[estrellajon]

I had Dulles International Motorsport press out the old bearings and install new ones. However, I took the whole swing arm off my 930 so they can press out the old bearings and install new ones with the bearings and seals I have provided. They are charging $470 for labor. Does this sound right to you guys?

I know the hub bearings on 930's are different but was wondering if it still cost this much?

[type954]

wow, $470 at a generous $75/hr makes it a 6.5 hour long job! even $470@$90/hour is 5 hours! granted, i'm no mechanic, but if you took them the swing arms (as i understand from your description), i can't imagine it takes that long to press out/press in a bearing. i bought the tool so i hope it only takes 5 hours for me to change the bearings!

jim

[Vicegrip]

I read this as a swing arm (1) not swing arms and with your parts. Even for two that seems a little high. Did you get a kiss after they were done? Did they say why the labor was so high or break out the total time spent and cost per hour?
First thing I would do is to call DMS and get the facts clear. Ask if there were any unusual problems encountered during the work that would cause the labor time to be extended. Did they have to do some extra machine work or something of the like. If so, ask why they did not call and inform you that the costs would be higher than expected. If not then call around to see what other shops charge per hour and what they est the time spent to be. Just don't let them know you are cross checking completed work. Good honest work is to be compensated for fairly but no one has the right to overcharge. Shops can and many do make a good living by peforming good work at a good price. Overcharging is not part of good work in any way. It is theft pure and simple.

Shops that are found to be truly doing this should be exposed and blacklisted by all.

[estrellajon]

One swing arm. I figured since I got the swing arm off, it will be easier to press the hub bearings off. I figured an hour or two for labor. I was going to bring it you Kurt but I figured $80 is not so bad since I got the arm off. Then when they called that it was done, $470 they say. I asked David of Dulles Intl Motorsports how he ended up with that price. He was being an asshole and told me that's how they made money and that he will not argue with me on the price. Totally different tone from when I called initially. The reason I took it to DIM was because of word of mouth. But how am I supposed to give them a good reputation from now on after this. I was also was planning on taking my car their for future stuff but NOT ANYMORE.

[Vicegrip]

Small short term gain. Big long term loss. Duh...

Try again and find out what was done, shop around for other shops costs and then report the Facts you get right here for us all to heed...

[Mackpipes]

Jon,
Sometimes shops will charge more for labor if you provide the parts. I think they do this to offset the loss of a parts sale. With that said, that still seems a bit high. Kurt's idea of shopping labor prices is a good idea. Wait til you get all the facts before tearing them a new one. But if they did screw you, tell the world!

Ted

[estrellajon]

Ted, I'm looking into that now. I will see what exactly what was done and then compare this to others. So far, they're charging me 4 times more.

[Jase007]

Jon:

I agree with what has been said and would add that you should establish cost (or a ceiling to that cost) before you sign the worksheet. Most worksheets have a limit on authorized repair work where the repairer has to call you once they know that amount will be surpassed.

I bring parts to my guy's shop (not a noted Porsche tuner - tech - racer shop) for my BMW, Targa, Suburban, etc... and agree to pay an additional .5 or 1.0 hour labor for the owner to get some $ back. We have established a relationship and an agreement on this. Most of the time he can't find the parts I am getting (e.g. 22mm adjustable rear sway bar for a 1990 BMW AWD 325iX) and would rather I spend the time doing the research.

FWIW: I think $470 is WAY high.

Jase

[Lucky]

I used to be a supporter of DIM, but had my own negative experience with them last fall -- a very expensive 15k major service followed by having to do a re-bleed of the brakes at the track (following a major "pucker" event in turn 1!!).

Dave did make a (weak) attempt to set things right and I have continued to buy some parts through him, but in terms of labor... I'm strictly DIY from now on.

[estrellajon]

I'm having them fax me a decription on where the hours was spent. Now they're telling me that the price quote they gave me did not matter if the trailing arm was off the car or on. I did all the work by taking the arm off so its easier to press out, and now they give this story.

This is totally bullshit. I refuse to get robbed like this and now they have my trailing arm which I assumed was a 1-2 hour labor which was the labor estimate for this type of work for most shops in the area.