shin7113

I did a maintenance at MAZDA dealer today. And they told me the cabin AC filter/ brake pad/ spark plug/ brake fluid need to replace. That costs a huge money. I checked the parts price on INTERNET and I think it it acceptable. The problem is labor. I consider to DIY by myself. But I think it is too difficult for me after searching the DIT thread here. Can I prepare the parts first and ask the dealer to provide labor? Or maybe I ask for service at some other place, like FIRESTONE? Will it be cheaper?

dozer

iTrader: (3)

i think labor is like 98$ an hour, do it yourself and save a lot of money

DocBeech

iTrader: (1)

why do you need to replace the brake fluid? How do they know? did they bleed the system and check the fluid color?

Spark plugs are incredibly easy if you do it yourself. Jack the car up and enjoy. Why do they need to be replaced? Maybe they just need to be cleaned, and the gap adjusted. If anythings wrong at all.

The cabin filter you can do yourself. Order a WIX filter, and it will take you less than 10 mins to figure the whole thing out. It sits behind the glove box there is a DIY for it.

Again with the brake pads. The fronts are so easy to change you should be able to do it on your own withou a problem. The rears you might need a little coaching on. None the less you can do it yourself and save yourself a lot of money.


All of these things you could accomplish on your own in about half a day, including the time it takes you to print off the instructions. The real question is do you have to the tools. Jack, Jackstands, Torque Wrench with Proper Sockets, Pliers, Spark Plug Socket and Torque Tool, and I even have a bleeding tool. Would the money you spent on the tools to do the job be less than the labor fees they want? Also keep in mind though you only buy the tools once, then you can do the job yourself forever. Once you have learned how to do it.

Edit: I forgot to tell you. You are not only paying labor fees but a 10-15% Mark Up for the parts man. They work on commission so your paying him a huge fee as well for the parts. Plus taxes. Some things you purchase online are tax free, and shipping is sometimes really low or free depending on how much you spend.

ken-x8

Labor is the real killer. Dealers are in the $90 to $120 hour range. A good shop will have similar rates. I wouldn't go to a shop whose rates were much less than that range - you get what you pay for.

Changing the cabin air filter is so easy that dealers should be ashamed to charge anything for labor. I think the 10 minutes Doc estimates includes ordering a new one.

IMHO, changing front brake pads is a very good starting DIY. You just need basic tools (socket set, torque wrench) and just one jack stand. Read the DIY here for RX-8 specifics, and do a google search for general DIY if you're not confident after reading that.

Flushing brake fluid is easy, but needs a little know-how and IMHO a partner. One person works the pedal, the other works the bleed valves and catch bottle. I've never had much luck with automatic bleeders, but I've trained my wife (who is afraid of all things mechanical) to be an excellent pedal pumper. That said, it's a grungy job and I'm more than happy to pay the $100 or so that independent shops want for it.

I've got to disagree with Doc's spark plug statement:

The gaps on RX-8 plugs are not adjustable. And cleaning old plugs is usually a losing deal. Yes, in the old days every garage had a plug sand blaster, but back then plugs were less than a buck apiece and that just let garages make some labor money rather than a few cents profit on the part. By all means take them out for a look, and put them back if good, but if they're not then replace them. RX-8 plugs are one place where you can save a bundle buying them yourself. $80 or so for a set from several vendors, vs up to $240 from a dealer.

Don't be afraid to DIY. Accumulate tools as you need them. And there are lots of folks here to ask for advice if you get into something and panic.

Ken

DocBeech

iTrader: (1)

My 10 min estimate was his running back and forth between steps and the computer lol.

You can adjust the ground strap a little bit. Its a horrible idea to open them up from stock, but pushing it down just a tiny bit didn't hurt me. Im at 65K on my plugs and wires, and still running strong on the track. Although I did clean my plugs as well so give and take I guess? I did it at the same time we cleaned the plugs on the cessna.

alnielsen

iTrader: (4)

If you want to cut your labor rates and don't want to do the work yourself, try one of the "muffler shops". Merlin, Midas and others all provide these simple services. They have a flat rate for much of this.