byrns149

so i was experiencing a clicking at low speeds and the new transmission mechanic i took my jeep to said i need a passenger side axel u joint. I dont wanna take this job on myself but he said it will be $375 parts and labor. does this seem fair?

ThunderThighs

I think that's a good price. I was quoted up to $600 for labour alone at one mechanic. Found another that did both for $280 and I supplied the u-joints.

HuntinXJ

No. It's outrageous. Spicer joint($20), 36mm socket to remove axle nut(rent). Youtube is your friend. PM me if needed.

ThunderThighs

Wait, if that's how much he's charging for just one side I'd say look somewhere else. Also get both sides done at the same time if you can afford it. If ones gone out, the other side probably isn't too far behind. Look into the spicer u-joints online and buy them yourselfs. Mechanics like to mark up parts a lot.

93_xjcherokee

I spent $18 on each u joint and a few hours of my time. Wouldn't say its exactly easy but it wasn't too hard and I didn't pay a shady mechanic

SeriousOffroad

Fair is a relative term.
A lot of people will scream about how its such a terrible price, but they aren't considering any of the following.
General overhead including rent or payments on a shop space.
Utilities.
General liability insurance.
Licenses and business fee's levied by the area the shop is located in.
Insurance, benefits and wages for employees.
Tools and equipment.
Banking fee's
Credit Card processing fee's
Etc.

Now factor in the amount of time and effort required to remove the defective u joint and reassemble the front end after the work is complete.

Small businesses have the same expenses as everyone else, just like a major corporation they pass the cost onto the consumer.

So to answer your question, yes the price is the price. Only you can decide if you're willing to pay it.

sycoglitch

No, who cares about their livelihood and overhead. All shops should charge $100 for everything just so we can say its fair.../sarcasm

Turbo X_J

I don't need to PM you, I'll make this public. Please post your video of changing an axle u-joint with (1) rented 36 mm socket.
Why in the world do I have an entire chest & roll around full of really expensive hand tools? Obviously I've been doing it all wrong.

93_xjcherokee

When I changed mine, I used a jack, jack stands, lug wrench, 13mm socket and wrench, pliers, 36mm socket, breaker bar, pb blaster, a u joint press, a c clamp for the brake pads, and a torque wrench. So if you get away with just a 36mm socket, please teach me how

sycoglitch

Not sure why anyone needs a 36mm socket to change an axle u joint. Just pull it all out as one piece and done. Change u joint and put back. Only need a 36mm socket for the hub

BlvdKreeper

I payed $140 for the left side

93_xjcherokee

I didn't know you could change the u joint with the hub attached

ehall

Its harder but you don't have to remove and reinstall the hub

To the OP, labor rates these days are $90/hour minimum in this area. Figure 3 hours of work plus parts and it is $325 easy.

sycoglitch

Yup. Caliper comes off. Take the 3 bolts out the rear of the knuckle. Pull everything out slowly. Change is really simple with a press. Mines was easier than rebuilding my DS center ball.

HuntinXJ

Pretty much what I would have told the OP had he PM'd me.
I regret not posting in more detail for the benefit of all.