Front "brake knuckles" worn in & warped? = $1,300?
#1
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Front "brake knuckles" worn in & warped? = $1,300?
Just picked up a 1992 cherokee sport 4x4 4.0L.... this is my 3rd XJ that I've owned
I don't have a garage right now so I took her to a local NAPA shop for what seemed like bad brakes to get checked out (they squeal a lot).
After a long wait, I was told that the "knuckle" by the brake pad was worn-in but the pad was good. The knuckle was also warped so they couldn't weld new metal in for a cheap quick fix apparently.
The knuckle part they were looking to replace was seemingly not found anywhere. They finally found some somewhere and they looked to run about $400 for each (x2) with labor it came out to around $1300.
Does this sound about right? Or am I getting a run around?
I don't know much about the mechanics, but I'd like to make this Cherokee something I can work on and learn. I'd hate to pay $1,300 (which is what I paid for the car)
I'm located in the San Diego area. Here it is in the south area mountains this past weekend
I don't have a garage right now so I took her to a local NAPA shop for what seemed like bad brakes to get checked out (they squeal a lot).
After a long wait, I was told that the "knuckle" by the brake pad was worn-in but the pad was good. The knuckle was also warped so they couldn't weld new metal in for a cheap quick fix apparently.
The knuckle part they were looking to replace was seemingly not found anywhere. They finally found some somewhere and they looked to run about $400 for each (x2) with labor it came out to around $1300.
Does this sound about right? Or am I getting a run around?
I don't know much about the mechanics, but I'd like to make this Cherokee something I can work on and learn. I'd hate to pay $1,300 (which is what I paid for the car)
I'm located in the San Diego area. Here it is in the south area mountains this past weekend
Last edited by minibouncer; 06-28-2011 at 06:00 PM.
#3
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Year: 1995
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Engine: 4.0 HO
I assume the issue is the brake pads wore a divot into the knuckle. If it is warped then finding a set at the junk yard and doing it yourself will cost like $100 or so
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Yeah I just called the "friendly" guy who was explaining the whole brake pad & "knuckle" process to me.
I asked him specifically what it was and he said that it is a "spindle" but for lack of better knowledge it is called a Steering knuckle .
Wow is all I can say. $400 for EACH??? I'm google searching this and I'm finding them new for $99. I'm sure a junk yard would be much cheaper as well.
I asked him specifically what it was and he said that it is a "spindle" but for lack of better knowledge it is called a Steering knuckle .
Wow is all I can say. $400 for EACH??? I'm google searching this and I'm finding them new for $99. I'm sure a junk yard would be much cheaper as well.
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This is exactly how he explained it to me.... good job sir.
I can't believe the $1,300 over priced shop comparison to a $99 part.
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Year: 1995
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It does take some time to swap the knuckles cause you have to remove the brakes and axle shafts w/ unit bearings. Then unbolt the ball joints and hammer the knuckle off (its a good time to do ball joints since its apart and there are right there). The price of junkyard knuckles vary depending on where you live.
You always get on a local 4x4 site and offer someone food and beer to help you with it
You always get on a local 4x4 site and offer someone food and beer to help you with it
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#8
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Year: 1993
Model: Grand Cherokee
Engine: V8
Im not going to try and justify the price but some food for thought...........
Normal markup is 100%
So if they find the part for $100.00 (Check OEM prices) it will sell for $199.99.
Its got to be 3 hours per side labor. At $100.00 hour (about normal for my neck of the woods) its now $400.00 per side.
$400.00 per side times 2 = $800.00.
As I said, Im not justifying $1300.00
Im not trying to justify $800.00
I am trying to show how the math works.
Its a crappy job to do, but if you can change a tire, and put the blow out back into the trunk, including bolting it back in. You can change the knuckle.
Ron
Normal markup is 100%
So if they find the part for $100.00 (Check OEM prices) it will sell for $199.99.
Its got to be 3 hours per side labor. At $100.00 hour (about normal for my neck of the woods) its now $400.00 per side.
$400.00 per side times 2 = $800.00.
As I said, Im not justifying $1300.00
Im not trying to justify $800.00
I am trying to show how the math works.
Its a crappy job to do, but if you can change a tire, and put the blow out back into the trunk, including bolting it back in. You can change the knuckle.
Ron
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Year: 1993
Model: Grand Cherokee
Engine: V8
AllData
Part OEM Part Price Front Steering Knuckle Front Suspension Coil Spring Type Knuckle 2 - Right 52067576 $359.00 2 - Left 52067577 $374.00 Labor Skill
Level Mfg.
Warranty Standard Front Steering Knuckle Replace Front Suspension Knuckle One Side B 1.0 1.4 Does Not Include: Wheel Alignment.
Part OEM Part Price Front Steering Knuckle Front Suspension Coil Spring Type Knuckle 2 - Right 52067576 $359.00 2 - Left 52067577 $374.00 Labor Skill
Level Mfg.
Warranty Standard Front Steering Knuckle Replace Front Suspension Knuckle One Side B 1.0 1.4 Does Not Include: Wheel Alignment.
#11
Originally Posted by Lyon
I've actually used a file to smooth out the divots, a very small amount of antiseize and the brake pads slide pretty nice. Just don't put too much on so it doesn't hit the rotor.
I also did this, but I bought new pads and rotors to make sure the pads didn't just go back to the bad angle they were notching.
And the knuckle is $250-300 at auto-zone.
All this because the po didn't grease all the moving/sliding points. Amateur mistake.
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