bogus labor charges????

I got to go to Cincy to see our sons this past Saturday and saw the bill from Pep Boys for replacing the alt. 93 Bravada 4.3 a/c,p/s. $19.99 to check alt/starter, $52.50 to replace alt. add $7.50 for a/c and $7.50 for p/s, $9.00 shop supplies and $89.00 for alt. w/3yr warr. My beef is the 7.50 x 2 for a/c,p/s. The alt is on top of the motor, don't have to touch either one. Their excuse is because the serp. belt goes around them. I know it's not a lot of money considering the total cost but how many other jobs and for how much are they billing these type of bogus charges. They must be making a fortune. Any input ???? And by the way we replaced the starter w/ a new one for $110.00, took us about 1 hour laying on our backs.

I agree Daddyo, they padded the bill but with a new starter, battery and alternator, the boys should be ok for a while. What they could do is get with the local better business folks and find a reasonable, fair shop before something else lets go.

I got to go to Cincy to see our sons this past Saturday and saw the bill from Pep Boys for replacing the alt. 93 Bravada 4.3 a/c,p/s. $19.99 to check alt/starter, $52.50 to replace alt. add $7.50 for a/c and $7.50 for p/s, $9.00 shop supplies and $89.00 for alt. w/3yr warr. My beef is the 7.50 x 2 for a/c,p/s. The alt is on top of the motor, don't have to touch either one. Their excuse is because the serp. belt goes around them. I know it's not a lot of money considering the total cost but how many other jobs and for how much are they billing these type of bogus charges. They must be making a fortune. Any input ???? And by the way we replaced the starter w/ a new one for $110.00, took us about 1 hour laying on our backs.
This wouldn't work in NYS, ask them to what flat rate guide they base there add on labor operations from.

I forgot to mention, the alt they put on started growling the day before I got there. The first one they put on had a 3 yr war. the replacement had to come from a parts house because the only one they had they stripped out the adj. hole while trying to install it. The new one came with a lifetime war. They said their times come out of Mitchells manual.

Ask to see them, it could be right.

I'm back in Fla now so that would be a little difficult to do and I doubt they will refund any $$$. I guees I'm just concerned about people/businesses doing the RIGHT thing. I was a NIASE certified mechanic in the early 80's and the garages I worked in used Motors Manuals flat rate books (I think) but I vaugly (?) remember the add on's as being "if applicable" and in this case I don't think they are. Sorry to rant , It's just hard to find a place to get repairs done where you can trust them to do what's right.

Sorry to rant , It's just hard to find a place to get repairs done where you can trust them to do what's right.

cartalk.com has an area where you can find listener recommended mechanics and shops.

link here: http://cartalk.com/content/mechx/

I had them go to Pep Boys Thinking since their a national chain? they would be resonable also PB is close to where they live and work. I just need to stop ranting and fogetaboutit. Thanks everyone for your input.

I work at a leasing and fleet maintenance company. The Pep Boys is probably right. When you look it up you start with the alt, then add time for the extra options (i.e. a/c p/s). I see it every day

This thread is way too old please check the dates before responding, thanks.