Ok I knew she wasn't going to be a cheap date, so I guess this is sticker shock talking right now--just had my rear brake rotors and pads replaced (also future repairs estimated). And yes I know I could've done it myself cheaper, but seeing as how I'm ignorant mechanically, I didn't want to take a chance on doing it on my own.
Anyway as I was pulling into the driveway, I noticed a faint burning smell like burnt hair. They performed an oil change so I'm hoping, praying that this is normal. I read a previous post where this happens if you switch from synthetic to dino oil, but they used synthetic. Didn't notice anything smoking under the hood and no idiot lights. So I guess my question is,is it normal? It is a new to me 94 850 turbo wagon that has probably been sitting for a while with no driving except for what I've been doing lately.

 

That could be the coating burning off the New Rear rotors.

I get that all the time when I install new rotors and test drive.
I even clean the rotors really good with brake clean before installing them.

 

Thanks Tech. I'm sure that's what it is since I didn't notice this smell before I went to the mechanic. I can't imagine they wouldn't have told me about something possibly blowing up while I'm on the road. : -)

 

How much they get you for on rear pads and rotors? Doing it yourself with OEM parts would probably be between $125 and $150 for the parts alone.

 

Rotors 160, shims 13, brake pads 45, labor (oh boy), no grunting or vibrations when hitting the brakes...priceless. It took my breath away when I got the bill, but I took it out on the freeway today for the first time and I was in heaven!

 

^I guess it's worth it because you never want to go cheap on brakes.

But yes, you overpaid quite a bit. Especially since it's such an easy job.

 

But if you don't think you're mechanically inclined and do not have the necessary tools & equipment, it iswise to have it done at a shop, and I myself consider the labour as an insurance. Just be sure to have it done at a reputable shop; I would either have the dealer or independent shops specialising in Swedish/European cars do the jobs. The latter may be better, especially if they are willing to accept parts from customers. Some dealers are known to sell you unnecessary parts & services once they figure you don't know much about cars.

Also, here's my own axiom:

Recommendations on automotive shops, given by those who don't know much about cars, is almost always useless.


JPN