Had to pay over $1500 to have a wheel bearing replaced. The original quote was $1200. You are better off doing a small job like this yourself. There will be cash left over after you buy all the tools. Such a rip off, I couldn't believe it. They won't let you take it off the lot without drum breaks, because it's a "safety issue"... Even when the drum brakes are only for the E brake.
In attempting to replace the rear wheel bearing we found the lower control arm bolts were seized in the bushings. Customer was called and he authorized the additional work necessary. The original estimate was authorized also. We never said you had to install the MISSING parking brake shoes to take the car off the lot. It is your car, you can always take it off any lot. We did inform you that if we were taking it apart that when we put it back together it has to be done right, parking brakes are on every car sold in this country for a reason - they ARE a safety issue if someone has removed them as was done on your car. You can always save money if you do work yourself.
- The Master Mechanics