My 'Rora is Sick - prices/quotes

[irectus]

hey guys so my 01 3.5L Aurora is sick and in need of attention. My mechanic is booked solid for 2 weeks and i feel I should probably have this work done before then. My question is simple, do these prices/quotes seem a little high? I went to a mechanic my buddy recommended me to, and he came back with prices higher than I expected. I checked RockAuto for prices on parts and just not sure if rockauto is much cheaper, or if i'm getting better quality parts from this mechanic. In terms of brakes from RockAuto, what would you guys recommend? top of the line performance? or can I get away with Economy/daily driver type stuff? Keep in mind, I try to keep parts being replaced on this car OEM, but this mechanic was telling me a true GM exhaust system would cost about $2000, and brakes about $1600.
anyway quotes are as follows: all prices are in US dollars (i converted for you)
-Aurora Left front Bearing -> $310+tax (on rockauto, would i want the 1st design or the 2nd design?)
-Rear Brakes rotors pads and labor ->310+tax
-Front Brakes rotors pads and labor ->310+tax
-Mufflers (both) and intermediate pipe ->410+tax

I guess I'm just not sure what brakes to order (pads and rotors and i might do calipers too) from RockAuto if I order the parts myself and brought it to the mechanic. any recommendations?

[RCA1186]

I'm not so sure that ordering the parts separate is going to save you much money. It's the labor that is killing you. Especially on what are some pretty easy DIY jobs excluding the exhaust work.

[tigger]

A lot of places can turn(resurface)your rotors if they aren't in bad shape and have enough "meat" left. Pads are cheap, save the money and DIY.

[Randy T.]

On the front, I recommend '06-?? Impala/Lucerne V6 brakes, you need the pads, the rotors, the caliper, and the caliper bracket, you could probably spend just a little more and have superior brakes. I drive my Aurora like crazy, the Lucerne pads have a bigger surface area and hold up a lot better. I used used pads that came with my Lucerne front calipers 2 or so years ago, still doing great.

[guy48065]

Sometimes you don't get what you pay for. Those parts prices seem high--and I buy from Rock Auto often.
Don't choose the OEM AC Delco front wheel bearings. GM cars eat bearings and that's because they're not a high-grade part. Get SKF. They're a higher quality than even Timken. Expensive but still much cheaper than OEM.
Same with the brake parts. Last 2 brake jobs I've done (1 car, 1 truck) I used corrosion-plated cross-drilled & slotted rotors and ceramic pads bought from Brake Motive on eBay. All 4 corners $160.

[Paulaurora]

I think the prices are a high for the brakes. but the price for hob Bering is not bad if its SKF brand or AC delco or Tomkin if its some other china junk its to much $ . and about the muffler job is not bad price as well.

[irectus]

thanks for the suggestions, recommendations and opinions. duly noted.
So how much roughly would a set of lucerne pads, rotors, calipers and brackets run? if they are superior why not go with those, makes sense. I've just never changed brakes or bearings before, and both are critical parts. But if it's easy enough, there's always a first.

[awehlage]

I put these on the front: KC1437 Power Stop 1-Click Performance Brake Kit with Calipers (2006 Impala) www.thebrakeguys.com

And put the same power stop rotors on the back (2001 aurora). Kept the stock caliper and upgraded the pads. If you want you can put GXP caliper on the rears but those are $200+ new a piece.

I've had all brands of rotors and pads on my car: OEM economy, OEM "premium", eBay cross drilled/slotted, EBC cross drilled/slotted (w/ red stuff pads) and now the power stop. Power stop has by far been the best even over EBC!!!!

As far as exhaust goes, look online for a used OEM system or a used aftermarket like Corsa for a Seville/Deville. Got mine off craigslist for $150 (everything from the catalytic converter back).

Sent from my XT901 using proboards

[irectus]

:/ thx, i'll check it out