Power steering hose

[artworks]

Our '91 4 Runner, v6 auto, 4wd. whent in for oil change to toyota dealer, We been getting them to do it, for awhile, $40.00 and change seems pretty resonable. We got them to check out a leak in the power steering. They said it was the Pressure hose that needed to be replaced. $780, fo the hose and labor !!! WTF ? The Truck is really rusty and probably only work $1500 at most.
I looked up the hose price at ROCK AUTO and got prices of Under $70.00. How difficult is this hose to replace?
I changed the radiator couple years ago, Bought it from RADIATOR DOCTOR at about $110, when Toyota wanted around $600.
Why are the dealers prices so out of wack?

[jetwhine]

artworks,

It is not that hard to do just time consuming. Gaining access is most of the work.

[fourwd1]

The hardest part about replacing a PS hose is getting to the hoses on the PS gearbox.
Some crows foot flare wrenches, and cutting into the inner fender well make it easier.

[ZAchole]

In reply to your question about dealership prices: You go to the dealership for Toyota parts, and Toyota technicians. And there is more overhead than an independent shop. For example, an oil change at a chain quick lube will cost about $30. Where you're paying $40 at the dealership. In general, the service is better at the dealership. But at a higher cost. Not to mention genuine Toyota parts cost more than A/M.

How many hours of labor are they charging you?

[artworks]

They didn't break down the costs, just total estimated cost. I figure the oil change cost is really resonable and any other service we have gotten in the past as well as service & cost my dad has gotten for his '92 4 runner, has been real good. My son has a 2003 Matrix and is fairly happy with cost & service. Just seams a LITTLE pricey to replace a steering hose. A full 8hr to change a hose in a fully equiqped shop ??

[fourwd1]

Originally Posted by artworks

They didn't break down the costs, just total estimated cost. ... A full 8hr to change a hose in a fully equiqped shop ??

For one thing they use the "book" estimate for how long it takes to do a job, an quote time based on that.
In most cases the time estimate is exaggerated, which inflates the cost.
Hence 8 hr to do a 2 hr job.

An example is replacing the Timing Chain on a 22R/RE. The book says you have to remove the head to do it.
In reality you do not have to pull the head, which cuts 4-6 hrs off of the job for a competent tech, but you still pay for that time.

[ZAchole]

At $105 an hour, and probably $200 for the part, sounds to me like that tech won't make too much money. It looks like an involved job. Though not difficult.