Many mechanics, especially dealership, are paid flat rate. That is, they are paid according to the job rather than hourly. It may be that that dealership charges six hours for replacing brake lines on a Ford truck even though it only takes the mechanic four hours to do the job. Changing a headlight bulb might pay 1 hour and take only 15 minutes, etc. I know a mechanic who occasionally flags 13-14 hours in an 8 hour day, meaning he gets paid almost double time.

$400 sounds pretty excessive for 3 brake lines though... <img src="/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" />