People are holding on to their vehicles longer, so mechanics are charging more for their services. Changing out ball joints are a pain in the rear... but with a pickle fork and a single jack, its pretty straight forward... only time. I recently brought my car in for front brakes to Les Schwab who previously charged $69.95. The charge was $425 for the same service. Either pay it or do it yourself.
Holy...
I did a brake job on my little truck (F-150 4x4)...
Rotors $30/ea
Calipers $6/ea
Pads $32
Total $104 + tax
Hardest part was jacking the truck up.
took an hour in the driveway.