Why is a brake fluid change so expensive?

[alfiejts]

Does anyone know why a brake fluid change is so expensive (c. £85-£100 seem to be the typical extra cost when included as part of a service?

I usually do it myself on my other cars.

With the proper garage tools and with the wheels already off because they have the car up on the ramp being serviced, then I reckon it should take no longer than fifteen minutes, which I'd suggest would be about £20 labour and even at retail prices, no more than £20 for the fluid.

Does anyone know whether this is a much more specialised operation, that you can't do yourself or whether its just typical Audi over-pricing?

 

[Bong Water]

I paid £45+ with a specialist

 

[Boydie]

Are the VAG brakes not double piston or something?? I cant remember but what I do know is that the VAG brakes need to be finalised with VAGCOM once changed

a normal VAGCOM connection from the likes of Audi I think is £50 to be begin with then what ever comes next!

 

[alfiejts]

But you're not changing any parts - just pushing new fluid through the pipes to replace the old.....

Shouldn't go anywhere near any electronics or require anything to be disconnected...

The brake fluid for my Alfa cost £3 from my local motor factor, plus an hour of my time, taking a wheel off at a time (which the garage wouldn't have to do at a service, cos they'd already all be off) to bleed it through to each wheel...

Hmmm. £3 for a litre of brake fluid plus an hours DIY on a Saturday morning or pay an extra £85 on top of the service?....

 

[sat1983]

Try £33 for new wipers. I payed that this morning, it sickened me!

 

[JohnS3]

Fronts or front AND rears?

 

[Twizzler]

C'mon guys don't be so mean! Someone has to pay for the bubbly at the shareholders party.

 

[cdb2]

I wonder if you can get it done cheaper at your local Skoda, VW or Seat dealer if they they use the same stuff?

I paid about £70 at Audi, will be interesting to see what VW charge my other half on her Golf when it goes in in the Autumn.

 

[newbiecrg]

the number of pistons do not have anything to do..... Electronics whise I do not see why a VAG COM reset is needed...

Pedro

 

[davemk]

Does anyone know whether this is a much more specialised operation, that you can't do yourself or whether its just typical Audi over-pricing?

I'd imagine that it's the same operation as the Golf. You can do it yourself with Gunsons Eezibleed. Like you say, it's not a long job at all. Don't do it the "old-school" method though. Pumping the pedal can damage the seals.

 

[Caesium]

VAG-COM is only needed if you allow the fluid reservoir to run so low that air gets sucked into the ABS pump, then you have to cycle the pump on and off to get it out.

The garages use a vacuum system to draw out the old fluid, its so simple.
The system to suck out the fluid is readily available but its about 200 quid.

 

[sat1983]

Fronts or front AND rears?

Fronts and rear but still... The profit they make from bits of plastics I daren't imagine!

 

[Nutkins]

Had my GTI done today funnily enough - £59.

 

[rich1068]

I wonder if you can get it done cheaper at your local Skoda, VW or Seat dealer if they they use the same stuff?

Probably. I buy my long life oil from the local VW dealer because it's cheaper than Audi. And my local SEAT dealer advertises the fact that they service VW, Audi, Skoda and SEAT. Obviously you're free to take your car wherever you like unless like me your car is leased ie I don't own it so they call the shots.

Something else. My mum had her Lupo serviced today at a reputable independent. £123 for oil, filter, air filter, new plugs, brake fluid change and a wipe down with an oily rag. Puts things into perspective doesn't it?