Do you know how they adjusted the door seals? (archive)

Nice info. Can you summarize the other things they did (besides tranny,brakes, control arm, and recharge A/C?) In California, a $2500 would seem like a very good deal!

HT,
I guess I shoud clarify a couple points so I don't mislead anyone. First (and this should be obvious to anyone familure with tranny prices) The shop bill did not include the cost new transmission itself. I had actually paid for it (the trans) about 2 months ago, and it was delivered around the July 4th holiday.

Anyway, since I got the bill right here, the shop breakdown went something like this:

Engine Inspection/Major service:
Parts: $83.65 (oil+filter, air&fuel filter, plugs, gasket)
Labor: $260.00

Replace Clutch:
Parts: $301.50 (clutch kit, pilot bearing, seal)
Labor: $390.00

Replace Driveshaft:
Parts: $500 (complete unit)
Freight: $40 (overnight priority)
Labor: $0 (covered w/ clutch)

Replace/tighten up shift tower:
Parts $17.95 (selector, bushings, pivot pin)
Labor $0 (covered w/ clutch)

Brakes Sevice (all wheels - first service since I bought it):
Parts: $399 (rotors, pads, wear sensors)
Labor: $195

Control Arms (lower):
Parts: $197
Labor $97.50

Repair Side marker light (corroded harness):
Parts: $25.00
Labor: $32.50

Now in additon to this, they checked out a bunch of things that don't appear on the invoice, of which some were small fixes/adjustments. Typically, this particular shop does not charge customers for diagnostic work. Given the size of this job, these small items were probably not a big deal for them. Other things fixed/cheked out included:

* A/C Compressor diagnosed with irregular vacuum at low speeds - something was done and it now is working much better.
We did discuss coverting it to R134a if it fails in the future.

* Seat back repaired. All I can find is that I was charged $0.15 for a retainer clip.

* Door Seals adjusted. Much much quieter. :)

* Stereo system - located loose wire in front speaker causing static.

Final Total before tax: $2,565

One thing I'd like to say about this particular shop is way they treat their customers (and have treated them for the past 14 years) - they like customers that want to be involved with their cars.

When I came over, there was no problem showing me the problem parts they discovered and discussing with/educating me on how it all worked. I got to see my old driveshaft and compare to the new one (car up on lift) and the old control arms with the notchy movement vs new ones.

Having experienced this kind of treatment from the same people for 12 years now, my concern about being taken for a ride by the shop is about 3 points below zero.

I find that the piece of mind is worth much more than trying to nickle and dime for the cheapest repair work possible.

-Matt

Follow Ups:

Re: Do you know how they adjusted the door seals? Matt 21:01 8/27/2000 (1)
- Re: Do you know how they adjusted the door seals? TS 23:52 8/27/2000 (0)

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