I recently went to a local shop to get my rear pads changed and rotors resurfaced. Local reputable shop that has done a good job in the past on my other cars...

Then I went to the dealership for an oil change and inspection, apparently the shop that changed my rear pads took of a "shim kit" that the dealer mandates I MUST have on my car because if I do not the pads will tear into the rotors damaging them within 6 months. Dealer quoted me $400 for putting new pads with shim kits and resurfacing rotors.

I took this information to the shop and mentioned that the dealer noticed that they threw the shim kits away. The local shop owner told me that the shim kits are optional and to compensate for the lack of shim kits they put on some sort of lubricant on the rear pads to help avoid future rotor damage. Local shop says that my pads and rotors will be fine.

Who do I believe? What should I do next?

Thanks!

 

You'll be fine. Dealer is blowing smoke. Take your business elsewhere.

For the record, there is no reason not to use the backing plate on the pads. Even aftermarket pads include them. But they are not an absolute necessity.

 

^+1 youre fine. the dealer is selling major BS for $600

 

Yup... and the dealer is a complete rip off in terms of brakes.
Swing by my house and I'll have all four corners done inside an hour and I dont have a lift or any other fancy tools the dealer has to make life easy.
Their cost for pad replacement is an absolute joke.

 

Word of advice: learn to do the basic of car maintenance and then you will know it was done right and you didn't get ripped off. I have heard so many stories from coworkers and most of the time, I have to tell them they were ripped off. Insane parts charges, double labor charges, questionable problems found that have nothing to do with why the car was brought in, etc. Do it yourself and with the money saved, buy the best parts.

 

i would call the corporate office and complain, $400 is robbery.

 

Thanks for the feedback everyone. I'm not super mechanic-savvy and this car is new to me so I have not yet learned the intricacies of what I should and should not be aware of.

I appreciate the advice and will not be going back to the dealer for this.