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Replacing rusty rotors...brake pads are good...replace the headlights too...$1000?
Just got Barry's goat on a 111,000miles 07 e550 4matic black on black.
all 4 rotors are rusted out and need replaced.I'm also going to replace the front headlights and their casings...
My family mechanic specializing in Euro cars quoted me $800-1000 for rotors, headlights, & casings.
used car dealer told me, essentially, that I was being bent over- but of course they would...
I'd like to believe this guy hasn't been taking advantage of my family for years, but my dad knows very little about cars and doesn't car to find out. Not me!!
Is a $400 DIY is this $800-1000 quote absurd?
Thanks for anyone's help on this.
Why would you replace "rusty" rotors? Surface rust on the braking surfaces only indicates lack of regular driving use... gone with the first brake application or two. Rust around the circumference of the rotors is normal. IMO, there is no reason to replace a rotor for any cosmetic reason.
Without more specifics I would also ask why the rotor replacement. If its surface rust, take them off, lightly wire brush edges and hat ( center), prime and paint w/ black caliper paint. As mentioned some light rusting on the swept surfaces is normal when not used for a while. It comes off with use
If I'm actually replacing rotors I typically use new pads as well but that's just my opinion.
Well this is the wrong forum, but you can get the headlight covers for about $50, but it's a long process to replace them. But it's almost the same as replacing the headlights.
That quote seems very reasonable to me. as for the rusted rotors, it actually has nothing to do with how much you drive, although minimal driving will add to the about of rust build up. I drive my car everyday and still mine are rusted. Now rotors being purchased at dealers have a special coating on them. I suppose multiple complaints have been made about it.
I also drive my ML350 daily and have issues with lightly rusted rotors. It's not pretty, but I'm not so concerned. More frustration than anything else.
04-21-2018, 04:51 AM
