On Friday, July 1st, I took my 1993 Cadillac Sixty Special (gussied-up Sedan DeVille) to Just Brakes on Harwood Road in Bedford, Texas. I had bought the car about three years ago. There really wasn't a problem but since I had bought it used and never had any brake maintenance done on it, I was concerned that it might need a look at. Also, it had 116,000 miles on it. I figured that the old lady who had the car before me probably never did brake service on the vehicle.
After a short while, the manager came to me and showed me all the things that were wrong with the car. Of course, I am no mechanic so I have no idea what I'm looking at anyway. He said I needed new brake pads, calipers, brake drums, hoses, rotors, and a few other things. The total estimate came to $995.00! Now, remember, this car gave NO indication of problems. None. No Squeeks, no pulling, nothing. What really surprised me was that he wanted to replace the brake drums because he stated that they were no longer within GM specifications! I had no idea brake drums were supposed to wear out from normal use after only 10 years!
I was in total shock. Fortunately, I came to my senses and told him to put the brakes back together and I'd go to another place for the repairs thinking that surely I was being overcharged. He tried to knock off a few parts that weren't as necessary as the others to lower the total price but I held firm and told him just put the car back so I can take it someplace else.
After I left, I was concerned that perhaps they might have not put the brakes back together properly so on the morning of Saturday, July 2nd, I went to PepBoys which is also on Harwood Road in Bedford, just a bit up the street from Just Brakes. They examined the brake system and the mechanic came back with a puzzled look on his face. Uhmm, what am I supposed to be looking at? There's nothing wrong with the brakes. Are you having any problems with them because I don't see anything wrong with them at all. The brake pads look almost new! Again, I was in shock. For what was about to cost me $1,000 at Just Brakes ended up costing me NOTHING. No work was required. Pep Boys didn't even charge me for the inspection. When I drove away, I felt like I had just dodged a bullet.
My car experience is proof that Just Brakes is a total scam outfit and should not be trusted. I went to the internet and found a myriad of websites where others have been ripped off by Just Brakes. So, consider yourself warned. Just Brakes is a rip-off!
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