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Old 08-03-2020, 10:11 AM   #1
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Help finding a good mechanic

I just got quoted for 1300 dollars for new rotors calipers and seals on my 2003 e450 short bus. I’m in western Nc does anyone know of a good cheaper diesel mechanic than the ford dealership? I just payed 600 for new hoses help!!

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Old 08-03-2020, 10:26 AM   #2
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You should be able to take your bus to almost any mechanic. Brakes don't require a diesel mechanic.
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Old 08-03-2020, 10:36 AM   #3
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First of all, avoid any dealership.


What seals? rear axle seals?


rotors and calipers on front? or rear? or both?
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Old 08-03-2020, 10:47 AM   #4
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Rear brakes only they said I would need calipers pads rotors pretty much everything but hoses in the rear.....
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Old 08-03-2020, 10:55 AM   #5
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get a second opinion at the least.


Is it leaking fluid from the calipers? Then they need to be new/rebuilt. But they don't necessarily need to be replaced in pairs unless both are leaking.



Not leaking? Did they take the calipers off and try to compress the piston and find that it does not compress? (sometimes there are ways to tell if the caliper piston won't compress without removing the caliper)If the piston will compress smoothly and easily, it is OK.


Many dealers and other companies also will just over sell you.


However, if one side of the axle is leaking, replace both axle seals (both sides), due to the need to drain the diff fluid. The seals are cheap.
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Old 08-03-2020, 10:57 AM   #6
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Funny, the hoses are usually the first thing you want to replace just for safety's sake.


I forgot to say: The calipers may only need a hardware set that aftermarket folks can give you for $20 or less. Not totally rebuilt.


Of course, I haven't actually seen it, so I'm just throwing things out there to think about.
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Old 08-03-2020, 11:54 AM   #7
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So I did get the hoses replaced... I was driving her home and got some resistance on the downhill so took her back to the dealer....they said the funk from the old lines got into the caliper and seized it up also said the rotors didn’t look so hot
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Old 08-03-2020, 01:24 PM   #8
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The "stealership" prices are typically 50% to 100% more than an independent garage.
So half of 1300 is not too bad for that brake work. It really isn't too hard to do yourself, some things need special tools, in this case, the only special tool in general is a jack and jack stands that can handle the weight of a bus. You probably should have those if you want to change a tire yourself.
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Old 08-04-2020, 02:02 PM   #9
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Honestly, I found the best 2 mechanics I've ever met on craigslist. We found a mobile mechanic who came to us when we were broken down and his prices were far better than any shop I've experienced.
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Old 08-05-2020, 07:47 AM   #10
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Where are you located?
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Old 08-08-2020, 04:34 PM   #11
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Tabor auto right outside of brevard is the best shop ever
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