Brake service labor time

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I need to replace the front rotors on my Accord. I am aware that they are the unusual hub-over rotor setup. What is the usual labor book time for replacement of these rotors? A mechanic told me he charges one hour per side for regular rotor replacement and for my Accord it would double to two hours per side. Does this not seem too high?
 
Well, consider he has to deal with rust on a 17 year old car that lives in a salt paradise. I'm doing the rotors on a 5 year old and the rust has frozen everything solid, so it's time consuming and there is the risk of breakage.
 
Not replacing the pads as they are fairly new, only the rotors. Was your Accord also 90-97 with the hub over rotor?
 
Originally Posted By: LT4 Vette
Hmmm,

I did both under an hour on our Accord. Are you also replacing the pads ?


An hour per side labor sounds about right, for a shop. That's what we charge at work. Remeber you get what you pay for don't pick the cheapest mechanic especially when it comes to brakes.

Edit just re read, 2 hours!! Per side??? Does he have all data in beginner mode? That's a rip off. Should take one hour per side.
 
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I could do those in about 30 minutes per side while loafing along and taking the time to clean things up with a wire brush, inspect the caliper guides (and lube if needed), etc.

1 hour per side isn't THAT excessive, I'd expect all the little extras if a shop was going to bill me a couple hundred in labor.

Also, if I was going to spend the time/money on replacing the rotors, I'd buy new pads too. The incremental cost is low and someone's already there doing the labor anyway.

Best,
 
I'm ok paying one hour labor per side, it's the two hours per side that got me questioning it.
 
If he's talking about his 93 Accord then most techs get at least three hours to do them. They are pressed over the hubs and any salt can make them a royal pain to deal with. It was one of Honda's bone-head designs.
 
Those older Accords are 1.5 additional per side per rotor on top of the normal brake pads. Alldata calls a total of 4.4 hours. However, your brake labor should also be a discounted labor. Example, you should be somewhere around 75% of the hourly labor rate for mechanical work.

His times are fine.
 
My mechanic charges very reasonable labor cost to replace pads/rotors. $50 per axle for pads only, add $20 for replacing new rotors or $30 for resurface old rotors. Maximum labor cost is $80 per axle and minimum is $50, doesn't matter if the car is MB or Lexus or Honda.
 
Originally Posted By: HTSS_TR
My mechanic charges very reasonable labor cost to replace pads/rotors. $50 per axle for pads only, add $20 for replacing new rotors or $30 for resurface old rotors. Maximum labor cost is $80 per axle and minimum is $50, doesn't matter if the car is MB or Lexus or Honda.


This isn't your typical rotor setup.
 
Originally Posted By: The Critic
Originally Posted By: HTSS_TR
My mechanic charges very reasonable labor cost to replace pads/rotors. $50 per axle for pads only, add $20 for replacing new rotors or $30 for resurface old rotors. Maximum labor cost is $80 per axle and minimum is $50, doesn't matter if the car is MB or Lexus or Honda.


This isn't your typical rotor setup.



Yeah, Critic, this isn't one of those "setup the dial indicator, replace if needed, recheck the new rotors for run out, clean, lube calipers, install pads, road test, wear in pads ...

..and all within 45minutes
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These rotors do not just slide off. Before MATCO came out with the spiffy tool they had to be slide hammered off. I had the tool, but sold it when i left SEARS. I got something like 5 hours to change the rotors, but was done in under 1 with the tool.
 
Yeah if u have the tool u can do them in about an 1hr. But if u are replacing those rotors and u have never done the wheel bearings i would recomend u change the bearings at this time.
 
Originally Posted By: JustinH
The rotor setup on this accord is very similar to a f150 or another light truck setup..


no it actually isnt. they have to be pressed off.
 
Most shops use a manual which lists hours required for the repairs.
They base the jobs difficulty and pricing on these manuals.
The mechanics usually get paid this rate,but they profit by doing the job in half the time.

The dealer gets half,the mechanic the other half.
This is why they charge $70 per hour at the dealer.

Say the job requires four hours labor,at $70 per hour.
$280 total,$140 for the dealer,$140 for the mechanic.

The mechanic does the job in 15 minutes and still makes $140.
 
Well, if an Accord of the 90-97 vintage comes in my shop the labor will and has been at least three hrs to do the front brakes. Anyone not happy with that can go elsewhere. I'm not loosin money on those aggravating things. (and I love Hondas)
 
What surprises me looking back at the service records, is that last time the brakes were done some time ago the previous owner paid $223 labor to the get the front rotors R&R but didn't replace the rotors, just had them machined. I would think if they are that hard to get to you might as well replace them.

During that service the calipers were replaced, the pads were replaced and a whole bunch of front end work was done to the tune of $1500 but they opted to machine the rotors instead of replace.
 
My mechanic had to remove the entire assembly on one side for my old 94 Accord. Then he worked on replacing the rotor. I guess beating on it from a standing position was easier?
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