Rear Brake Drum Quote

Moved to a different state that requires state inspection and they said my drums failed. They sent me video of drums and they are definitely way overdue hardware rotting out etc. Haven’t ever had them done and truck is 12 years old and 170k.

They are quoting me $678 total with parts, labor and tax to replace drums, shoes and hardware. $317 of that is labor charge. Just wondering if that’s a reasonable quote or if it’s on the high side. Not trying to be cheap since I've never had them done, but just curious if price is reasonable. Also wondering if brand of parts matters much for this job. Truck is 12 years old so I don’t know how much longer I’ll have it and I don’t think rear drums do much if the braking is my u u understanding. Thanks!

Cost breakdown was
Labor Total
Remove & Replace Rear Brake Shoes $317.94
Part Qty Total
BrakeBest Select Shoes
1 $74.00
Drum Brake Hardware Kit
1 $55.00
Brake Drum - Rear
2 $208.00
APPROVE
or
DECLINE

Subtotal$654.94
Est. Tax$23.59
Job Total $678.53

 

This is Aftermarket brakes

 

Parts seem a little high unless they are OEM. RockAuto sells a Powerstop kit with all of those parts for $180. But, if they do the work, you gotta use their parts. Labor seems reasonable.

 

Yeah they are aftermarket parts so I thought was a bit high parts wise, but guy is saying I’d they did OEM would be closer to $800 or so total for the job.

 

Im assuming there charging 2hrs ....158.97 per hour?

 

Call your nearest dealer service dept and ask how much they charge for "brake service". That would be the analog of this shop's $317 line item.

The other parts prices are typical for shop pricing, usually higher than Rock Auto pricing because parts are how the shop makes a profit.

 

yeah I can’t imagine it taking more than two hours so that labor charge seems high to me also.

 

What is a normal average hourly labor charge for mechanics?

 

About $125/hr to $150/hr it seems, depending on where you are. Data by state from 2021: https://www.vehicleservicepros.com/shop-operations/article/21255783/labor-rates-by-state-2021

 

If you have any automotive mechanical ability at all, please buy these parts yourself and do one side at a time yourself, so you can reference the other side if something goes wrong

 

Where do you live? Buy the parts and bring it here, we can do it together! Rear Brakes are ez pz to do!

 

I always seem to have to do my brakes in February as well. While its sunny and nearly 60 today in Pennsylvania, in the middle of the job I usually ask myself "Is it worth saving the $200 to do it myself while I'm freezing and banging knuckles?" It is an easy job but its the same old question, "What is your time worth to you?" Yes, the $678 is a little high, but your options are spend the few hours to source the parts and do it yourself to save $200 or go to a discount auto or local shop and then wonder about the quality, or spend the $678 and know its done quickly and correctly (theoretically anyway since its a Dealer.) My inspection is up in Feb but I've gotten into the habit of pulling the tires in the fall before it gets too cold and replacing them even if I haven't gotten every 1/16th out of the pads/shoes. But I also like working on the truck so its time well spent.

What really gets my goat at the Dealer or local shop is when they charge for the "shop incidentals like $10 for the brake clean, $10 for shop towels, $6 for caliper lube, etc.)

 

I just called Toyota near me in RI for a baseline and they wanted $394 labor, $320 for both drums, $94 for shoes and more for what hardware it would need.

Another shop I called came in at $770 total.

First shop doing the inspection quoted me $678 total.

I am pretty handy but it’s winter here so I’m not gonna Jack truck up and do job myself more than likely so I’m just looking at what others have paid for this who haven’t done it themselves.

 

Where are you located? I’m in RI

 

I bought a whole powerstop kit Front/Rear for like $350

If you can find someone to help you, it will be a whole lot cheaper.

 

Sorry Buddy! Im in MI now...was in NJ, would have been doable there....and yeah I get it, whats your time and freezing your ass worth?? Sounds like youre on top of it!

 

If you were close I would be glad to help.

If you never did rear brakes the first time can be a little over whelming.

 

Dude... (facepalm)... please.

 

winter? its been 55 degrees this whole week in RI! I say do it with someone who knows how so you can learn and youll literally save thousands in your lifetime. it might seem scary at first to do drum brakes but after you do it youll say its not that bad. good luck!

 

Are you in RI and offering to help? Lol