Recommendations for Duluth Brake Mechanic?

BadCat! Sep 07, 2011 24 Comments

Does anyone have any recommendations for local brake mechanics, ones that are honest/non-skeevy, but also can solve a braking-system mystery that four other mechanics have been unable to fix?

First off, I hate my car and wish it were a phoenix that would burn, and from the ashes would produce a new car. I don’t believe this is a standard feature on a Kia, so I’ll have to keep this piece of crap limping for at least another year or two (you may recall my prior bitching regarding this car).

Second, I’m afraid that if this mystery doesn’t get solved, you’ll find me and my Kia at the bottom of the lake sometime this winter.

Anyone have any good suggestions? Thanks!!! I really appreciate your advice (randomly stabbing at the yellow pages isn’t getting me anywhere).

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Recommendations

24 Comments

c-freak

about 14 years ago 

Kenwood Muffler & Brake. I've had excellent service there more than once.

adam

about 14 years ago 

I giggle every time I hear that it's KIA sponsoring the drag race in West Duluth.

The folks at 4th St. & 12th Ave. are forthright.

B-man

about 14 years ago 

Google and YouTube will have everything you need to know about doing your own brakes. It is typically pretty easy. Give it a try!

Bad Cat!

about 14 years ago 

That's the prob, this isn't a standard brake job. I've replaced pads, rotors, calipers and am still not getting the performance I should (meaning: I'm afraid I am going to plummet to my death when the brake pedal falls to the floor).

B-man

about 14 years ago 

Sorry, BC I didn't process the fact that you have had others look at it and still have issues. I was referring to the simple task of changing pads/ rotors.

+1 to Kenwood Muffler and Brake -- nice guys.  

Also, Auto Medics on Sixth Avenue East and Fifth St.  Mike is a good honest mechanic as well.

B-man

about 14 years ago 

Maybe a leak in your master cylinder/ line/ caliper? Are you losing brake fluid from the reservoir?

It may also be a vacuum leak.  Your exhaust pressure "powers" the force of you pushing the brake pedal, if that system is leaking you will not get the boost and in effect not have power brakes.

Check for leaks or losing fluid, that will give a mechanic something to go off of. Good luck!

Nick

about 14 years ago 

My 2000 Mazda hit 187,000 miles this month thanks to AutoMedics.  Mike and crew are especially good at triaging what's important vs. what can wait.  

AutoMedics groups repairs in a way that makes sense for older cars or fresh lemons.  I asked them to fix a leaky gasket.  They pointed out they'll take the same components apart at 200,000 to replace timing belt & water pump.  "Keeping an eye on your oil level for a year and we'll fix the leak then."  Saved me (& cost them) a lot of money.  Great guys.

Bad Cat!

about 14 years ago 

Oh, those are some good things to check - thanks! I've had every mechanic check for leaks, none was able to find anything.

mike

about 14 years ago 

It sounds like air in the brake line. Murphy's on Fourth Street and 12th Avenue East is the best place.

tamara

about 14 years ago 

I have to second/third the guys at 4th Street Auto. Gary, the owner, is one of the nicest and honest mechanics you'll ever meet and prices are reasonable. Give him a call!

Claire

about 14 years ago 

I go to Jack's Mobil, it's on 4th Street -- and 12th? They are good at what they do and honest too.

Zeito

about 14 years ago 

You should trade it in.  For this 12v Power Wheels Truck.
It would be more reliable.

Bad Cat!

about 14 years ago 

Heh, I'm tempted!

Hot Shot

about 14 years ago 

My roommate is master certified and works out of our garage. We are moving very soon though.

-Berv

about 14 years ago 

Sorry to threadjack, what happened to the USPS post?

heysme

about 14 years ago 

I've posted many times my love of Gary at 4th Street Auto - honest, fair, will tell you what needs to be done and what can wait. 
He was recently chosen to be a AAA auto service shop - meaning when someone calls for AAA service Gary is on the list of service providers that are recommended. 

To be on the list you need so many signatures of satisfied customers.

Lojasmo

about 14 years ago 

Have you had the brake fluid changed?

adam

about 14 years ago 

With introductory specials, sometimes it's cheaper to sign up for a year of AAA to get a tow, rather than paying for the tow yourself.

ruby2sd4y

about 14 years ago 

Re: Jack's on 4th - I very recently had the same work done there twice and charged two different prices by two different guys. They were still open and close by at the time of my car's issue or I'd have waited. Otherwise, the gas there is cheap - usually as cheap and *sometimes* lower than M & H, and 24 hr pay-at-the-pump.

For 13+ years I've gone to Jimmy's Nuts & Bolts, 5116 Ramsey St, Duluth, MN 55807,  218-628-2505 (around the back bend from Super One - kinda under the freeway -- easy access off of Michigan Street too).

Great guys, never charge for work not done, don't try to do anything unnecessary, will tell you your options and what can wait or needs to be done immediately, and they've even looked and listened to stuff and not charged, give great advice, and know their stuff. They'll give you choices of the types of brake pads available too (budget-wise). Give Jimmy a call and ask him anything.

Paul Lundgren

about 14 years ago 

I also recommend Jimmy. He's awesome. But mostly I'm just chiming in to note that what ruby2sd4y meant by "easy access off of Michigan Street" is "easy access off Mike Colalillo Drive."

The Big E

about 14 years ago 

Jimmy's Nuts & Bolts is awesome.   Jimmy is the past master at keeping old beaters on the road at a price that actually makes sense.  I have nothing but great things to say about that place.  Cash only, at least the last time I was there.

Paul Lundgren

about 14 years ago 

Jimmy will take checks. He doesn't accept credit cards.

zra

about 14 years ago 

Gary @ 4th St is the bomb.

I don't know if it matters or not, but I believe he's a devout Adventist, and their doctrine strictly forbids being dishonest.

ruby2sd4y

about 14 years ago 

Thanks Paul, it all seems like one long MI street to me once I get on it. heh.

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