27 replies to this topic

[Ryu]

I went to get my first Cambio de Aceite today and I have to say if you're planning to get an oil change, do it in the states because TJ service is way more expensive the US equivalent or at least for me it was. The filter cost me $4.50 and 4 liters of oil was a little less than $12 plus the $7 service charge (you can probably get it for $5) and total price was $23.50 for just the oil change. The high price of the oil was because I went to buy my own oil. If I had used theirs which they advertise to be the same as the one I bought total cost would only have been about $19 D'OH!

Anyways, pricewise, I think you would get more stateside since they clean your car and top off you fluids for around $20-$25. I used to get mine done at this great place for only $10. Damn I miss that place now. Anyways, that's just my experience? Anyone get a cheaper oil change around here?

[Chiquito]

I too get my oil changes in the US. But for many other services it's much cheaper here. To change the brake pads and turn the rotors here is usually about $20 verses around $100 in the US.

[TJDave]

Ditto what Chiquito says...

I got my brakes done a few weeks ago & they replaced both rotors, pads & fluid for about $120. & I have a full size truck.

I always get the oil change in the US.

[sdc]

Dave,


where did you go to get your work done?...good mechinacs are like gold....

[TJDave]

SDC,

It was on Madero & 6th or 7th... Across the street from Ricardos & Hotel Villa Zaragosa... Big yellow Bardhal place on the corner, you can't miss it.

It was just trial & error, I needed the brakes fixed & they were the first place I thought of, as I always pass them on my way home from work.

I feel like I was treated fairly & they gave me the option of which parts I wanted to use... cheap, medium, or expensive...

I'd repeat

[Ryu]

Dave, do they do tune ups and timing belts, I due for my 90 and mights as well do the timing belts as well to get a better price? Or if not, anyone TJ vets know of a good tuneup place, the belt I can get myself at a US store. See I'm learning.

[TJDave]

Ryu,

I found out the name today... It's called "Auto Servicio Royale" & the sign says they do brakes, alignment, balancing, lube job, tune-ups, etc...

So, I think they may do timing belts..just go in & ask.

Dave

ps... it's on 7th & Madero. Same street as AM/PM.

[sdc]

I'd be worried about doing timing belts in TJ.....not that I a mechinacs or anything I'd hate for them to f something up....

[Ryu]

Thanks for the info Dave. As for the timing belt being screwed up, I guess I'll have to chance it. Between saving a few bucks or my life, I'd take the few bucks anyday..... hmm something doesn't sound right there

[richsinc]

Ryu;
Why do you think you need a new timing belt? A Manufacture warning or something? Timing belts don't go out that often. How old is your car? Make?
You can do it yourself. Buy a timing light, a new belt and a more detailed book than the Owner's Manual on your year, model like a Chilton's at Kragen and you're in business! It's easy really.
Plus the detailed book will let you do other maintenance as well; brake pads, drum shoes; fuel pumps; whatever.............
richsinc

[Ryu]

Thanks for the advice Rich but I was trained as an Engineer, we engineers can design stuff really good but we can't fix anything. That's why I always make it habit to make my mechanic my best friend. Good, honest ones are very hard to find. But I've seen those books, I might just buy one to check it out. Thanks.

[TJDave]

You can do it yourself.... It's easy really.

You have obviously never met Ryu.....

[Chiquito]

I take exception to the above. I am an engineer and have also changed timing belts. Woof.

[sdc]

Once agin Chiquito you haven't met Ryu...as for me I've always considered myself a driver and I am always looking for my pit crew.....

[Ryu]

Geez, I wake up, check my local forums and it's bash Ryu days. Hmmm, not sure if this a bad sign?

[richsinc]

Yes, I have met Ryu at the TJ Boggers getogether 2 weeks ago; my impression is that he is a very capable young man.

Yea, a pit crew is good but when it's your younger brothers and sisters and you have to train them first not to set fire to your sports car you're preparing to race that you froze your butt off working on until midnight in Chicago in February thru April, maybe get a good mechanic like Ryu says.

Again. So why do you think you need a new timing belt?

Unfortunately my tools are in storage in SD; otherwise I would offer help.

You might try Robert's on Mission Bay Drive in Pacific Beach; I have used them and just heard they got an A+ in in some rating on the news. Even sure they will tell you whether you need one or not; not cheap but not over priced either. If Denny is still at the Union 76 just across the street, he is excellent.

Yea, got tired of doing the work myself.

richsinc

[Chiquito]

Ryu, do you mean timing belt or other belt.

The timing belt drives the valves and is usually well hidden. It's often recommended to be changed at 100,000 miles. A V6 or V8 will usually have a timing chain rather than a belt. If the belt or chain is bad, the engine don't work and damage can be done to the valves if you try. If it is still functioning but is very worn it should be changed because when it breaks it can do damage as mentioned above. This I learned the hard way. (One component of one of the worst weeks of my life).

The other belt or belts that are usually visible run the alternator, power steering pump, air conditioning compressor, et cetera, are pretty easy to replace and can be done by about any shop.

[richsinc]

That was kinda' my point too Chiquito.

If it's just a squeaky fan belt; hold a Crayon or candle on the V part as it is spining.

What year, make Ryu?

richsinc

[Ryu]

It's the Timing Belt and although it's recommended every 100,000 miles, I'm planning on changing mines at 90,000 since I don't plan on driving this car past 180,000 miles, I figure I might as well try to get the 90,000 miles tuneup and timinig belt changed at the same time and try to negotiate a good deal. My old mechanic (the $10 oil change place) would have given me a great deal but he's in LA and I'm here now.

And thanks for the kind word Richsinc.

[richsinc]

Ryu;

Is it running? Timing belt can't be too far off if it is running; otherwise you would have swallowed,smashed and bent valves. Why are you so sure it is the timing belt?

180,000 miles? Geez! Must be a Mercedes or Rolls-Royce? Never had a car I trusted over 120,000; maybe that 1950 green Dodge tank of a car with the flat-head six and oil bath carb is still going..........

You are welcome; no need to bash people here.

You think you may come to the January TJ Blogger get-together?

richsinc