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Tried getting an Allignment = Failed


Q-Ball

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Well I dropped off the car this morning to get the thing worked on. Called up in the afternoon and the guy said it couldnt be done. It needs 2 new outer tire rods and 2 new strut plates. First of all, what is a strut plate? Is it just the thing that holds down that rubber piece so dirt/water doesnt get into the strut?

And second, if I'm going this far for that, should I get new front struts?

I was first quote for like 575 for parts and labour. 140 for parts and the rest for labour. I got it down to 475 with tax, labour and allignment. Am I getting screwed?

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Outer tie rods are cake, just got to use a little bit of muscle. Never replaced the strut plates, but shouldn't be that hard(especially if you can rent the tools from your local parts store).

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they might as well take a wire brush and shove it up ur ass, cause thats what they are trying to do. take it to another shop

 

Why's that? You absolutely can not get a proper alignment with loose front end parts. The strut plates they're talking about sound like the upper strut plates held on with three nuts in the engine compartment, although I'm not too sure why they'd need to be replaced. Possibly to allow for more adjustment? That would be about the only way to modify the caster on these cars. The tie rod ends probably do need to be replaced, what I would do is buy some tie rod ends and put them on yourself, then take it to either that shop again or a different shop and have it aligned. If they persist about the strut plates just tell them you want the toe-in set, that shouldn't be a problem with new tie rod ends and quite honestly the camber and caster shouldn't be that out of whack unless you've been in an accident. Just make sure if you do the ends yourself you screw the new ones on approximately the same amount you unscrewed the old ones, or your handling will be incredibly poor.

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Why's that? You absolutely can not get a proper alignment with loose front end parts. The strut plates they're talking about sound like the upper strut plates held on with three nuts in the engine compartment, although I'm not too sure why they'd need to be replaced. Possibly to allow for more adjustment?

 

You know, now that you mention it, I'm not sure what he means by the strut plates either :confused:

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Yeah dude, if you got a fellow member that has done them willing to help, take the helping hand. He knows what he is doing, and I guarantee he will save you a good $150 alone. Take the offer!

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Buy the parts, we will do it, save you about $80 an hour in labour costs, and now that I have that strut tool it all should be a peice of cake (Y).

The only trick will be finding the time when you and I both have a day off work during the week. I'm free almost every Tuesday and Sunday, but I have plans for the next few sundays.

 

Jamie

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The only plates I'm familar with are the ones that cover the top of the strut assembly and are under the hood. I can't think of what else it would be? Tierods yea maybe...but the other thing sounds sketchy. I'd take it to another shop. I'm assuming it's not at a dealership now?

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Thanks for all the info and help guys. Thanks Dave, if you've been there you can help me out. :razz:

And Jamie, you got that strut tool so things should be easier. Jamie was telling me I already had a strut job since my strut plates are in a different position. I'll take pics tonight when I get home from work to show what I mean. And by far no this was not a dealership. I'd only go there if I had money to burn.

And what is strut bearing plates? Is that in the engine compartment as well?

I'll be sure to take pics of everything and show you guys tonight.

 

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Jamie was telling me I already had a strut job since my strut plates are in a different position.

 

The reason I said that was because the covers on the top of the strut mounts have been rotated, not a huge deal and I could be totaly wrong. But even if I am right, your car is 14 years old, that strut job could of been done 10 years ago for all we know.

Give me a call or stop by tonight. You can check out the new interior peices!!!

 

Jamie

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I was talking to a mechanic at work about my car needing an alignment, and he mentioned something about struts (forget.. maybe something to do with this "strut plate".. I dunno) and he's a good guy just giving me advice on his smoke break.

 

Jason- McGregeors (the junkyard in St. THomas) charges $60/hr and they're very honest. I've gotten gastanks and shit done there. My dad got his power window on the van fixed too. Even though I get discount at the dealership ($60/hr) they still would charge more..

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Well when ever I get money again, I really am thinking about doing a strut job as well. But the tie rods are a must! And they are rather cheap. I just need some help :mad:

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