How much should a front caliper cost?

[JohnD]

Summary - Front Passenger caliper froze - dealer charged $976 to replace - no other parts needed. How much should this have cost.

On my way into work this morning the front end of my truck started shaking violenty while I was on the highway. I pulled over checked the tires and made sure there was no ice inside the rim. When I got back on the highway the truck began shaking, this time when I pulled over I looked at the front rotors and the passenger one was glowing red. Forutunately I was only 2 miles from my regular dealer, so I gave them a call and they told me to drop the truck off.. When I got there I explained to the Sevice Advisor that it was most likely a hung caliper. Already late for a meeting they gave me a loaner and told me they would call back later in the day.

[vinuneuro]

I too would be surprised to receive a bill with that kinda of a labor charge. Actually changing a caliper takes all of 5 minutes. Even if they charged you an hour's worth of labor too bleed the brakes, they'd be way off. And it's not like any diagnosis work was involved. Maybe you should so talk to the service manager.

Why didn't you drive the vehicle out of there with no work done once they gave you the estimate?

[Bimmer4125]

Are you sure they didn't do both sides? I had the front passenger side hang up and they ended having to replace both sides, pads and the rotors - they say that the factory specs indicate both sides have to match.
Mine was Extended Maint. covered so who knows. But you paid way to much for replacing one caliper - five hours of labor give or take?! Wow.

[ZsX5o3]

you could have bought silver4.6's calipers in the for sale forum.

[vinuneuro]

Not so simple, the brake bias would've been off.

Originally Posted by ZsX5o3

you could have bought silver4.6's calipers in the for sale forum.

[JohnD]

The only reason I agreed to the work is because we are in our busy season for work and I wouldn't have a chance to fix it for the next few weeks.

As for other parts, there was nothing else replaced and the rotors didn't need turning. According to the service advisor, the brakes had cooled down and the tech couldn't feel the vibration - they ended up rebalancing all 4 wheels - which was a waste as I am swapping out the tires on Saturday. They also looked over the entire front end before they finally road tested the car for a longer period and got the brakes to heat up.. It appears the passenger caliper was getting 40 degrees hotter.


Thanks for your responses

[jayjay_dee]

I had this same problem (shut caliper) before, when i brought my X to dealer and told them what the issue is, they replaced rotors, pads, caliper on both front sides under warranty even though the previous owner just replaced them 10 months ago...

if they didnt do both sides and you were charged that much, thats insane... and why did they have to test drive it "longer" to determine the problem? i confirmed the problem by putting it on the lift and tried spinning the wheels, surely right front wont...

[JohnD]

Now that the X is off of CPO it looks like I need to either start doing more repairs myself or find a reputable Indy in my area. It is sad that the dealer over charges for simple repairs such as this. I have both my 2001 X5 and my 2004 325CI serviced at this dealer, all maintenance, oil hanges (5K miles), etc. In the past year, between service and over the counter parts I have spent almost $6000 - you would think they would cut me a break every once in a while..

[vinuneuro]

All maintenance stuff is easy to diy. Even most common repairs aren't that time consuming.

[JohnD]

and it helps when you have forums such as this and people like yourself...