How much labour charge to replace a wiper motor?

Honest John Back Room » Motoring discussion
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Wed 12 Jan 2011 18:31
How much labour charge to replace a wiper motor? - a900ss

Hi,

My wife's cars wiper motor needed replacing a few days ago and we've just received the bill. The car is a 2001 Renault Megane and we went to a local indie that we use to service the car.

The bill has come in at £55 plus VAT for the labour which to me seems rather excessive. I believe it's just a couple of bolts that hold the motor on, a 'click-on' electrical connector and the removal of the mesh at the back of the engine bay. I may be wrong but I would have though this is 30 minutes tops for a mechanic.

I'd appreciate your thoughts please as I may be completely off on the timings.

PS - The parts were £115 but I guess that is the going rate

Thanks

a900ss

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Wed 12 Jan 2011 18:55
How much labour charge to replace a wiper motor? - Cymrogwyllt
Many places charge by 'book times' and charge them whatever the time taken. If a tech can do the job in less time then s/he gets paid the book time anyway. Techs find shortcuts and use them. Time is needed to find the car, get it in and out of the wrokshop as well.

I've seen warranty jobs where four hours' labour was charged and the dealer had the car for less than an hour. At £90 odd an hour. No skin off my nose as it was a warranty job foc to me but a nice little earner for the garage and tech.
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Thu 13 Jan 2011 11:52
How much labour charge to replace a wiper motor? - PatrickO

To be fair, they're a business and a skilled mechanic isn't going to touch anything for less than £50 i'd say. You could have done the job yourself by the sounds of it which may be worth bearnig in mind for next time if you begrudge the £55.

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