BrokenAnimal
26931
512
14
Turns out that road salt is bad for brake calipers and discs. Also, the AC needs fixing on top of that.
I was totally bummed out when the mechanic called and told me the bad news. But I've worked hard and saved up, and all in all I'm feeling lucky that this isn't going to bankrupt me, and that I'm actually financially stable enough now that I can handle it.
It's going to suck, but I'll be okay, and that's not nothing.
interestingmonster
Being just ok is pretty ok in my book
FahadS92
Yeah, no polite way to say this but you're getting shafted on that quote.
lastmanonearthbutidroppedmyglasses
It sucks to be cleaned out like that, but that’s exactly why you’ve been saving that money.
BrokenAnimal
Yeah, that's what it's for. All in all, I'm lucky to be able to have a rainy day fund. I know things are hard and that is not something I take for granted.
LearnTheDifferenceBetweenYourAndYoure
This is where you say to the mechanic, "Thanks. I'm really tight on money right now so I'll let you know if a few days..." Go and get a second opinion from a small mechanic shop.
Eyhlix
But what about second repairs?
john306326
I know the feeling. I recently needed a new transmission. I had enough saved so that was nice but it wiped out all my savings which sucks.
Currently working on learning how to make my own minor repairs to save money. I replaced my rear shocks all by myself.
VeryEnthusiasticWalksThroughtheWoods
Family financial advisor, parent is investment advisor, said I need to build a buffer kn my savings account of at least 3 months of my wages...I had to fight the urge to not laugh and tell him that is impossible nowadays. I barely have money left at the end of the month after bills and everything and ypu expect me to somehow magically save entire months worth of money from a few hundred left over...
MisterLemons
I understand that brake work is technically dangerous and that most people don't want to risk it, but *god damn*, $3000 for 4 rotors, 4 calipers, 4 sets of pads, and an AC repair?
Wow.
BrokenAnimal
Yeah... It's really expensive. Sometimes I wish I didn't need a car to get around. It's hella expensive.
Frogspoison
Ok, so - its a LOT of labor, but the total parts (sans AC) is a fraction of that 3k. And once you know how to fix 1 set of brakes, you know how to fix all the brakes. Even if you have no tools, its still not the full 3k to get all the tools. Additionally, you are now set up for replacing brakes on cars for the rest of your life - and brakes are the 2nd most common car repair needed, with oil changes being the 1st.
BrokenAnimal
I hear you. However, I live in an appartment in a complex where, while I have a garage space for my car, it's a communal garage, and there is just no way I can do that kind of work there sadly. Living in an urban space has it's drawbacks unfortunately...
MisterLemons
Relatively good news is that you don't need to go under a car to take care of brakes. The biggest hurdle you have is that you've never done this before and you don't know what 30 pound-feet of torque feels like nor which bolts would require that little torque. I made this a few years back: /gallery/B3Z6Jmg
Brakes are SUPER easy, and so long as you put things back where you found them. If you have a friend that works on cars I'm sure they'd be happy to show you the works.
BrokenAnimal
Very comprehensive guide with excellent pictures and examples. Good job!
MisterLemons
Getting over the fact that a car is just a bunch of nuts and bolts rather than mechanical dark magic is the biggest hurdle. There's 5 bolts holding the wheel on, 2 more holding the bracket in place, and another 2 holding the caliper to the knuckle. I made a whole post about it here: /gallery/B3Z6Jmg
If the brake lines are bad, replacing them is another 2 nuts or bolts plus loosening the bleeder valve, having someone depress the brake, then tightening it before they release.
baals
3k for brakes? Lol you getting ripped off or you have some super rare import
jinbee
Brakes can be a DIY job, $250 in tools and a few YouTube videos you could save yourself a huge chunk. Swapping callipers is more involved but some cars it's not too bad. Even if you don't do this job, a few tools & doing basic maintenance yourself can save money and help keep the car running better for longer as you can afford to do maintain it better.
ElbowDeepInYou
That sounds insane for the work being done. My entire car cost less than 3K. Hell, over the 6 years we've had it the total repairs combined have been less than that (so far, wait to watch it break down tomorrow now that I've said this), and our laws for proper running are Tight.
r0b0tc0rpse
3k seems a bit much
AK90
I charge $30 for a brake job xD
Kurj8
You can find a repair video online. Those aren’t $3000 for repairs unless your master cylinder is broken.
Snow44444
Get a second opinion.
ssomed
Ryan Reynolds didn’t want to use the backup parachute when skydiving because then he wouldn’t have one.
badgerZ505
If you have road salt, do you really need AC?
BrokenAnimal
Not WHILE they are using road salt, but then there's that pesky summer season that follows...
Roqinn
Seems like every time I get some money saved, it gets yoinked to pay for some big problem; just like that!
NoUseYourName9000
Keep goin, it's working. Same happened to me, keep saving and you'll catch a break.
shanasphone350
I swear autos and home knows exactly your buffer $$. At least it won't destroy you hopefully. I have 0 for this ATM.
BrokenAnimal
I'll be fine, but it means that splurging on anything will have to wait at least. Oh well. Back to working and saving.
NZSheeps
For God's sake, don't let your car hear that or something else will break
MrCement
You have a buffer?
BrokenAnimal
Yeah. I've been working extra weekends for the past year or so to build up some leeway.
Fu5iOn
Good on you @op take the small wins even when they don’t feel like it
BrokenAnimal
It could have been a disaster, but it isn't. It sucks, but it could have sucked a lot more.
afatality
this is why rainy day funds were recommended, something i wish i couldve afforded
tombeithemist
Anybody here signed on with repair or warranty companies like CarShield, Ox Care, Care, Endurance. Olive, Everything Breaks, etc? Helpful for you, or regret it?
BrokenAnimal
I just feel incredibly lucky to be able to have one. Times are hard.
afatality
You inspire me, keep it running, times are dark but it'll force us to shine
BrokenAnimal
We will get through this!
BensonMathison
Maybe your car is more expensive to fix, but I still drive my grandpa's 2000 Buick century which should be totally fallen apart by now and my mechanic has never charged me more than $1.2k Canadian rupels for a repair.
EmeraldLight
FUCK, I FORGOT TO GET MY AC FIXED
Dimestream
I just filed my taxes on the absolute last day and had to pay $2231. While this did not immediately disintegrate my very bones, it DID eliminate my buffer, so I'm uncomfy at the moment.
BrokenAnimal
Same here. I'll have to go right back to working and saving in case something else pops up.
volkadav
Cars, pets, and children can smell money.
Banhammer72
What sort of car will 3K get you instead of repairing?
BrokenAnimal
Not one as good as the one I have. I mean, it's nothing special, just a 2014 Toyota Auris, but it's overall been very capable and reliable, and it gets the job done in a comfortable manner.
Banhammer72
So the 3k will be more of an investment to get continued good use out of a good car. Sounds fair!
BrokenAnimal
Indeed. With any luck I won't have to worry about these specific problems for at least a couple of years. And seeing as it is a Toyota I kinda expect the engine and drivetrain to last longer than me...