Whats with auto repair people these days? Got new tires last week, Ah! obviously I need an alignment, since the tires wore a little uneven (after 60K miles...) So, this happened.

So, as a result of that, I am reminded that it is time to get new brakes, and this happens.

How do you find a good mechanic these days?

TS

 

I have had the same problem. SO I gave up on having other people do any work for me that I can figure out how to do myself. When my brakes needed new pads I took it to a shop and they quoted me alomst $700 for all of it. I replaced Rotors, calipers, and pads for less than half that after I did some homework and figured out that it was really needed.

Just Brakes is about the worst out there. I have a buddy who runs BrakeO and they are not much better but it has given me insight into how it all works. Unless you find a good mechanic to do work for you, you might as well do it yourself if at all possible. You may replace parts that don't really need replacing but at least you are doing it at your cost and you are learning something at the same time.

Good luck

Stan

 

Steve,
You could probably do the majority of basic servicing and suchlike yourself.
Get a decent shop manual like a Haynes or Chiltons and read through it. They are pretty comprehensive and usually have step by step instructions with photgraphs.
If you don't have tools, I believe that places like Autozone etc. will loan them to you when you buy the parts from then.
There maybe in your area a night school or similar where they offer basic courses in car maintanance. What ever it costs, you will soon recoup the money you are spending at service shops.
Finally, you may want to consider joining your local car club. You will usually find that there will be members who are mechanics and willing to offer help or advice. I know there is in mine because I am one of them.
The main difference is going to be that you are working on your own truck and therefore give a f*ck as to whether the work is done properly.

Good Luck.