1995GA
07-10-2007, 02:30 AM
I noticed a regular drip from the center/rear of the engine. It was green and smelled like coolant. I had it towed to the shop and upon inspection it turned out to be a freeze plug (aka expansion plug, aka sand plug.) It was totally corroded. Now my 1995 GA has very few miles. (49k) I didn't even know there were 'holes' in the sides of the engine. I didn't maintain the coolant properly so even though the mileage was low it became corroded. (Rust never sleeps.) The mechanic was going to replace any and all freeze plugs he could find but he only found one on the rear of the engine.
My question is this; Because the mechanic had to remove the transaxle to get to the leaking freeze plug the shop charged $735 in labor to replace a $1.74 part. Do you think this is a fair price? The shop came highly recommended by AAA and the techs are well trained.
Since the engine was torn apart anyway, I also had them replace the serpentine belt which was $50.99 for labor and $49.44 for the part which I believe was a fair price.
I don't think I was 'had' but I would like to hear some other opinions.
Total repair cost: $809.61.
Lesson learned: Priceless.
Change your coolant every two years!
My question is this; Because the mechanic had to remove the transaxle to get to the leaking freeze plug the shop charged $735 in labor to replace a $1.74 part. Do you think this is a fair price? The shop came highly recommended by AAA and the techs are well trained.
Since the engine was torn apart anyway, I also had them replace the serpentine belt which was $50.99 for labor and $49.44 for the part which I believe was a fair price.
I don't think I was 'had' but I would like to hear some other opinions.
Total repair cost: $809.61.
Lesson learned: Priceless.
Change your coolant every two years!