JLT73

1997 Auto coupe. I have 136,800 miles. It runs great and shifts very good as well.

Well, I have some issues that I was looking to get taken care of. I'm not very mechanically inclined. I can do minor things, but overall never had anyone with ability to teach me. I'm willing to try things, but I am worried about messing critical parts up.

The problems:
1. The fuel pump behind the driver side whines fairly loud.
2. When I hit a bump with the passenger front tire, the service abs and traction control system messages come up.
3. It is leaking brake fluid from the passenger front caliper.
4. exhaust system needs replaced (this was already on my list to get done shortly)

The local chevy dealership gave me the following quotes:
Replace left fuel pump - $1286
Replace front passenger side wheel hub - $730
Front brake caliper replacement and brake fluid service - $945

Do these prices seem in line with what I should expect to pay for parts and labor?

ncali

Do these prices seem in line with what I should expect to pay for parts and labor?

If you go to a dealership those prices are no doubt what they will charge. I cant seem to get that much money out of my wallet to pay for repairs.
I got a set of repair manuals (3 books) and by reading and asking questions here I have done well at doing my own repairs

BodymanBob

I’m certain you can do better on the prices you’ve already been quoted by doing a little research and finding a reputable independent repair facility. For the last 40 years I’ve worked as Bodyman at all types of establishments. Privately owned body shops and at those owned and run by dealerships. In my experience a dealership is by far the most expensive option for car repair, they have a nickname “Stealerships” for a reason. They tend to be staffed with younger mechanic’s and with only one or two truly qualified experts. With one of the newer Corvettes it might be necessary to go to them to maintain your warranty, but not a C5. A C5 Corvette is not new or challenging technology, it’s a small block Chevy and there are many qualified mechanics who can work on them. Contact the nearest Corvette club or any of the GM brand clubs in your area and ask who they recommend. I’m certain those prices are at least 20% too high so please do yourself a favor and find a good independent mechanic. Again ask those who you see driving vettes who they use. Research, Research

chasboy

Contact your nearest Corvette club, join, and ask advice. You might have someone who might fix the problems right there.

Josephu

Caliper replacement for $945 is rediculos. Like said above, contact your local Corvette club and ....or join ... Someone will help you out. If you have the part, and a speed bleeder, that can be knocked out in an hour. Well,, if you bring the pizza,, maybe 2.

dbgoodwin

My fuel pump has been loud for 6 years and tons of miles, never given me issue. It still has perfect pressure. Check your fuel pressure before replacing a pump just because it’s noisy. These pumps simply are louder than a corolla, and th cabin is tighter too.

Abubaca

dbgoodwin- What up Greensboro!

The only thing that would really concern me would be that caliper. With the tools out of the drawer and the wheels off, and if you've done it before, you can swap calipers in only a few minutes. You really wanna see where it's leaking from though. Might be the line. That's not hard to replace either. Now I get you haven't done this before, but with a little research, the info is out there. $1000, wow! That's a lot.

Edit - I'm sure if you start a dedicated tech thread on swapping calipers, many people can help you out, -if that's something you're interested in. Maybe you'd just rather not tackle it, and that's fine too.

If you were local, I'd do it for pizza and beer for sure! ...I'm sure someone local can help you out. Worst case, as has been mentioned, local repair shop.

449er

You would be better off finding a local indy shop to perform those repairs., I would not perform brake repairs (with your mechanical experience) unless you had a more experienced person overseeing the repair

Abubaca

I had a response to this typed out.......but considering the context of the statement, and this thread......I will agree with this. Better safe than sorry.

OneFast1

If you have a breakdown of the parts and labor hours, I would suggest you go shopping. You might get better quotes from other shops in your area. I agree that checking with a local Corvette club would be worth your time. If you do decide to take it to the dealership, be prepared for a phone call listing all additional repairs that need to be done, replacing one caliper may open the doors to entire brake overhaul.

djmlax89

Those prices are in line with what I would expect out of a dealership, and are exactly why I would avoid a dealership for those repairs. The C5 Corvette is honestly a very easy vehicle to work on - especially the brakes. And while you have the PF brakes off replacing the caliper, the wheel hub is 3 bolts and an electrical connector on the backside of the spindle. I would check with a local Corvette club or a trusted local mechanic. There's nothing there that requires any specialized expertise or tools from a dealership, just need someone that will respect your car and do the job right. The hardest part is lifting it.

I wouldn't worry about the fuel pump, that whine is common on the 1997. The redesigned pump is supposed to be quieter, but I personally haven't found it worth the trouble of replacing (my 97 has been whining away for 6 years now). I found the better "fix" is a louder exhaust. I would absolutely not pay $1200 to replace it either way - you don't have to drop the tank for the pre-2003 cars, the pump is on the back of the tank behind the DR wheel.

Edit: As mentioned above, may be a good idea to grab a brake line along with the caliper, for $12 or so it's cheap insurance against added downtime if that turns out to be the culprit.

JLT73

Thank you everyone for the suggestions! Being a relatively newer Corvette owner I didn't even know/think about a corvette club. There appears to be a couple in my immediate area.

I will probably end up taking it to a trusted mechanic and see what they quote. I'm just not confident enough to mess with brakes and wheels hubs. If it were putting a CAI on I'd be all over it.

redzg

Where is your area? You probably have a mechanically inclined friend you just haven’t met yet.

JLT73

I live just north of Indianapolis

runner140*

I hate to say/write this but the simple answer is.....spend "some" money on tools AND, go to YouTube and follow directions. Most fixes are step by step and complete. You can't own an older Vette and take everything to the dealership. Everything you listed is very doable by yourself. YouTube is your friend.

JLT73

I agree. Youtube is amazing with all the step by step videos. I have done/learned a ton from them. If it were winter and I wasn't able to drive it around, I'd be more inclined to make that attempt. I'm just worried that I'll mess it up and then have not as much fun this summer.

redzg

While that's outside my range (from Orlando) I wouldn't be surprised if there is somebody closer willing to lend a hand. The suggestions of tool acquisition and learning are good, but there isn't anything quite as good as having experienced hands to show the way, rather than trying to copy what someone is doing on the ipad.

JLT73

Agreed. My father in law is very mechanically inclined. Unfortunately he lives 3 hours away and doesn't have much time off work. But either way, he said he will learn me on these items and anything else I need. Obviously it will be here and there, but I am happy he is willing to teach me,.

Jim_ZO6

I know someone in Whitestown who could do all that work. PM me if you want me to ask if him if he wants a side job.

Velocity_Vette

Geez I'm in the wrong business...