Qualifier: I am a 16 year ASE certified mechanic, retired yet still work on my vehicles.
I recently gave my 16 ear old son my 1998 Ford Explorer Sport with 213K miles for his 16th birthday. Car is in good to very good mechanical shape. After the recent rains he decided to stop at Brake Masters store #186 in Peoria today to find out why the brakes were squeaking. I recently had some reconstructive surgery on my arm and he didn't want to trouble me...
Here's the rundown of what THEY said the vehicle needs:
New front rotors, bearings and pads, new tie rod ends, new ball joints, new water pump, new differential seal. Brake fluid flush, cooling system flush and a 4 wheel alignment. I'll give them the ball joints as they were replaced by Pep Boys around 120K, before I bought it.
Here's what I have done over the last 8000 miles:
Replaced all 4 rotors, hardware and pads (receipts for OEM parts in the vehicle), they state in the estimate BRAKE ROTORS ARE UNDER DISCARD SPECS. After 8000 miles? Sure they are...
Wheel bearings were cleaned, inspected and repacked when rotors were replaced. They determined bearings and races needed to be replaced without removal, washing and inspection... WTF???
New tires
Replaced water pump, thermostat, belts and hoses (receipts for parts in vehicle), they state WATER PUMP LEAKING. I checked this visually this afternoon as well as pressure tested the system and there is no sign of leaking.
Replaced tie rod ends (receipts in vehicle), THEY WANT $176 TO REPLACE 2 BRAND NEW TIE ROD ENDS.
Had suspension fully inspected and aligned at a REAL shop (receipt for $140 in vehicle) minor play in ball joints. Vehicle tracks perfectly.
Oil change and tire rotation in within the last 5 days, with none of these issues found. Vehicle is not leaking any fluids of any kind in the driveway.
Total estimate of the CRITICAL REPAIRS as they told my son? $1,849.10
Brake Masters needs to be handed their a*es, this is unacceptable.
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