I just left a repair place to have my oxygen sensors replaced for $395(my check engine light was on and tightening the gas cap didn't solve it) and I got this long list of things that they recommended and I am really wary about taking my car back. I would like comments on the reasonableness. I have a 2003 Honda Accord SE V6 with 92,000 miles. I had my car in the dealer about 3,000 mi ago for an oil change and the only thing they talked about was my 90,000 check which seemed to only need the brake fluid flush which I got done. The repair place recommended: Replacing the Belt $62.35 Belt Tensioner $118.33 Idler Pulley $65.91 Labor $173.75 Do I need all this or just the belt? EVAP Service $89.99 Piston Service $69.99 Air Temp Service $39.99 ( I guess the sensor) TBI Service $39.99 Induction Service $129.99 Park Brake Service $69.50 Hinge Pivots $ $69.99? Slides stuck $34.75 I'm not going to include the air filter and cabin filter that I'll do myself. They are also talking $189.99 for front brakes and 113.78 each for rotors. I will need this soon but depending on comments I might not go back there. -- Brad Holland University Ombudsman & ADA Coordinator University of Virginia (434) 924-7819 www.virginia.edu/eop/ombudsman.html
When doing the timing belt, you should replace all those things. I would try and see if you can bring the parts. You can get the timing job kit from honda parts at http://www.autohausaz.com/honda-auto-parts/index.html . They have a kit which includes hte belt, tensioner and pulley for about $125. As for the rotors, you can get those for about $50 a piece and a set of pads is $40-50. Shipping would be free over since the parts total more than $50.
Uh, aren't they talking about the serpentine belt? And more importantly which of those other things (like induction service) need to be done or need to be done just to make them money -- Brad Holland University Ombudsman & ADA Coordinator University of Virginia (434) 924-7819 www.virginia.edu/eop/ombudsman.html
The tensioner and idler pulley are usually good until the second belt change. Any decent mechanic can tell how good the existing items are by spinning them by hand. Funny the water pump isn't included. That SHOULD be replaced. Whaaaat? What do they say is included in this? Sounds like a ripoff to me. "Piston service"? What the hell? More BS. Which air? Cabin or engine? If this is a throttle body clean, good. Anything else, bad. Should be covered by TB cleaning. Brake slides stuck? Should be part of any normal brake service, not a separate charge.. What are they doing, replacing the calipers? Stupid on an '03. Don't go back there. This place seems like one of those that lures you in with a "$2.99 special" ad in the paper, then ka-chings their way through your wallet with upcharges.
Was this at the Honda dealership or was it at Firestone/Midas type franchise. The reason I ask, I wanted to have the brakes and power steering pump on my 1978 C10 pick up worked on. Took it to one of those places and asked for estimate. They called and told me that the brake job was going to cost 1600.00 dollars and about 900 to replace the power steering pump. The truck is worth about 500 dollars tops. Franchise repair places try and size you up and take advantage of consumers. Get a second opinion.
I'm not sure what the going rate for the O2 sensor repair is, but the part from Honda is no more than $150. $395 seems very high especially since this is a very easy job to do. I would strongly suggest that you look for another place to get your repairs done by. You might also want to post what place you have taken it to so others can avoid it as well. Nick
Wonder why they did not include the Framis which is integral with the Belt Tensioner and the IDler Pulley. These are very expensive and must be special ordered from Brazil.
when I install my alternator I put the power steering belt, after a couple of days my belt cracked, is it too tight?
