatic before... but IIRC, _16_ hours is the book labor for a clutch change in an early Turbo! With a much simpler exhaust system, I really can't see how yours is an 18 hour job???? He may have to drain the tranny & disconnect cooler lines, but that's 30 minutes max... reconnect & refill adds another 1/2, so there's an hour... nope, don't see it.
Unless someone here knows of a reason for the labor to be so prolonged, run, don't walk, to another shop for a quote! BTW, the parts mark-up sucks, but is fairly typical, I think.
Jim, "Other than that, Mrs. Noah, how was the cruise?"
(at $69/hr) to pull the underbelly of the car out and get the damn
piece...."
OK, I've never been under a 944 automatic before... but IIRC, _16_ hours is the book labor for a clutch change in an early Turbo! With a much simpler exhaust system, I really can't see how yours is an 18 hour job???? He may have to drain the tranny & disconnect cooler lines, but that's 30 minutes max... reconnect & refill adds another 1/2, so there's an hour... nope, don't see it.
Unless someone here knows of a reason for the labor to be so prolonged, run, don't walk, to another shop for a quote! BTW, the parts mark-up sucks, but is fairly typical, I think.
Jim, "Other than that, Mrs. Noah, how was the cruise?"
08-28-2002, 03:20 PM
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A quote I just got from IMA Motorsports (some Rennlisters recommend them) say that the book time for an auto tranny drop and repair is about 9-10 hours and 12 for a non-turbo manual so he estimated to me 11 hours. Not bad. Total cost for all three repairs (sight unseen) is around $2500 (the shop that did the original estimate was at $3150). Their markup for the parts were reasonable, too so I like what I am hearing but waiting to hear back from Pitstop Motorsports and Dr. John's Motorsports before I decide.
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08-28-2002, 03:52 PM
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I have a quote from a porsche dealer here in Toronto that says $1300.00 for the part (cdn dollars) and about 10 hours labour ($100.00 per hour) and thats a dealer you should be able to do better. than 16 hours at the first shop andf yes brake pads are easy to do yourself I personally had a hard time doing the motor mounts (I didnt follow directions I got from the list I wish I had it would have saved me several hours of swearing and throwing wrenches around <img src="graemlins/oops.gif" border="0" alt="[oops]" />
08-28-2002, 04:34 PM
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Timmer, take it to a dealer for an estimate on the flex disc (HBL Tysons or Porsche of Arlington). I'm still not convinced your problem is a flex disc. Let them tell you straight up.
The motor mounts are a chore, and really only done easily if you have your own lift. (I've done mine twice in last year, trust me).
The pads and sensors should be easy to do yourself. With only 44K miles, your rotors should be OK, so its a matter of pulling the wheels, disconnecting the sensors, and slipping out/in new pads. BTW, why do you need new sensors? Is your brake sensor light on on the dash? If the sensors haven't broken yet due to worn pads, you won't need to buy new ones, as long as you remove the originals carefully.
The motor mounts are a chore, and really only done easily if you have your own lift. (I've done mine twice in last year, trust me).
The pads and sensors should be easy to do yourself. With only 44K miles, your rotors should be OK, so its a matter of pulling the wheels, disconnecting the sensors, and slipping out/in new pads. BTW, why do you need new sensors? Is your brake sensor light on on the dash? If the sensors haven't broken yet due to worn pads, you won't need to buy new ones, as long as you remove the originals carefully.
08-28-2002, 04:42 PM
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TomH,
I think I will get another physical estimate, this time from the dealership on Rte 1 in Arlington.
Now, as far as the motor mounts are......would it be too much to ask if you can help me on this (as well as the brake pads), assuming you have a lift (can't tell by your post if you have one or not)? The guy at the shop today said that one of my pads is pretty much gone and that sensors are needed. I never got a break pad light come on. This is the same shop that I had check my brakes three months ago )when I gave them a coupon for a free check of the brakes) and they said that all the brakes are just fine.
-timmer
I think I will get another physical estimate, this time from the dealership on Rte 1 in Arlington.
Now, as far as the motor mounts are......would it be too much to ask if you can help me on this (as well as the brake pads), assuming you have a lift (can't tell by your post if you have one or not)? The guy at the shop today said that one of my pads is pretty much gone and that sensors are needed. I never got a break pad light come on. This is the same shop that I had check my brakes three months ago )when I gave them a coupon for a free check of the brakes) and they said that all the brakes are just fine.
-timmer
08-28-2002, 07:02 PM
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my car is at IMA right now and i would recommend them easily. Chris (Ivans partner) drives a 951 and Ivan is the pca/potomac tech chair for 944s. these guys know their stuff. honest - straightforward, small shop - the guy you talk to is the guy who works on your car.
hope it helps.
oh, btw - i'm getting a 100,000 mi 'check-up' a new H2O pump (leaking), belts, and a couple of small things fixed - oh, and a fun thing: Fabspeed test pipe....yeeeeehhaaawww! <img src="graemlins/burnout.gif" border="0" alt="[burnout]" />
hope it helps.
oh, btw - i'm getting a 100,000 mi 'check-up' a new H2O pump (leaking), belts, and a couple of small things fixed - oh, and a fun thing: Fabspeed test pipe....yeeeeehhaaawww! <img src="graemlins/burnout.gif" border="0" alt="[burnout]" />
08-28-2002, 07:08 PM
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Hey Tim,
SOrry to hear about the work needed.
I just got my 84 (you saw the 87 on our run on Aug 3) back from the shop.
I took it to a place in Springfield called RPM. These guys know 944's inside and out and I was very impressed with the quality of work and honesty of the employees.
Stan, the manager, is a very upfront and honest guy (and he owns an S2, loves 944's).
Take it there. Labor is $72/hr, but they really did a great job and didn't rape me on my repairs (Cam Carrier gasket, new radiator, A/C recharge).
Email me if you need more info, or call if you still have my number.
Paul
SOrry to hear about the work needed.
I just got my 84 (you saw the 87 on our run on Aug 3) back from the shop.
I took it to a place in Springfield called RPM. These guys know 944's inside and out and I was very impressed with the quality of work and honesty of the employees.
Stan, the manager, is a very upfront and honest guy (and he owns an S2, loves 944's).
Take it there. Labor is $72/hr, but they really did a great job and didn't rape me on my repairs (Cam Carrier gasket, new radiator, A/C recharge).
Email me if you need more info, or call if you still have my number.
Paul
08-29-2002, 12:20 AM
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timmer,
I have found the motor mounts for $80-90 each. I wouldn't pay any more than $100 each for them. Four hours labor sounds reasonable though. I don't know about anything else, but you may be able to save $100 on the mounts.
Jerad
I have found the motor mounts for $80-90 each. I wouldn't pay any more than $100 each for them. Four hours labor sounds reasonable though. I don't know about anything else, but you may be able to save $100 on the mounts.
Jerad