Just Brakes is a Rip-Off

[dallasmsl]

This is WAY off-topic for a bodybuilding group but I'd like to warn other bodybuilders since all bodybuilders drive cars.

Hi Everyone. I hope everythings going well for you. Just thought I'd share something with you and hope that you'll accept it. I don't normally do this kind of thing but I'm livid and also want to prevent others from being ripped off.



On Friday, July 1st, 2005, I took my 1993 Cadillac Sixty Special (gussied-up Sedan DeVille) to Just Brakes on Harwood Road in Bedford, Texas. I had bought the car about three years ago. There really wasn?t a problem but since I had bought it used and never had any brake maintenance done on it, I was concerned that it might need a look at. Also, it had 116,000 miles on it. I figured that the old lady who had the car before me probably never did brake service on the vehicle.



After a short while, the manager came to me and showed me all the things that were wrong with the car. Of course, I am no mechanic so I have no idea what I?m looking at anyway. He said I needed new brake pads, calipers, brake drums, hoses, rotors, and a few other things. The total estimate came to $995.00! Now, remember, this car gave NO indication of problems. NONE. No Squeeks, no pulling, nothing. What really surprised me was that he wanted to replace the brake drums because he stated that they were no longer within GM specifications! I had no idea brake drums were supposed to wear out from normal use after only 10 years!



I was in total shock. Fortunately, I came to my senses and told him to put the brakes back together and I?d go to another place for the repairs thinking that surely I was being overcharged. He tried to knock off a few parts that weren?t ?as necessary? as the others to lower the total price but I held firm and told him just put the car back so I can take it someplace else.



After I left, I was concerned that perhaps they might have not put the brakes back together properly so on the morning of Saturday, July 2nd, I went to PepBoys which is also on Harwood Road in Bedford, just a bit up the street from Just Brakes. They examined the brake system and the mechanic came back with a puzzled look on his face. ?Uhmm, what am I supposed to be looking at? There?s nothing wrong with the brakes. Are you having any problems with them because I don?t see anything wrong with them at all. The brake pads look almost new!? Again, I was in shock. For what was about to cost me $1,000 at Just Brakes ended up costing me NOTHING. No work was required. Pep Boys didn?t even charge me for the inspection. When I drove away, I felt like I had just dodged a bullet.



My car experience is proof that Just Brakes is a total scam outfit and should not be trusted. I went to the internet and found a myriad of websites where others have been ripped off by Just Brakes. So, consider yourself warned. Just Brakes is a rip-off!



Dave Sanchez

[Gastrocnemius]

All of those places are similar... They get you in there, try to panic you with a laundry-list of what's wrong, and try to wring some $$ out of you.

I wouldn't doubt your drums are worn, but usually you turn them instead of REPLACING them. That sounds extreme...

Keep in mind also that Pep Boys doesn't necessarily have the best-trained mechanics... Who does? Hard question.

I guess the good thing is that Just Brakes, despite their panic-motivated sales technique and unnecessary maintenance/replacement, they *DID* put your brakes back together properly

A surprising bit of competence!

Everyone has a car. IMHO, EVERYONE should have some basic knowledge of the systems on the car that need maintenance. It would save so many people so much knowledge, and it would keep crooks from staying in business.

Gastroc

[ethernet_jock]

dallas,

Thank you - you have just reminded me why it is I chose to do ALL my own car work. Seriously... it isn't that hard. People make it out to be more difficult than it is. Get a Chilton's manual on your particular vehicle and read carefully. If you can follow instructions, you can do anything.

Brakes in particular aren't that hard in terms of comprehensive difficulty. They're a pain in the royal ass, for sure... but not that technically challenging. Even ABS can be done in your garage if you know how.

Good luck!