Vehicle Repairs - Sticker Shock

[rexaircollector]

Toggles

My partner is a service manager for a Toyota dealership (we drive Hondas...LOL) and he says that the average for his shop is 12 hours of labor to do a clutch. The reason for that is because on a Toyota, the sub frame has to be removed to do the clutch and once the job is done, it requires a four wheel alignment. He says you came out well on your repair.

As far as your degunking question, excessive steam cleaning is unnecessary(according to my sources). It is a procedure that is pure profit to the dealer/mechanic. The question to ask is why is this being suggested so frequently. Are the valve covers leaking causing oil build up? If so, why isn't their recommendation to repair the source of the problem? Have you had the valve cover gasket resealed or replaced? I am being told that the reason for the hood on a car is to keep water out of the engine compartment for reasons previously stated on this thread. Hope this helps.

Robb

 

[toggleswitch2]

Thanks!

 

[ironrite]

$651.29

For a 1997 C280. This will be for a service for my 5 speed electronic automatic transmission. First year in 1997 for a sealed transmission. There is no dipstick to check the fluid. Mercedes thought there would be no need, however they later changed that to a service around 60K or so. Knock on wood the tranny shifts just fine now, but better to service than replace it. The big part of that cost is the fluid at $221.94! They will also be resealing the electrical connector and replacing a shift linkage bushing.