EGR valve replacement - take 2

[Ubique]

Many thanks to all of you who reponded to my post of yesterday.
Here is the update.
Armed with the information I got from this forum, I returned to my local garage and asked for a break down of the £1434.00 they said the "diesel specialists" (to whom they sent my car for analysis) were quoting to replace the EGR valve.I pointed out that I could source an EGR valve for less than £100.00 and that the job takes less than a hour to carry out.Why so expensive/extortionate?
It now transpires that the "diesel specialist" has said the vehicle (a 2005 vectra 1.9cdti 150bhp Estate) not only needs an EGR valve, but needs a new DPF. I have used the search facility to find out if this DPF is made of gold/really is so expensive to no avail.
Could some kind person give me an idea as to:
1.How much do these DPF cost?
2.Does the quoted £1434.00 sound as ridiculous to you as me?
3.Can the DPF be "re-generated" as I have read on here?(I drive 400 motorway miles a week and do little urban driving,if this helps.)
4.Has the world gone mad?
Once again many thanks!
Ubique.

[keith1983]

Unfortunately I haven't got a clue as to the answers to your questions, just wishing you good luck! I don't think enough people challenge normally overpriced bills!

[diesel dog]

Call your local VX dealer ask them how much it would cost to replace the EGR/DPF (if it has indeed got one!).They will also send out a copy of their quote if you so request.It will be broken down into parts and labour plus VAT.

You can then confront your repairer with your evidence.

You may also want to get quotes in writing from other repairers.

Oh err...answer to question 4: YES!

[Big Sig]

Whats the exact model of your motor? manual/auto? hatch estate?

[Duncan]

Being a 2005 1.9 it will only have a DPF if it's an auto or an estate (or Signum).

Why exactly do they reckon it needs a new DPF? What's their reasoning?

3.Can the DPF be "re-generated" as I have read on here?(I drive 400 motorway miles a week and do little urban driving,if this helps.)

Yes, it can be forced into a regeneration through Tech 2 or even Vaux-COM. The engine has to be at operating temp and nothing underneath the car that is flammable/burnable/meltable etc. as the DPG gets chuffin' hot during the process along with the road surface due to the car being stationery.

If they think the DPF is clogged up then the first thing they should do is run a regen cycle to see if it will clear. If they haven't done that and are just saying it needs a new DMF then they're numpties/trying to stiff you.

Also, I can't recall what year it was changed, but you should check that your model has the newer software update on it as that forces a DPF regen cycle more often. Vx were getting lots of cars back with knackered DPFs due to them not regenerating often enough.

[Blagmeister]

Erm..... forgive my utter ignorance of oil burners, but what's a DPF? And might this be the problem I'm having with occasional misfires?

[Duncan]

Diesel Particulate Filter - sits in the exhaust system and catches all the soot, then regenerates and burns it all off at very high temp. Regen is performed by fuel being injected into DPF, causing it to heat up.

[Blagmeister]

Thanks Dunc.

[sb1uk]

Glen Dual mass flywheel are very expensive from vaushall. £366 plus vat for my 30 cdti. But I got one for £250.

The price quoted will be for a clutch as well.

Go find a clutch centre to replace clutch. then buy yourself a flywheel to fit at the same time. save yourself bucket of money.

I will get you price for flywheel and cluch in the morning.

[spennny]

glen dual mass flywheel are very expensive from vaushall. £366 plus vat for my 30 cdti. But i got one for £250.

The price quoted will be for a clutch as well.

Go find a clutch centre to replace clutch. Then buy yourself a flywheel to fit at the same time. Save yourself bucket of money.

I will get you price for flywheel and cluch in the morning.

DPF.............

not DMF ??