Heater started going out in my wife's Expedition, figured it was the heater core or a leak. Took it to Christian Brothers to diagnose, and they are saying the core is clogged. They recommended replacing the core and the auxiliary water pump. I know it's a huge PITA to replace because you essentially have to take off the whole dash, but $4k? That seems awfully high. I'm thinking I got a "it's the holidays and we're packed, don't have time for this but if you really want us to do it, here's your price" price.

I usually can fix most things myself, but think that taking apart the dash may be too much for me.

Anyone have good experience with others in town? Gladney, B&B, Brazos Valley Automotive, Sevcik's, etc.?

Christian Bros. is known to be expensive. I don't know the Expedition specifically, but you're probably looking at something like 8 hours labor, so $1000 - 1500 wouldn't be unexpected. $4k seems beyond the pale though!

If it's just clogged and not actually leaking, try disconnecting the heater hoses and backflushing it.

I was expecting something around $2k, but $4k was just crazy.

I talked to Christian Brothers about flushing it and they said no. I talked to Gladney and they said they'd do it but it would be heavily caveated that it might not fix the issue.

It feels like no one wants to do any work right now because of the holidays!

$4K?

please...just take it bolt by bolt, be patient, and you can un-earth that sucker yourself with basic hand tools.

Try ez garage - paco call or text him 979-676-0352
Tell him you found him on texags

He works on all our stuff from European to domestic. Iv always found him honest and fair - Iv used all those other guys listed and pick him first always.

we haven't had a good anus brothers story on here in awhile

sts7049 said:

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we haven't had a good anus brothers story on here in awhile

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Indeed! They are so universally bad, I honestly don't see how they stay in business. From all the stories posted here over the years, they are at least 2X more expensive than any other shop. Basically stealership prices with chinesium parts.

Had to replace the heater core in my 1999 Expedition last year.
Guy charged me about $1500 (from memory) but it took him at least a week.
Point is that you might find a cheaper price but I'd double check on delivery time.

HollywoodBQ said:

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Had to replace the heater core in my 1999 Expedition last year.
Guy charged me about $1500 (from memory) but it took him at least a week.
Point is that you might find a cheaper price but I'd double check on delivery time.

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may come out ahead even if they need a rental car.

Taking it next week to Bobby at Brazos Valley Automotive. I've had multiple coworkers recommend them, you just have to get past the gruff personalities

Hopefully we can try flushing it first before tackling a replacement. Regardless, I'm counting on it coming in under Christian Bros.