'97 wagon lx handbrake cable

Hi, the right rear handbrake cable would hang up and not release all the way. Took it to strauss and they are replacing the rusted out cable. I got quoted $260+tax for the job. I know the cable costs about $40, and $260 seems kinda steep for a simple cable. Anyone have this done? How long does it take to replace that cable only?

Sounds pretty expensive to me. I doubt a job like that would take more than an hour... :disappoin

Cost $258 total. I don't think you'd ever guess why so much for a small right side brake cable. He took the exhaust off + new gasket and that was 75% of the total. So now I just want to find out if you have to take the exhaust off on a 1997 ford escort lx wagon automatic? If you want a pic I can take one later of the workorder.

I can't imagine why you would take the exhaust off. Secondly, there are no gaskets back by the brake cable. Sounds funny to me :screwy:

I just recently replaced the drivers side cable on my '97 4 door with manual and had to wrap a tie down strap around the exhaust and to the frame and pull like crazy to get the exhaust out of the way to access the bolts that hold the heat shield below the Y for where the 2 cables meet, so they might have just found it easier to remove the exhaust, but not really needed.

I did mine too. It took me two hours because I hade to remove the heat sheild and the exhaust was in the way of the bolts. Also some of the old disks have to be readjusted after replacing the cable, and that is a chore and a half.

So from everyones posts I guess taking the exhaust off is needed to access bolts. BTW there are no rear discs on this wagon. Well, I guess the price is what it is, still expensive for a single cable. Wish I had the room to do my own work.