After getting my car back from the shop after about $850 in repairs it's actually running now. The thing is that the mechanic told me there are still a few problems with it, the break booster needs to be replaced, the radiator and he mentioned a sensor in or near the radiator needs to be replaced, and one of the front bearings needs replacement. On the downside... the guy wants to charge me $400 for the booster, $460 for the radiator and sensor, and $400 for the bearing but thats not even including labor cost. What I'm asking is is this guy taking me for all I'm worth? Should I just do it myself, would it be cheaper that way? I mean I'm going to a school for automotive next year to learn so I'm all for trying to work on it myself it's just I can't find anywhere that carries the parts i need. Thanks.

Edit: I have a 87 n/a if that makes a difference...

 

Go ahead and try it yourself.
The radiator is held in by a few bolts---very easy
And while its out it is pretty eaasy to replace that sensor too.
Front wheel bearing isnt really a problem either, if it squeeals replace it or if its loose then just try tightening it---It does require a 30 or 32mm wrench or socket
As goes for the Brake booster, download the FSM, and follow it. I havent done it on my rex but im assuming its quite timeconsuming($$$)

http://www.iluvmyrx7.com/index.htm

 

If you don't think you can do it yourself, get the part #s and see how much they actually cost. You can get them for cheaper guaranteed. Show him your prices and see what he says. Or you could just find a more reputable mechanic.

 

Front wheel bearing - Bad news. You have to replace the hub if you want a quick fix. Good news. If you have a little time to work on it - http://www.mazdatrix.com/faq/frontbrg.htm

Radiator - Yeah, that is dead simple to fix. http://www.mazdatrix.com/b8.htm However, other ones can be found with some internet searching.

Brake booster - Describe how your braking feels?

James

 

Thanks a lot, I think I'll do the radiator and sensor myself and probably just replace the entire hub since the bearing looks to be a lot of work and I don't have the tools. I'm still not sure about the break booster yet, the breaks feel awful, you can barely stop. Thanks.

 

That hub is going to 300+

If you are going to do that. www.mazdaformance.com is the cheapest stock parts dealer you will find. They kill mazdatrix in pricing.

James

 

I have a used brake booster that is in awsome shape, it had 115,000 miles on it. If you want it I'm selling it for $45 shipped.

Also, I have taken them off, and put them on. And the worst part about it is the you have to kind of bend the master cylinder out of the way (because it is bolted to the brake booster). But other than that you have to undo 6 bolts, and 1 pin, and it's off.