Thread: cost of labour

Brakes on a series are always a bit of an issue. But assuming the parts came apart easily I wouldn't thought more than four hours (?) on the outside, and more likely three. Th suspension bushes would have been a different story though. Unless he has one of those bush wacker things or an appropriate tool getting them out can be a real pain.

Even still, seems a bit high to me. Last wheel cylinders I bought were about 15 bucks a pop (new but ****part and one had to be replaced after 5000km).

I thought that $420 for my Series 3 front shoes was excessive considering that the reline pads are $65- a pair. And they did not machine the drums to keep our costs down. I reckon for that amount of money they should have put RR discs on RR axles onto it, all around.

Originally Posted by disco2hse

......(new but ****part and one had to be replaced after 5000km).

Seems to be the trouble today doesn't it?

Using poor quality parts from third world countries is a recipe for future problems... and I am aware that at least one reputable reseller replaces such parts without question if defective.

and Eddie, that is the benefit, I suppose, of getting the whole job done by a mechanic... when (and if) those wheel cylinders leak or other parts collapse in a few months' time I assume he'll replace them for nothing? That is the implied warranty he gives you with his work and the parts he supplies. Suspension bush replacement can turn out to be a ******* of a job at times

The price may not too bad considering all of the above, let's face it, if you regularly use it and maintain it, these brake/suspension items should see you right in that regard for a decade or more.

I would encourage anyone, though, to do the job in their spare time (and a series 2/3 Land Rover is one vehicle almost purposely designed for hobby maintainer). They would save a lot of money and they would learn a bit more about their vehicle.

Originally Posted by 87County

Seems to be the trouble today doesn't it?

Using poor quality parts from third world countries is a recipe for future problems... and I am aware that at least one reputable reseller replaces such parts without question if defective.

and Eddie, that is the benefit, I suppose, of getting the whole job done by a mechanic... when (and if) those wheel cylinders leak or other parts collapse in a few months' time I assume he'll replace them for nothing? That is the implied warranty he gives you with his work and the parts he supplies. Suspension bush replacement can turn out to be a ******* of a job at times

The price may not too bad considering all of the above, let's face it, if you regularly use it and maintain it, these brake/suspension items should see you right in that regard for a decade or more.

I would encourage anyone, though, to do the job in their spare time (and a series 2/3 Land Rover is one vehicle almost purposely designed for hobby maintainer). They would save a lot of money and they would learn a bit more about their vehicle.

Thanks mate , I'm in the process of learning more about this car, different to what I'm use to. Point taken though

Originally Posted by JohnF

I thought that $420 for my Series 3 front shoes was excessive considering that the reline pads are $65- a pair. And they did not machine the drums to keep our costs down. I reckon for that amount of money they should have put RR discs on RR axles onto it, all around.

Thanks mate for your reply, I asked the mechanic about this issue, he assured me only decent wheel cylinders were used an d he didn't want to take the risk however i still think the rear ones were too expensive about double the price of what I was quoted at CLR 4WD where I have sourced parts before. Yes the bushers were time consuming and stearing bits double checked by him, however I think his labor costs were high at $80/h. I'm deffinatly going to learn to do more myself and thinking of trying to remove gerbox and T/F case with a little help from friends. At least the work is done and I hope brakes are safe. Best regards Eddie.

$80 per hr is ok for a mech some charge over the ton and they are no better than your $75/80 mech, I hate paying anybody that sort of cash so i try to do as much as i can myself but when your in a hurry you have to pay

$80/hr is probably the norm nowadays

You said the steering box was packed with grease but it should have EP90 oil in it,

Cheers Charlie

Originally Posted by chazza

$80/hr is probably the norm nowadays

You said the steering box was packed with grease but it should have EP90 oil in it,

Cheers Charlie

No mate, packed with grease, leaks like a sif ,