Need help. Air filter question

[GaDawgFan]

I have my Motorhome getting chassis maintenance done. I just received a call that to replace the air filter on my 300 hp Cat will be $472. That is $200 for the filter and $272 for labor. Can someone please tell me if this is normal? It's a 20000 model Itasca Horizon.

 

[cbeierl]

Here are a few threads that may be helpful:

2004 Journey Air Filter Change

Journey 36G Engine Air Filter Installation

Air Filter Replacement 07 Journey/Freightliner XC Chassis

 

[cjlatour]

Just had air filter replaced by CAT shop, filter was $108+ tax. and 1/2hour of labor.

 

[Mr_D]

I did mine a week or so ago, Cummins ISC. Filter was less than $100 and no labor charge since I do my own work.

 

[bruceisla]

Just replaced a similar canister filter on my Endeavor. Wix equivalent was $98 and took about 1 hour total including cleanup. I would expect a shop could do it in 45 minutes. Assuming $120/hr and markup on filter I would think $250 is max.

 

[wb7auk]

The first thing you need to do is find another shop.
The average price to change the air filter is $160.00 plus tax.
As others have stated it cost me $90.00 and a hour of my time to change it
my self.
A point to remember you can not be to clean when changing any filter.

 

[Mr_D]

A point to remember you can not be too clean when changing any filter.

And don't EVER try to save money by using air pressure to "clean" a filter. You will probably blow holes in the fabric that will let a LOT of dust in.
I really hated to throw my old one (FARR Eco-Lite) away. It looked new inside (as it should!!) and the outside wasn't too bad. But the time was up so I did it.

 

[wb7auk]

Mr D,
I also agree never try to clean a filter with air and reuse it.

 

[datrbone8]

I bought the filter for my 3126B in a Freightliner chassis and installed it myself. I got it at the Freightliner shop. The clamps holding it in place are bolted to the front of the engine compartment and accessible under the bed.

There was a ton of loose grey dust in the canister so if you do it be careful lifting the old one out.

It's an easy job that required a wrench to loosen the clamps and a screwdriver to loosed the 2 hoses that attach to the canister.

 

[1ciderdog]

I have my Motorhome getting chassis maintenance done. I just received a call that to replace the air filter on my 300 hp Cat will be $472. That is $200 for the filter and $272 for labor. Can someone please tell me if this is normal? It's a 20000 model Itasca Horizon.

If you are the least bit mechanically inclined you can do it yourself. If not you might have a relative or neighbor who would do the labor part for (maybe) $50. As mentioned above $200 appears to be very high for an air cleaner. The filter I bought freightliner was $103 two years ago.

 

[so47]

Because I knew I was overdue for an air filter change, I jumped right in. How hard could it be? I must have a different configuration than others, because for the life of me I couldn't break that canister loose from the hoses on either end. The end going out seemed glued on to the end of the d . . . thing. And even after releasing both hose clamps on the intake end I got no love. Guess that's why the USN made me a machinists mate, since I have no mechanical aptitude.

 

[bruceisla]

Because I knew I was overdue for an air filter change, I jumped right in. How hard could it be? I must have a different configuration than others, because for the life of me I couldn't break that canister loose from the hoses on either end. The end going out seemed glued on to the end of the d . . . thing. And even after releasing both hose clamps on the intake end I got no love. Guess that's why the USN made me a machinists mate, since I have no mechanical aptitude.

Had the same problem ... had to run a bent coat hanger (metal rod) under the hose and slide it around to break the bond. Apparently it's just rubber to metal heating that makes it stick.

 

[stik]

I have my Motorhome getting chassis maintenance done. I just received a call that to replace the air filter on my 300 hp Cat will be $472. That is $200 for the filter and $272 for labor. Can someone please tell me if this is normal? It's a 20000 model Itasca Horizon.

Amazing how many people don't answer your question and ramble on about them doing it themselves, eh?

It seems high, especially the labor. Are you at a shop that doesn't like to work on motorhomes?

Good luck.

 

[GaDawgFan]

Amazing how many people don't answer your question and ramble on about them doing it themselves, eh?

It seems high, especially the labor. Are you at a shop that doesn't like to work on motorhomes?

Good luck.

The shop I am using is a very established dealer that I would like to support as I know many if the people working there,but I am convinced that I am being taken advantage of. I am going to let them do the air filter this time as I really don't have time to do this myself before we leave next week. This will the last time I use them for service. I have another shop a little further from home that I am more comfortable working with. Should have gone there to begin with but the place I used is literally 2 miles from my house. So much for supporting local business.

 

[bruceisla]

The shop I am using is a very established dealer that I would like to support as I know many if the people working there,but I am convinced that I am being taken advantage of. I am going to let them do the air filter this time as I really don't have time to do this myself before we leave next week. This will the last time I use them for service. I have another shop a little further from home that I am more comfortable working with. Should have gone there to begin with but the place I used is literally 2 miles from my house. So much for supporting local business.

I think I'd just give them a call and tell them you think the quoted price is high and make a reasonable offer based on your research.

 

[vraines]

I second the call for negotiation. If that is a quality repair shop,I would cultivate my relationship with them. I bet they will reconsider their estimate,as that is a little high.

 

[GaDawgFan]

Update to original post!

Yesterday I put together a detailed email to the owner of the dealership and attached a copy of the work order showing where I was charged $438 to replace the air filter in my motorhome. He responded last night saying he would look into it. This morning he emailed me stating that he had investigated the issue and found that service had overcharged me for the part and had charged me for 2 hours labor, when his investigation showed that it only took 1 hour. In the end the owner stated that he is refunding me $223.00 today.

I cannot thank those of you that responded to my original post enough. It was your input that convinced me that I had been overcharged and gave me the information I needed to go back to the owner with my concerns. After getting the air filter part number from Freightliner I learned that the retail cost to me would have been $77, just a little less than the $199 I was charged for the filter.

This all ended well and I thank you all again.

 

[1ciderdog]

That's great!