$800 to replace u-joints fair?
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 326
Likes: 7
$800 to replace u-joints fair?
I just got a quote.. $800 to replace rear u-joints and seals including differential.
I'm not all that mechanical (still learning,) so just thought I'd check with you guys. My understanding is that it takes some special equipment and it's not something I'd want to take on myself. Is that a fair price, though?
It's a 1974 coupe L48 automatic
I'm not all that mechanical (still learning,) so just thought I'd check with you guys. My understanding is that it takes some special equipment and it's not something I'd want to take on myself. Is that a fair price, though?
It's a 1974 coupe L48 automatic
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 6,842
Likes: 285
From: Palmdale CA
The tool for removing the rear bearings goes for at least $200. I haven't done it yet, but it isn't easy IMHO. If it includes the seals and differential, then I'd say, that's not a bad price. These cars are really difficult to work on.
Limping across the line
Joined: Oct 2002
Posts: 5,299
Likes: 109
From: Peoria Az
$800 
Holy moly. Special tools ,No. It can be done with pliers and a 6" bench vise. I have done it with just a screwdriver and a hammer. Ok maybe a wrench too to undo the yoke straps.
Shop around I bet you can find a place to get it done cheaper.
Maybe even pull the shafts yourself then find a driveline shop to replace the u-joints and balance them. I just took my 442 shaft to a driveshaft shop & they r&r'd the joints, straigtened it and balanced it for under $100
Edit: sorry I missed the part about replacing the seals, which seals are they going to replace??
Holy moly. Special tools ,No. It can be done with pliers and a 6" bench vise. I have done it with just a screwdriver and a hammer. Ok maybe a wrench too to undo the yoke straps.
Shop around I bet you can find a place to get it done cheaper.
Maybe even pull the shafts yourself then find a driveline shop to replace the u-joints and balance them. I just took my 442 shaft to a driveshaft shop & they r&r'd the joints, straigtened it and balanced it for under $100
Edit: sorry I missed the part about replacing the seals, which seals are they going to replace??
Thread Starter
Racer
Joined: Jan 2013
Posts: 326
Likes: 7
Hmm.. thanks all. Yeah feels like a lot of money, but I think I'm screwed on options. The transmission is also leaking at the pump seal, and it seems like there's a good amount of frame rust, so I'm really starting to wonder what I've gotten myself in to lol.
On the positive side, I did finish redoing all the carpet, redoing all the brakes and calipers, and replacing the rear leaf-spring. And.. I guess I should include that I finished paying for the shop's previous work of an alignment and replacement of power-steering pump.
On the positive side, I did finish redoing all the carpet, redoing all the brakes and calipers, and replacing the rear leaf-spring. And.. I guess I should include that I finished paying for the shop's previous work of an alignment and replacement of power-steering pump.
Last edited by BDoc; Apr 24, 2013 at 03:33 PM.
Drifting
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 1,873
Likes: 27
From: Sonora CA
If your going to have someone else work on your car, I wouldn't worry so much about the cost, as I would about the person doing the work. KNOW who your business!
Also, get in writing just exactly what work is going to be done.
Also, get in writing just exactly what work is going to be done.
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Melting Slicks
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 2,520
Likes: 11
From: Hinckley OH
The reason it is so expensive is that you have to pull the differential from the car in order to replace the seals. You also have to pull the rear spring. No special tools required for any of that. If they are also replacing the wheel bearing seals there are special tools required for that.
Le Mans Master
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 6,842
Likes: 285
From: Palmdale CA
As mentioned, the quality of the work counts. Sure you can get it done cheaper, but will it get done right?
Racer
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 323
Likes: 8
You are now learning what it's like to drive a car that gives the perception of someone with money. The term "Corvette" means money to some folks. Probably all those other guys who drive the non-c3 corvettes lol. Also, these cars are not always fun or easy to work on.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 987
Likes: 7
From: Surrey British Columbia
Race Director
Joined: Jul 2001
Posts: 15,892
Likes: 42
The reason it is so expensive is that you have to pull the differential from the car in order to replace the seals. You also have to pull the rear spring. No special tools required for any of that. If they are also replacing the wheel bearing seals there are special tools required for that.
If the garage the OP is using is not aware of this I can see the bill reaching $800.