The invoice shows 1 hour for hub(s) and 2 hours for two struts.
But, your post made me re-check the invoice. I'm not sure if one or both hubs got replaced. Don't they always get changed in pairs?
I'll ask tomorrow.

 

Axle bearing hubs should be changed in pairs.

 

But they probably were not in this case.

 

What does your signed estimate say? In most states you have to sign a estimate before work is done. The per hour labor rate should be on it

 

grounds for abuse...
I prefer a different approach, when you first discuss the entire list of upcoming work, specifically discuss important nuances, then an agreement on costs and discounts, and only then the work itself with control on your part and correction as newly discovered circumstances are identified.
The privilege of handing over the car with the keys and going home in peace is not available to many lucky people who have a trusted mechanic who has proven his honesty and professionalism over years of cooperation. Unfortunately, such people are rare.

 

Estimate isn't clear, but labor was 120.00 for the hub, so I'd guessed that is one.

I asked the mechanic. He said they tested & measured tolerance on the other and it was well within specifications. He mentioned also using measurements on his alignment rack.
So, it's confirmed that one hub was replaced. (Two struts)

I also "tested" it the other evening. It was one of those rain-turned-to-snow evenings (air temp was in the low 20's-F) and about 6" of wet snow quickly fell. It instantly froze into lumps and bumps when it hit the pavement.. Sixty miles in that mogul field will surely test the new bearings and struts!

 

I don't know the law in Michigan about this. We do have to sign whether or not we want the old parts back & sign to give permission for the shop employees to drive the vehicle.

Typically, one drops off the vehicle and someone from the shop calls with a cost after diagnosing the problem. A verbal permission is given over the phone. (I'd never do it this way with a chain store. I would want the cost in writing.)

It does sound kind of scary if one does not know the repair people. They could quote $300.00 and, when you pick up the vehicle, charge $450.00. It will be word against word.

Paul

 

A verbal signature is usually ok. Some states limit the amount of over the estimate with large fines. Read what you sign and listen to estimates ask questions. They hate informed consumers, if they won't/can't give you understandable explanations run away.
Ask for the old parts! Don't be afraid to say "prove it". Most repair shops are not dishonest, but many don't know how to diagnose.
Flat rates are readily available on the internet. Ask here if you need to. Then ask the hourly rate the shop charges.
You can save hundreds of dollars by going to Harbor Freight and buying a $20 tool kit and watching some Youtube vids. Most repairs are very simple. Changing a t-stat involves removing 2 bolts, they charge 1.2 hours labor for that!
"Diagnostics" usually means hooking a $35 code reader up and assuming the title of a failed OBD test solves the problem. The titles rarely mean what you think they do.

 

Thanks Donbrew for the good explanation!

One of the things I like about the repair shop that fixed the car is that the owner or a mechanic goes over the pending repair and makes sure you know what you're buying. After the repair, they offer to show you the old part (as if I'd know that it came from my car). Oddly, one always gets a follow-up call from the owner or his wife. A nice touch.

I started using them after I had two estimates that were hundreds of dollars apart to fix a clunk sound. (Actually 3, but one was a $$$$$$ chain store. My mistake.) Each estimate had extensive lists to solve the clunking noise from the car. This shop checked the car free. Then said only two items on the other two lists needed replacing. The cost went from over 1,700.00 to under 300.00- and the clunk is gone. The downside is that they are quite popular, so sometimes you have to wait a week or so to get the car in.

You mentioned some inexpensive tools and asking here for advice. I very much appreciate that. Actually, here is where I learned how to replace the thermostat and purge the air from the cooling system. Now all I need is warm weather!

Thanks Again!
Paul

 

You can avoid the skinned knuckles by getting a pair of good mechanics gloves and getting used to them. I resisted for many years, then saw the light.