Why repairs cost so much

[Fab1]

Hi guys,I did a job on an Astra with a bent clutch release fork to get the owner back on the road for as little cost as possible.The clutch release lever has one 12mm bolt holding it on but to access it requires removal of the transmission along with Various suspension components.

This owner was quoted over $500 by several mechanics due to the work involved.

He brought it to me for my opinion and I managed to dismantle less suspension components,drain the radiator,remove starter,transmission mounts,battery,bell housing bolts,cv shafts leaving the transmission in place by using longer top bell housing bolts to separate the transmission from the engine block just enough to sneak in through the gap with a 1/4 in extension on a ratchet to unfasten the bolt holding the clutch release lever on the clutch fork.

It was still a job and a half with very tight room to sneak through but with a bit of patience is achievable saving labour in the process.

This is the prize after all that work the white tissue covered bolt that holds the clutch release lever shaft-

This owner I charged $200 to do what I did and he was shocked at how good the price was.

Keep in mind shops have many costs compared to me.

I've had people tell me its only a rear main seal or its only a fuel pump etc but they don't realise the cost is in removing the transmission for the seal and dropping the tank for the fuel pump and removing trim/seats in some cases.

Sorry to rave on but it's a pet peeve of mine and this transfers to outboard/boat repair costs as well.

The labour getting to what needs replacing is what drives the cost up.

Thanks for taking the time to read.

[stevefish]

Good on you for helping people out, and this is a reply to the subject not the person.

I'm kind of on the other side where people think I'm getting rich off them,

But after saying how did you find me, often an ad - not free

Do you expect me to have insurance? not free

I'm mobile so do a bunch of jobs in a day, travel has to get soaked up somehow

Free quotes aren't free for me

+car and machine maintenance

+ rain days

+public holidays

+super

Things like your local FB buy and sell and airtasker where people who work for $25 an hour trouble me, questionable skills, no insurance, no warranty or call back.