My 1997 Prado recently failed WOF at VTNZ because the right steering rack boot was damaged. Also they pointed out that the rear brake pads were almost worn out. So I popped in to a nearby garage and asked them to get those 2 things fixed. They did it, after which I brought the truck back to VTNZ for recheck and got WOF. All good, but there was a hitch.
In the middle of fixing those 2 things, the garage phoned me up and told that one of the rear brake calipers was leaking and needed to be replaced. I told them to regard that as a potential separate job and to give me an estimation, whilst to get the original 2 things done as agreed. They did so. When doing re-check at VTNZ, I told the mechanic about the "leaking" caliper. He had a closer look and didn't find any leaks. Neither did I find them after doing a drive with a few hard brake applications — both rear calipers looked clean and dry, and brake fluid level stayed still.
So, I am trying to figure out if the garage was not quite honest and simply tried to issue an extra bill, or I better get the calipers inspected by yet another mechanic. Forum members' opinions will be highly appreciated. I have attached the invoice for the 2 things they did and also the estimation they gave me — maybe someone experienced can tell if that is market level pricing or overcharge (the garage is in Invercargill).
Extra facts that may be worth noting:
- After talking to them about getting the 2 things done (steering rack boot and rear brake pads), they asked me for the car keys before letting me know how much the job will cost and how long it will take. I immediately asked that, they apologised and quoted $240 and 1 hour. I agreed and they started. The job was done after 1 hour and 15 minutes and the final bill was $256.51 (attached);
- When they finished the job, I asked the mechanic which of the rear calipers was leaking. After some hesitation, he told it was the right one;
- They told me that even though only one of the rear calipers was leaking, both needed to be replaced because otherwise brakes will be imbalanced. The $535.21 estimation is for both calipers (attached);
- Both rear calipers were serviced in June 2013 (removed, checked, lubricated, put back). Since then 25,000 km were traveled (gentle driving style).