OMG!!!!! Suspension Nightmare!!!!!

S

SolipcisticSmile

Registered
So I went to my local L/M dealer today for an alignment, I had a mild pull to the left at speed. Well, in about 20 minutes, they go to give me back my keys, I was like."Wow, that was fast.." Long story short, they couldn't do the alignment because my A- arm bushings, ball joints, sway bar end links, etc. are all effed up. That plus the new belt tensioner I need ( pullys squeaking) was $662.00 just for parts! The new A Arms are $187.40 PER SIde, (2) sway bar end links $141.08, and belt tensioner and pully $81.14 and $22.44. Plus tax is$662.82. Tomorrows labor (suspension stuff only, I'm not doing that stuff with hand tools on jackstands!, I can obviously do the pully / tensioner myself) will be over $800.00. I love my baby, but she's gonna break me!:frown: Motorcraft labor is $95 / hr., but I just don't trust anyone else and I can't see doing that kind of work myself in 35 degrees with hand tools. I wanna scream.
 
SolipcisticSmile said:
So I went to my local L/M dealer today for an alignment, I had a mild pull to the left at speed. Well, in about 20 minutes, they go to give me back my keys, I was like."Wow, that was fast.." Long story short, they couldn't do the alignment because my A- arm bushings, ball joints, sway bar end links, etc. are all effed up. That plus the new belt tensioner I need ( pullys squeaking) was $662.00 just for parts! The new A Arms are $187.40 PER SIde, (2) sway bar end links $141.08, and belt tensioner and pully $81.14 and $22.44. Plus tax is$662.82. Tomorrows labor (suspension stuff only, I'm not doing that stuff with hand tools on jackstands!, I can obviously do the pully / tensioner myself) will be over $800.00. I love my baby, but she's gonna break me!:frown: Motorcraft labor is $95 / hr., but I just don't trust anyone else and I can't see doing that kind of work myself in 35 degrees with hand tools. I wanna scream.
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You're getting your own parts, right?
 
If you join the LOD the $20 you spend in membership dues will be more than paid back in savings by taking advantage of discounts from LOD vendors.
 
Remeber, you are paying dealer pricing.

For $800 I had almost the entire front end on my '93 rebuilt at a local Meineke(one of the few local shops I trust).

I don't know about the dealer, but I haggle with service centers over parts prices. The labor is usually prevailing rates at book hours everywhere, so most of your potential savings will be parts. Some places will let you provide your own parts, but you need to check with them first.

Otherwise your best bet is to find an independant mechanic you can put your trust in. Ask around and usually the same names will surface. A good source of knowledge can be had from local car clubs and such.
 
unfortunatly most dealerships train their techs on NEW product.... ours isn't. most citys and towns have reputable independant shops that can do the work for substantially less. ask around (parts stores,friends and relations)you'll quickly find out the good from the rest!!! good luck!
 
Even independents some times need a little help. I have taken copies of the shop manual to the shop when it was something that might be a little out of the ordinary. It also could provide for a more realistic price as well, as it would eliminate some indecision in how something comes apart or goes back together.
 
It' Done

It' Done

Well guys, I got my baby back this morning. First of all, I saw the old parts that were removed; I can't believe it! They were in absolutely horrible condition! The ball joints, A -Arm bushings, and sway bar end links were completely deteriorated. I am fortunate that I went in for that alignment when I did because those ball joints could have separated at any time, and that is an accident waiting to happen. On the flip side, the drive home was eye - opening. I can't believe how tight the car felt. The front suspension used to feel sloppy, but I just thought that that was ther way it was with a "luxury" car. I was wrong! It feels great now so I guess I'm happy it was done
As far as a local reputable mechanic, I just don't know one. I have asked around, but most of the people I know (like me usually) do their own work. I will have to start asking questions though, the cost was exorbitant for this work.
I do want to join LOD, and to be honest, the only reason I haven't yet is that I don't have Pay Pal and it is a hassle to write a check cuz it's been so long since I've done that I don't even know where my checkbook is! I pay everything online with credit cards and direct billing to my bank account so the fact that LOD does not take credit cards is kind of a bummer. I WILL find my checkbook though, or at the very least I will get a money order. Maybe I will do that today if I have time.
 
it is a hassle to write a check cuz it's been so long since I've done that I don't even know where my checkbook is! I pay everything online with credit cards
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When I use PayPal, there is a option to use a credit card. I use PayPal that way all the time and it's instant.
 
I think there IS...but you have to set up the credit card in your PayPal account where it will give you that option.
 
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