Bill's Builds

So why is labor so much on even a two screw High Center Brake light or 3rd brake light if you will. This one also has the pickup box work lights that come on whenever you open the door or turn on the dome lamp. Two Phillips head screws and one plug is all there is. Here is the catch, while I was able to loosen the plug to get it disconnected from outside the truck at the light by removing it off the body with a 90 degree long nose pliers, I could not get it back mounted to the cab structure holes due to access. So I ended up taking the aft interior apart to drop the ceiling liner in the back and anchor the connector back to the body. Why? I could have left it laying on top of the headliner but if the truck would go over rough pavement, gravel road etc., the plug could bounce around and cause and annoying rattle. I am helping a friend so it must be done right thus this is the result. Not a lot of time, but if the plug had been mounted directly behind the light like in older trucks, this would have been a 5 minute job instead of 45 mins. In a pro shop that amounts to about 80 in labor instead of 25 for a light otherwise held by two self tapping Phillips screws. Word of caution, when not removing the entire headliner, letting it down a bit must be done carefully. If the headliner is pulled on or forced out of the way it can be creased/wrinkled which is cosmetic damage that cannot be repaired. If it being loosened partially will not allow easy access it is better to pull it out completely than damage it.

Finally got some shop time in. Catching up on my friends F-150.

New ball joints. Truck has over 130000 miles.

When axle seals go bad

2004 F-150. Rear parking break dragging with brake fully released and one locked caliper. Both axle seals are leaking and the pinion seal is also leaking. Will be finishing disassembly this afternoon. The truck came in for leaks and a shudder when braking over 30mph.