How does this sound for having it fixed?

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Feb 20, 2004 | 04:38 PM

1990Fordf150v8

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From: North Andover,MA 01845

How does this sound for having it fixed?

Well today I had my truck fixed and it cost me $295.07
They replaced the center bearing support and the front shaft U-joint. Total parts wher Center Bearing $31.95, U-joint $19.78, and shop supplies $5.96 with labor cost of $234.50.

Do you think I got riped off on the labor, I think I did

Feb 20, 2004 | 05:08 PM

christaylor

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From: Forest Hill MD

it depends on how labor intensive the job was (hours to complete) normal shops charge by book time not actual time at a rate of $65 an hour min. I have a guy only charges 15-20 an hour if I help sooooo, I help and have learned a lot from him. Last sunday I had my rear brakes completly FUBARED and he drove to my house (20 Miles) and showed me what I did wrong FREE. i know that does not answer your question so I will stop now.

Chris

Feb 20, 2004 | 05:38 PM

1990Fordf150v8

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From: North Andover,MA 01845

what is book time?

Feb 20, 2004 | 06:35 PM

Jimbeaux

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From: Texas

Sounds like you paid the "prefered customer" rate on parts and labor. I do my own u-joints but I have the tools. You could have bought a nice 20-ton press and all of the u-joints and the carrier bearing for that price.

I have the same truck in a 4x4 and it does not have the center support.

Book time is the documented time the job should take. Most big shops use this rate so they benefit from getting it done fast and you don't get stuck if the mech takes twice as long as the job should take.

Feb 20, 2004 | 07:02 PM

nastruk95

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From: Nanticoke

what mechanic did that in Bel Air MD?

Feb 20, 2004 | 07:45 PM

christaylor

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Joined: Oct 2003

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From: Forest Hill MD

Buddy of my wifes uncle. i'm rather close to my wifes family and he helps me out. His Dad owns a small car lot in Dundalk and he is the mechanic.

Chris

(Edit) No location on your sig. Do you live in the area?

Feb 20, 2004 | 08:30 PM

ATC_250SX

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Joined: Nov 2003

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From: Concord, New Hampshire

you dont even need a press to do u joints, you can use a vice, or a u joint press, thats u shapped and has a big bolt that pushes the cup through (about 100 bucks,) but a center bearing isnt all that hard, take off the rear half of the shaft, unbolt the center bearing, remove the front shaft, then take of the rear yoke and slip the bearing off and reverse the whole procces to redo it, so all in all, i think you got ripped but thats just my opinion, it would take max 1.5 to 2 hours, thats even if you had to drill and tap the bots if the broke off in the frame rail. and a u joint takes only like 15 min max if the shaft is out.