Am I getting my ripped off?

I was only talking about drive axles.

 

I agree the right tools make a job way easier. Whether store bought or homemade.


That said I have never met a guy or shop who has it all. I may have to reconsider opening my shop cause sometimes I will have 8 hours in a set of king pins. Just happens. Sometimes I will have 2.5 hours or even 3 in a set of drive brakes and wheel seal by the time I get all the bearings washed and threads clean etc. I had a flat 175.00 labor for brakes and wheel seal before I sold out. I am not sure I would do it for that today. Though I am considering parking the truck. Since the people that bought me out went under the no compete clause is sorta void. I just am not sure about hiring help.....and know it’s too much solo so time will tell.

I will say I agree with others not being snarky or smart but buy some tools and get your hands dirty. It will give you a complete new outlook.
Years ago Snap-on used the slogan

“When did you first learn the value of a good mechanic” no truer words ever spoken

 

You that dude with that 458.. dope
And that labor don’t seem like too much. That labor for king pins can be a btch
There isn’t that much work for someone who does it all the time. but it’s time consuming and that’s where the price comes from.

 

Yeah, and you pay 100+$ per hour for someone that's done it a bunch, not for the dude sweeping floors.

 

Kingpin time can vary a lot. If you are going put some junk spiral bushings in sure you can do it quicker. I prefer OEM kits and to hand ream them and install by hand with threaded bushing installers. For the Meritor axles I have the fixed reamers. Others I have to use an adjustable piloted reamer. Takes time on the older style hendrickson two piece knuckles to properly ream and to replace the "non replaceable" pin. It's the little details of properly cleaning, measuring, cleaning up knuckle thrust area wear with file, actually torquing fasteners and seating draw keys etc that makes all the difference and takes time. Then you get one with some axle bore wear or knuckle wear then it's time to call Axle surgeon and hopefully they are quickly available or you have a truck eating up bay time. Hell, you can fight corroded cotter pins for a bit in tie rod ends and drag link! Just my experiences, only done 100 axles or so from brands like Meritor, Dana Spicer, Mack, Hendrickson, Watson Chain, Link, Ridewell, and ASC in dump truck operation.

 

That’s what happens. I can see the double charge for front brake shoe labor. Considering Air Compressor, Visor, etc. It’s probably pretty accurate on Labor time. Sometimes Shop work really adds up. I try to get clear guesstimates from them upfront. I also never stack repairs. Too many chances for the bill to get out of hand. You should fix what you can yourself. Like the 2 Easy SS hoses. That 1/2 hr. Job as they say, can easily become a 4 hr. nightmare. Work takes time period. It all adds up. I do most of my Own work, I can tell you it takes me a very long time. Almost no such thing as an easy job, if it’s done right.

 

If he likes that he’ll probably dig this also…
Charge accordingly!

 

My friend shop owner got a huge grin when he received your hourly rate.
He'll print it right away and put it just beside the other one 'the 3 day ordeal'.
And he also sends a big hello to all my friends on TTR.
And, if you guys happens to travel to Calgary AB,
don't be a stranger. Swing by and say hello.
You'll make his young heart beat faster.
He really admire truckers and the work we do.
His daddy is still a trucker.

 

Printed and posted on the wall.
For all customers to see.
Thank you.