Hi everybody! Well the first undertaking that I've started to take on is the brakes on my F-250 4X4 with the 460. Nooooww. I was going to have a friend take care of the job for me at the dealership he works at. Now, the truck is from MN and is now in TX...has some pretty moderate rust and all. Well he starts talking about how it was going to be absolutely necessary to change the hub seals which parts wise I know is nothing at all....but labor???? I paid a hair over $200 just for the new pad, drums, and shoes for the truck and am trying not to turn this into a debacle where he rapes me on labor. He thinks the truck may need new springs (which I think is plausible) and a "hardware kit" he said? I dunno. What do ya'll think? Is all this gonna eat me alive money wise?

 

If he means front hub seals, then it sounds like he is going to take the rotor off and repack the bearings with grease. If he is not going to take the bearings out of the rotor, there is no need for new seals unless there is obvious signs that they are throwing grease all over the place(very rare).

So if you just want the front pads replaced, then you don't need seals. If the old pads have worn down to the rivets, then they may have tore up the rotor, in which case you should be needing a new rotor and a new seal.

As far as the new drums, you would not know you needed new drums until you take it apart. The hardware kit sounds like all the little doo-dads and springs that go with the brakes in the rear. Some people replace these every brake change, but I never have and never have any problems. Your choice.

There is going to be a pretty high labor charge if he pulls the rotors on the front to repack the bearings. It takes time to pull the hub and stuff off, and repack the bearings. It's also time consuming to pull the rear brakes apart since you have a f250(if it has the full floating axle). It's pretty much like the front with some obstacles to take off before you get the drum off.

 

Im sorta thinking that he might be doing stuff on the truck..that might not be necessary to pry some more money out of me, which I could handle normally with my buds but he's goofed up jobs for me before that seemed pretty routine, so Im not sure the truck will make it now. What size rear does the 4X4 F-250 come with?

 

It depends what year it is, but most trucks in this era require the rear axles to be removed to get to the drums. It's not a huge deal, just a little more work.

As for the hub seal, it sounds fishy to me. A good brake shop is going to want to resurface the rotors off the vehicle. This means pulling everything apart anyway, so there should not be any extra charge for replacing the hub seal. And if he's charging you for re-packing the bearings (which takes about a minute) then he's not a very good friend.

I can't say if it needs new springs, but old ones can be re-bent to the right shape as long as there are no broken leaves.

The hardware kit is debatable. Heavy duty trucks tend to be really hard on brakes so the likelihood of breaking springs in the rear is increased. Some shops replace them on all heavy duty trucks, some don't. Mostly a matter of preference. A hardware kit is maybe $15 and doesn't require ANY extra labor to install, as it all has to come apart anyway.

 

All of what you said makes sense to me. Im afraid he just might complicate it. just wish I knew more about these trucks and their rust issues to know where the point of no return is on these vehicles.

Does this truck have an 8.8 or 9 inch stock rear on it? Would yall know?

 

Neither. Depending on the year (you still haven't told us ) it will either be a Dana 60 or a sterling 10.25".

The brakes are not hard to work on on these old trucks. They are among the simplest systems to repair. If you wanted to do it yourself, you would easily find enough information and help on this forum.

 

whoooops! It's an '81 what would that make it? :P If i only had the time I'd do it myself for sure but my main issue is time. And especially since I live in an apartment too. Cant wait to finally get into my new house soon!!

 

I just got done doing the same work on my 86 F-250HD on Sunday. I replaced the rotors, pads, bearings, hoses, rear shoes, wheel cylinders, all the seals and the rear brake hardware. Everything but a new master cylinder. ALL of those parts cost me a touch over $325 with the new rotors. I can't even begin to imagine what the labor charges would be.

It took me 2 weeks, (I worked slowly and I could take my time as I have a second car to get around in), lots of grease for the bearings and patience. It wasn't that hard to do on my own considering I hadn't done anything like that before. If you want to save some money, ask your friend if you can work on it yourself at his shop after hours. That way, if he wanted to, he could guide you while you did it yourself.

 

Has your friend told you how much he'll charge you in labour? Re-packign the bearings and putting in a new seal isn't all that bad of a job. I bought new bearings and all for both front hubs for less then $100 and did it myself. Took a few hours (biggest obstacle is to get them OUT!!) and I put a new rotor on the drivers side while I was at it. They say you need special tools to re-pack the bearings but that is horesmanure, I just put the greas in my hand and press the bearings in while pressing from the inside and then turn around and go the other way doing the same thing. These old fords are pretty easy to work with, the drum breaks are a b$$ch to get a part but be patient and take a weekend and I'm sure you can do it yourself. I've had my daughter re-do hers on her old Bronco ! Good luck and Watch out for friends!!

 

Just a thought, but sounds like your mechanic is attempting to do a thorough job. Ask questions and inquire about the labor rates and hours involved.

 

I managed to get the truck into the hands I would trust my life with even. Top notch guy and he know when and where money is truly needed for parts. Thanks ya'll...I'll keep an update on how bad this really is!!