Brake pads + Rack & Pinion question

[keith.s]

Handed in my 2k6 Model Chevrolet Lumina SS (Commodore VZ 2006, V8 SS) for a 110K service. Complained about the groaning / grinding sound from the front on reverse turns and u-turns, and also the occasional thump from the rear while braking / accelerating. Nothing major, the car was perfectly driveable.


ACDelco service centre here in Qatar recommended (after a full check up, $75) changing struts and shocks and associated stuff, tie rods, brake pads, etc. Also made an observation about a leak in the rack. Total parts and labour estimate a whopping USD 3,300.


Will be getting my car back today with new front struts, rod etc. (USD 1600 total expenses). The rear shocks are not in stock, neither are the pads.


Question 1: Brake pads are estimated at USD 620 approx (Front and Rear). I think this is excessive. Bendix pads are a total of USD 100 approx. Will these pads work for my car? DB 1331 and DB1332.


Rack and Pinion: This is worrying me. They don't carry this in stock. Will have to keep a close watch on PS fluid until I source a spare from a wrecker.

Question 2: Can a minor rack leak be ignored by keeping an eye on PS fluids?


Thanks in advance,

Keith

[trenooo]

wow thats f*#@, you are being taken for a ride, 620 for brake pads? i dont see how they came to that? bedix will be more that ok, and a minor leak from your rack is not that big a deal, had it on my vs, drove it for 3 years like that, although i did but a additive in it, stop leak or sumthing?

[RiCeY]

If the rack is only sweating I would leave it. Dont worry till its actually dripping.

Those prices are a ripoff. Go non genuine parts for everything. Bendix are fine. Same for shocks go to a suspension shop.

[keith.s]

Thanks for the replies. Yes it's a rip-off no doubt, but choices are limited here (undeveloped market, monopoly, lack of competition and lots of tax free dollars means people generally pay what they're asked to, blindly). I'll try the independent garages.

I checked the floor this morning, no drip spots (I don't think there ever where any before). So I guess it's only sweating. But I think I need to get the brakes done asap 'coz they make a groaning sound (for a instant) as the pedal is released. Feels kinda like the pads are sticking.

I can't buy Bendix here. Saw them on ebay, but can't find a seller shipping to Qatar (or the US which is fine too).

[trenooo]

mate pm gsl rallysport, he has had many happy customers and i know that he has shipped to nz so may do the same for yourself?

[gslrallysport]

Hi Keith,

I'd recommend QFM HPX, which are a Bendix Ultimate equivalent, but low dust and rotor wear. $79 per set front or rear. Express shipping to Qatar is $80, so all up for front and rear delivered you'd be looking at $238AUD delivered.

Regards,
Greg

[keith.s]

Thanks. I just bought a set of Bendix GCTs online from eziautoparts. Bit of an impulse buy. $191 shipped