gamut200

I would like to get some feedback on a recent handbrake cable replacement from a local Porsche specialist. I was charged over 7 hours of labor. This apparently was due to the brake disc dust shield bolts stuck & the cable tube in the chassis being replaced. Even taking the above into account the time charged appears very excessive (I called a Porsche main dealer and the service manager said they usually charge 2.5 - 3 hours max)

Car is a 1991 Euro GT

Tom in Austin

That's surprising to me. Could the difference be they don't know 928s and charged actual hours vs. the book time? There could very well be a difference that large for someone who had to figure it all out for the first time ...

Rob Edwards

The cable tube is welded in, I could imagine that involving removal of carpet, welding, etc so 7 hours isn't out of the realm of possibility. I think I'd be more concerned about what cutting and welding they had to do in the floorpan to replace the tube, and how good a job they did in re-schutzing and painting the bottom of the car in that area. You live in a wet climate?

StratfordShark

The dust shield bolts are prone to seizing up - I've managed to snap a couple before knowing better. It would take extra time to treat each (I think 4 or 5 per shield) with penetrant, patience and maybe some heat. That's extra time right there but as previous poster said the really big user of hours would be that parking brake tube

gamut200

Yeah, I live in London so plenty of rain (although this is a third car so try and only take it out in sunny conditions). The guy who runs the shop owns a 928 himself and fairly well regarded. To the best of my knowledge (and looking under the car) this new tube was not welded in. It looks more like a "body putty" repair so doubt any carpets etc were removed.

SeanR

On an English car I'd say you were lucky that they only charged 7 hours. Anything that comes out of our North or NorthEast in the USofA is a bitch to work on and things like this take a lot more time than cars from down my way.

gamut200

Good to know.... I've owned a few performance cars in the past but this was this first time when I got a car serviced that it felt to me that I got taken for a bit of a ride. As example he charged me 1.5 times the price of a new aircon compressor (quoted by Roger) to rebuild a second hand one. Also I asked him to sort out a hot start issue that I am 99% sure is related to the fuel system and he charged a few hours labor to test various electrical components (that indecently I replaced in the last couple of years) with no fault picked up..... and I still have a hot start issue

Ducman82

that cable tube and become one with the hub as well.