My 2000 Honda Accord brake line rusted and leaked out all my brake fluid. I took it to a shop and they said I needed to replace all the brake lines and fuel lines (since they are right next to each other). I was told it would cost $700. When I went to pick up the car, they said everything was working fine except that my rubber connector fuel line was leaking and needed to be replaced. I said my car was never leaking gas before I brought it to them, so obviously it was something they did while working on it, but they said they did not touch that area and maybe it was caused by the pressure of the new lines. They told me the new rubber fuel line would cost $70, but he would not charge me labor. Am I getting screwed?

 

They probably jostled the connection enough to cause a problem with the rubber fuel line when the installed the new lines. If the rubber fuel line was in good shape it would have survived just fine, but it probably was old and hard. Sounds like they are "probably" being honest.

 

Would it actually cost $70 for a rubber fuel line hose?

 

"Rubber connector" isn't very specific. Several of them are simply rubber fuel hose. But there's one that's about $70 (full retail price). It's in the engine compartment and connects to the fuel rail; it includes a banjo union at one end and a funky bracket & fitting at the other.

They probably had planned on replacing those inexpensive hoses but didn't plan to replace the expensive one up front.

The shop probably pays some kind of wholesale price, so they're making a little bit. But I'd say they are still eating part of the labor cost. IF that's the specific line they're talking about.