Freakin ouch.

[Phoenyx]

I know what you mean about those manuals. I bought one for a Cavalier a while back so I could do some work on one.

And I'm the type of guy who loves reading instructions and stuff like that. But some things in these books are so damn confusing. ANd yes, a lot of stuff isn't labeled.

 

[ERIC87442]

so i looked up them parts for ya, 2 rotors, 1 left loaded with pads caliper and 1 right loaded with pads caliper, in and outer wheel bearings and seals (might as well do em since your doin your rotors) 2 wheel cylinders, 2 drums, and brake shoes along with rear brake hardware through carquest is $560.89 (thats what it lists at) with labor lets say at $65 an hour and lets say they charge ya 4 hours (hour for each wheel tha'ts more then needed) then that puts you at $885.98 installed, thats a bit on the high side, i think you should look around a bit for another place before you pay 1200 for a brake job

 

[Doober]

I've done the brakes on several different types of vehicles, so most everything began to look the same to me, and having worked at a junkyard (removing parts from several different mfrs.) didn't hurt either. I've had 2 1st gen. S10s and since the brake systems are basically the same as a G-Body, when it came time to do the 'Bu it didn't phase me at all...

... I have to admit though, I really hate doing drum brakes sometimes

 

[Phoenyx]

Well it's already in the shop getting the work done. I couldn't wait because I need my wheels. But even that 800-900 makes me feel better.

 

[beermonkey9417]

i also know how ya feel having to work on yer car with no garage or shelter. my elky is parked outside my moms house and she wont let me clean out yer 2 1/2 car garage so i can put my car in there to work on. and i cant put it in the driveway any more because i stained yer new driveway with transmission fluid . i gotta find a garage somewhere i can store it for cheap.

 

[Phoenyx]

Well got it back and I must say, it feels like a different car. and it stops now lol.

 

[Bonnewagon]

Sure it hurts but only for a little while. Most important thing is your kids will be safe. Who here hasn't been in a spot like that? Sometimes you just gotta bend over and take it. I got a friend who neglects his ride so bad EVERTHING is a $1000 job!

 

[Phoenyx]

Well they also flushed the system too (the fluid was black). ANd as a bonus, the pads and shoes have a lifetime warrenty.

 

[Phoenyx]

Ok here's the breakdown.

-brake pads with lifetime warrenty (PGD154M) $98.78 (seems pricey)
-brake calipers (SLC160 & SLC161) $47.90 X2 (OK those were WAY overpriced)
-rotors (5549) $89.20 X2
-grease seal (19984) $6.99 X2
-brake shoes with lifetime warrenty (514PG) $102.99 (seems pricey)
-drums (8839) $83.99 X2
-brake hardware (H7104) $9.07
-wheel cylinder (WC37625) $37.06 X2
-brake fluid $9.95
-shop supplies $39.95 (WTF?!)

So that's the parts list. Plus the labour for:

-R&R calipers
-replace pads
-repack wheel bearings
-flush

 

[85 Cutlass Brougham]

For $1200, you could buy a really nice upgrade kit instead of just a stock rebuild. I would sooner buy another car than pay that for the horrid stock brakes on these cars. In fact, I would suggest just that. Get a front drive beater that works for the winter with that money. Then, when it warms up, do the brakes on your car yourself and sell the beater for what you paid for it. Front drivers are better in snow anyways, and most will also be better on gas than the Malibu. Either that, or bring out a space heater next to the wheel you are working on to keep you warm. Take frequent breaks and do it one wheel at a time, starting up front first. Yes, it will be cold and very uncomfortable, but think of the money you will be saving. I once rebuilt a front suspension in the middle of a mild tropical storm because I needed to get to work and had no other way. I put a tarp over the fender down to my back, and let the rain pour down my *ss for a few hours until it was done. Not fun or pretty, but you do what you have to do to not spend money.