service

[MikesCalais]

I took my VT II in for its 170,000km service, it has 169,063ks to be exact

anyway, they did the service, and I knew that they were gonna notice that the power steering pump has a leak buttt... they also said a few other things

- Front brake pads ($220)
- Machine front rotor discs ($130)
- Coolant needs to be flushed ($110)
- Brake fluid needs to be flushed ($65)
- Power steering pump ($465.50) - maybe its just coz i have no idea what so ever, but that seems pretty expensive for a little plastic tube
- Replace all hoses and seals ($365)

all up thats $1355.50 - after the service, after all the birthdays and weddings, after the very expensive dentist visit, and pretty much absolutly everything lately thats been costing s**t loads, not to mention uni starting argghh

what i wanted to know really is are those prices pretty much right?
would it be more worthwhile doing all of it myself (except for the stuff with the brakes) and if i do that how much can i expect to save

[banga]

depending on your expertise, you should be able to do most of that stuff yourself and save heaps , there are a lot of "how to" posts on here that will save you heaps , coolant costs $40-50 , brakes about $100 you may not need to change all the hoses ,just look for swollen ends or rock hard /cracked hoses , take it to a radiator place and ask them to presure test it for you , you could probably buy the coolant off them , im sure the more technical minded will give you more help ,dont be scared to work mon it , its really quite esay when you have a bit of info/help from people that have done it before , good luck and have fun

[accentstencil]

I took my VT II in for its 170,000km service, it has 169,063ks to be exact

anyway, they did the service, and I knew that they were gonna notice that the power steering pump has a leak buttt... they also said a few other things

- Front brake pads ($220)
- Machine front rotor discs ($130)
- Coolant needs to be flushed ($110)
- Brake fluid needs to be flushed ($65)
- Power steering pump ($465.50) - maybe its just coz i have no idea what so ever, but that seems pretty expensive for a little plastic tube
- Replace all hoses and seals ($365)

all up thats $1355.50 - after the service, after all the birthdays and weddings, after the very expensive dentist visit, and pretty much absolutly everything lately thats been costing s**t loads, not to mention uni starting argghh

what i wanted to know really is are those prices pretty much right?
would it be more worthwhile doing all of it myself (except for the stuff with the brakes) and if i do that how much can i expect to save

If you think you can do some of the work yourself then buy a Gregory's workshop manual for about $40-50 and have a go and save a fortune, and if you run in to any problems, just ask here.
You can buy new rotors for about $50 each. A seal kit for the power steering pump will set you back about $20. A good set of Bendix brake pads about $60-70.
I don't know why you would need to replace all hoses and seals, what are they referring to there?
Changing the rotors, pads, brake fluid and bleeding the brakes is easy if you follow the instructions in the manual.

[Ozzie]

If you were to do it yourself....

Front disks machined $100 - $50 per rotor give or take.
Front pads $37 for Burson brand made by Bendix
Coolant flush $10
Top & Bottom radiator hoses $40 - You will want to change them to be safe.
Brake fluid $10
Power steering pump - If theres nothing wrong with your steering then leave it.
Power steering pump hose $10 - To replace the one thats leaking.

Total $377.oo

Most of it is easy, ask a mate to give you a hand with the brake bleed.

If you do need a power steering pump you can pick them up from a wreckers cheaper.

[BlackVXGTS]

For $10 you don't get proper coolant, only coloured water.

[accentstencil]

For $10 you don't get proper coolant, only coloured water.

Was thinking the same thing myself.

[MikesCalais]

thanks guys, i might have to get myself one of those manuals... I'd get some help from my uncle who used to love workin on his commodores, looks like ill be saving stacks, thanks again

[stocky]

you can get new slotted rotors cheaper than that cost of machining at that price

[greenacc]

was this quote from a holden dealer ? sounds like it at those prices.
I agree with everyone else , do it yourself if you can for 1/3 that price, or take it somewhere else cos those prices are way too steep.

[MikesCalais]

it was from ultratune... i didnt even bother getting a quote from holden because im not really prepared to take out a mortgage on the house

as for the reason why i was told i need to replace all hoses and seals is because theyre all pretty much on the way out (worn out, small cracks, etc etc).

Some how the radiator hose is rubbing up against the power steering pump which is wearing it out! luckily (for lack of a better word) it has to be replaced anyway

Happy 10th birthday Sapphire (thats her name)

[chargedvx6]

it was from ultratune... i didnt even bother getting a quote from holden because im not really prepared to take out a mortgage on the house

as for the reason why i was told i need to replace all hoses and seals is because theyre all pretty much on the way out (worn out, small cracks, etc etc).

Some how the radiator hose is rubbing up against the power steering pump which is wearing it out! luckily (for lack of a better word) it has to be replaced anyway

Front brake pads ($220) That price should include disc machining and QFM pads

Machine front rotor discs ($130) Blue murder, refer above

Coolant needs to be flushed ($110) If they are using a coolant system pump this is about right including coolant

Brake fluid needs to be flushed ($65) Yep

Power steering pump ($465.50) - maybe its just coz i have no idea what so ever, but that seems pretty expensive for a little plastic tube A brand new genuine pump is $280 at trade. 20 mins to fit ($30 labour) and $10 for p/s fluid for the bleed

Replace all hoses and seals ($365)Steering rack boots cost $15 a side and come with instructions. DIY all the way and the hoses are about another $30 and DIY again.

Ultratune? Do you enjoy getting ripped off? Same deal as Kmart T&A. Get you list and shop around. Holden will be cheaper than your Ultratune too by the way.

[ACEMonkey]

All I'd say is be careful what Holden Service lists as "problems" with your car...they have a bad habit of claiming to replace a part or say you need to replace a part when really you don't, or theres nothing wrong with the part at all, and you get charged for it either way.

For example, power steering leaks are common, but you don't need to replace the power steering pump to fix that unless you really have no power steering at all. A simple seal replacement is all thats needed and shouldn't cost more than $100 to do that.

Check your hoses visually and give them a squeeze...if they're soft and rubbery like, they're still ok. unless they've hardended or start to crack around the edges, you don't need to replace them. Check if you're losing oil or water, if not your seals are fine.

For brakes, go to Ultratune and get yourself a nice set of Bendix brake pads, machining is not all that expensive and plus your brakes won't squeal as much when you brake. I got mine done and its cheaper than what your Holden have quoted you there.

Brake fluids and coolant are standard servicing..check your service manual and it'll tell you if you need it done or not.

Hope these tips help.

[alex2_s]

bad habit of claiming to replace a part or say you need to replace a part when really you don't

kmart....

they diagnosed a (noisy) failing water pump as sway bar link pins on the old family car once.

'oh and btw you need a new water pump too its about to die'

[Sabbath']

All I'd say is be careful what Holden Service lists as "problems" with your car...they have a bad habit of claiming to replace a part or say you need to replace a part when really you don't, or theres nothing wrong with the part at all, and you get charged for it either way.

For example, power steering leaks are common, but you don't need to replace the power steering pump to fix that unless you really have no power steering at all. A simple seal replacement is all thats needed and shouldn't cost more than $100 to do that.

Check your hoses visually and give them a squeeze...if they're soft and rubbery like, they're still ok. unless they've hardended or start to crack around the edges, you don't need to replace them. Check if you're losing oil or water, if not your seals are fine.

For brakes, go to Ultratune and get yourself a nice set of Bendix brake pads, machining is not all that expensive and plus your brakes won't squeal as much when you brake. I got mine done and its cheaper than what your Holden have quoted you there.

Brake fluids and coolant are standard servicing..check your service manual and it'll tell you if you need it done or not.

Hope these tips help.

This wasnt even Holden. Maybe read the thread before you bust in and accuse Holden of being the culprits.

[Sabbath']

- Front brake pads ($220)

That's quite an expensive price, for what is involved it really isnt worth the money if you think you are capable of doing it yourself. You can have front pads changed over within 5 minutes per side once you have the wheels off.

- Machine front rotor discs ($130)

Did they give you a measurement as to the thickness of the disc? If it's starting to get towards scrap value, for that kind of money you could even think of buying a new pair and get more value for money.

- Coolant needs to be flushed ($110)

As has been said, this item looks pretty on target as far as cost goes. If you're putting a good quality coolant in, you're not going to get it for $10, once you get the coolant you're going to save $30+ doing it yourself though

- Brake fluid needs to be flushed ($65)

Perfect time to do this is when you've got the wheels off doing the brakes. A flush isnt a bleed, you just get rid of all the old fluid from the reservior, fill it up with new stuff and then crack the bleed nipples and suck through the old fluid in each of the lines, remembering to top up the reservior as needed of course

- Power steering pump ($465.50) - maybe its just coz i have no idea what so ever, but that seems pretty expensive for a little plastic tube

If you've just got a leak, i dont see why you would need to replace the pump either.

- Replace all hoses and seals ($365)

Only replace what's needed

[MikesCalais]

Did they give you a measurement as to the thickness of the disc? If it's starting to get towards scrap value, for that kind of money you could even think of buying a new pair and get more value for money.

It says 'minimum 25mm, actual 27mm'.. im jus going by memory

It sounds like its definatly worth doing myself when i have a spare saturday (theyre so hard to come by these days)

I'm pretty confident doing most of it myself, ill just get some help with the brakes n i'll be sweet!

Ive had my discs machined the last 2 services and this time again!? Thats not normal is it? I never remember the SS ever needing to have them machined that ofen

[accentstencil]

It sounds like its definatly worth doing myself when i have a spare saturday (theyre so hard to come by these days)

I'm pretty confident doing most of it myself, ill just get some help with the brakes n i'll be sweet!

Ive had my discs machined the last 2 services and this time again!? Thats not normal is it? I never remember the SS ever needing to have them machined that ofen

They shouldn't need machining that often, since they have been machined twice they are probably getting a bit thin. As I said earlier, you should be able to new ones for about $50 each if you shop around.

[Sabbath']

They shouldn't need machining that often, since they have been machined twice they are probably getting a bit thin. As I said earlier, you should be able to new ones for about $50 each if you shop around.

There is a guy in Hallam who sells brake parts very cheap. Good quality stuff aswell. He is on Ebay under Online Performance Auto's or something similar

[greenacc]

lots of mechanics try to tell you your discs need machining when they only have a tiny little groove in em or 'are glazed' or other bull crap excuses. They just try to bamboozle you with big scarey words to get more money out of you. The chances are your discs are fine and all you need do is put a new set of pads in and flush the fluid. Just have a look yourself and use your own judgement.

[BOGANV8]

lots of mechanics try to tell you your discs need machining when they only have a tiny little groove in em or 'are glazed' or other bull crap excuses. They just try to bamboozle you with big scarey words to get more money out of you. The chances are your discs are fine and all you need do is put a new set of pads in and flush the fluid. Just have a look yourself and use your own judgement.

Not all mechanics use the big scary words just to get work... Sometimes we tell customers for there own saftey.... But let him use his own judgement cause he is a mechanic by trade obviously and knows what he is looking at.....

[chargedvx6]

It sounds like its definatly worth doing myself when i have a spare saturday (theyre so hard to come by these days)

I'm pretty confident doing most of it myself, ill just get some help with the brakes n i'll be sweet!

Ive had my discs machined the last 2 services and this time again!? Thats not normal is it? I never remember the SS ever needing to have them machined that ofen

At the price you've been quoted for disc machining you may as well buy new discs. I don't like to machine discs at all and I get them done for free. I know of a few places in Melbourne where you can get new discs for $55 each front and $22 each rear. Brake pads are about $80 a set. This is all genuine stuff though so you may want to option up the pads to some bendix ultimates.