This is an example of why I don't trust garages ... maybe I'm just over-reacting though ... what do you think.



Last week I took my car to a local garage to have the brakes seen too.

I thought it was the front brakes but as it turned out it was the back brakes.

I was advised that I needed new pads and maybe drums (I could get away with just having the pads replaced).

Estimate was:

Pads and Drums: 170£
Pads: 70£

(my car is a N reg fiesta).

I had the Pads done, and when I went to pick it up, the hand brake was really loose. I could pull it up to the top and it still wasn't braking.

He told me to bring it back another day to have it adjusted back (and explained that it was loose to let the pads 'bed in').

I took it back and when he'd fixed it, I only had to lift the hand brake one notch for it to come on (can't go past one notch).

OK, I thought.

Anyway, I came to park on my drive (which is on a slope), put the hand brake on, and the car starts sliding down!

I just called the mechanic, and he said it will need a new brake cable (it was right at the end or something), 30-40£ for parts and labour.

To my way of thinking the brake cable was OK before, and it's just another case of mechanics ripping of people who don't know any better.

I just have no faith / trust in people at the moment.

Am I being conned?

Originally posted by Jamie
This is an example of why I don't trust garages ... maybe I'm just over-reacting though ... what do you think.



Last week I took my car to a local garage to have the brakes seen too.

I thought it was the front brakes but as it turned out it was the back brakes.

I was advised that I needed new pads and maybe drums (I could get away with just having the pads replaced).

Estimate was:

Pads and Drums: 170£
Pads: 70£

(my car is a N reg fiesta).

I had the Pads done, and when I went to pick it up, the hand brake was really loose. I could pull it up to the top and it still wasn't braking.

He told me to bring it back another day to have it adjusted back (and explained that it was loose to let the pads 'bed in').

I took it back and when he'd fixed it, I only had to lift the hand brake one notch for it to come on (can't go past one notch).

OK, I thought.

Anyway, I came to park on my drive (which is on a slope), put the hand brake on, and the car starts sliding down!

I just called the mechanic, and he said it will need a new brake cable (it was right at the end or something), 30-40£ for parts and labour.

To my way of thinking the brake cable was OK before, and it's just another case of mechanics ripping of people who don't know any better.

I just have no faith / trust in people at the moment.

Am I being conned? ive a ford xr3i and had my brakes done monday new front and back pluse tightened up handbrake £ 60

I would ask for them to put it up on the ramp and demonstrate to you how it is at the end of the cable. Get proof.

Which garage is this?

Pads seems expensive for £70, after all it is only a 20min job.

CR: it's basegreen services.

... and this is typical of my experience with garages.

I'd really like to find someone trust worthy who does a good job and won't rip me off. Preferably local.

How come the brake cable was OK before having the pads done and not after ?

Is that to be expected ?