Are they trying to get me?

Took my 05 Malibu Maxx into the dealership to see why the steering felt like it was sticking. Apparently there is something called a "steering shaft lube kit" which cost $30 (+9% sales tax) plus $85 of labor. Seemed kind of steep to me, but whatever. They also said I need an alignment which is another $69.95, a "road force balance" which is $59.95, my front and rear brake rotors needed resurfacing for $102, and my back brake pads needed to be replaced for $189.

I thought it over for a few minutes and decided that I took my car in because of the steering, so since I'm not made of money that is what I had them fix first. I just asked them do the "steering shaft lube kit" and alignment since I already have lifetime balance and rotating on all my tires at Wal-Mart.

My question is, does $102 to resurface 4 rotors and $189 for rear brake pads (disc brakes) at a dealership sound high to anyone? Or has anyone ever heard of this "steering shaft lube kit" problem? I thought maybe they were trying to get me with a "change the air in your tires" kind of thing, but the steering is nice and smooth now so perhaps it's legit.

What's your milage ?

just under 61k

just under 61k

$189 for rear brake pads, does this inclue labor ? If not, expensive

"steering shaft lube kit"
Yes, you spray some penetrating lube on the steering shaft. It lubes the intermediate shaft.
Where to lube.
http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f98/gonogo/Copyof1971218.jpg

You have to understand that the service writer at your dealer makes his money on selling you service wether you need it or not. That is why you see more want adds for service writers than mechanics. " No sell, no job".I just replaced 2 full length brake lines front to rear, transverse line above rear axle, rubber brake lines to rear calipers, both rear calipers rotors and rear pads for less than $ 300. New rotors will cost you less than they want to charge you to turn yours. I always by new rotors for the simple reason that anytime you make your rotors thinner buy recutting the surface, the sooner they will start warping with over toqueing and heat. Warped rotors wear pads faster and result in alot of pulsation when applying the brakes. If yours are already pulsating, they will have to remove too much material to straighten them.

My question is, does $102 to resurface 4 rotors and $189 for rear brake pads (disc brakes) at a dealership sound high to anyone? Or has anyone ever heard of this "steering shaft lube kit" problem? I thought maybe they were trying to get me with a "change the air in your tires" kind of thing, but the steering is nice and smooth now so perhaps it's legit.

Standard cost to resurface a rotor that is already off the vehicle is $15. So there would be some labor to remove them. $189 for rear pads including labor is reasonable. If it's for only the pads then it's a little too much.

I've never heard of the lube kit but I know my '00 (90,000 km/56,000 mi.)has an "on center" clunk in the steering that they say is normal due to free play. I say BS.

I just replaced rear pads ($25), 2 new rear rotors ( $30 each) and 2 calipers($45 each). Thats a complete rear parts change for $ 175. Rear pads are almost 2 1/2 smaller than front pads on most vehicles.

$ 100 for 4 new rotors is alot better than $102 for thinner more warp prone rotors.

$ 185 for pads is ludicrous when you can by them for $ 25 ( semi metallic and $45 for ceramic) at any parts store.