Another van question

[Nomad]

I had the van worked on today and they did a lot. Cost me $897. They tell me the rattling in the front is something...some kind of plate maybe...and struts. I thought the one guy also mentioned something about steering linkage. Whatever the things are he seems to think they will be another $600-800. Since it's nine years old and the only vehicle we have, I need to make sure it keeps going. Anybody know what they mean and if the price seems reasonable? Thanks,

I think I need to add that it's a nine year old Caravan with 55,000 miles for those who didn't see my previous post. And most important of all, are those things they mention that need replacing a safety issue? I may let them slide a while if they aren't.

Nomad

[Danaus29]

Struts and steering linkage? def a safety issue. Sometimes struts can cause a vibration or shimmy in the front. Very possible they are shot even with only 55,000 miles. The shaft can rust and the rust will cut the seals causing wear and leakage. If you are having problems steering the linkage needs to be checked. This is your suspension and if it falls apart it can cause a lot of major damage. The plate, could it be a backing plate on the wheel?

What does your itemized estimate say you need?

Forgot to mention, suspension problems will eat up tires and brake pads.

[Nomad]

Originally Posted by Danaus29

Struts and steering linkage? def a safety issue. Sometimes struts can cause a vibration or shimmy in the front. Very possible they are shot even with only 55,000 miles. The shaft can rust and the rust will cut the seals causing wear and leakage. If you are having problems steering the linkage needs to be checked. This is your suspension and if it falls apart it can cause a lot of major damage. The plate, could it be a backing plate on the wheel?

What does your itemized estimate say you need?

Forgot to mention, suspension problems will eat up tires and brake pads.

I'm not really having any problems, it's more just sort of a rattle someplace in the front when I hit bumps or any rough spots on the road. No estimate yet. That was just a number he gave me, because he didn't have time to look it up. He is going to call with a solid estimate and then I'll know what he's talking about. I'll write it down.

Nomad

[Nomad]

The guy called and left a message. What he said was Stabilizer Links and Quick Struts. The esimate is $718. Is there any way I can look or feel for something that would let me know there is a problem? Or do I trust the professionals?

Nomad

[Danaus29]

Here's a little info:
http://www.ehow.com/facts_5006367_wh...-link-car.html

Have you used this shop before? Do you know people who have used this shop? Personally, I don't trust many shops. But dh usually works on our vehicles. I think you have to have special tools for those.

You could get another estimate from another shop. For all the time involved (especially if an alignment is included) it might be worth the price. Struts would run about $60 each from AutoZone, strut mounts are another $20 or so each. There are a bunch of different stabilizer parts anywhere from $2 each (bushings) all the way up to around $30 each for links. It depends on what all they are changing, warranty, reliability of the shop, and how soon they can have you back on the road.

[Nomad]

Originally Posted by Danaus29

Here's a little info:
http://www.ehow.com/facts_5006367_wh...-link-car.html

Have you used this shop before? Do you know people who have used this shop? Personally, I don't trust many shops. But dh usually works on our vehicles. I think you have to have special tools for those.

You could get another estimate from another shop. For all the time involved (especially if an alignment is included) it might be worth the price. Struts would run about $60 each from AutoZone, strut mounts are another $20 or so each. There are a bunch of different stabilizer parts anywhere from $2 each (bushings) all the way up to around $30 each for links. It depends on what all they are changing, warranty, reliability of the shop, and how soon they can have you back on the road.

The shop is Monroe and they have been around for a good while. I've used them before, but this time it seems like they think I have money to burn even though I told them I'm on Social Security. I'll check around and see what other places charge. If it's a safety issue, and I believe it is, I'll need to come up with the money somehow. Thanks for the information.

Nomad