can everyone answer both parts please..
I was getting an oil change today and i asked the service center to check the alternator for output they charged me $33.50 to check it saying it was a very indepth process is this obsurd
Second they told me my inner tie rod end needed to be relpaced on the drivers side and was about to break . I was told by somone this wasnt as bad as they said and that i could wait.. if i replace it what should it cost
Inner tie rod end on the driverside can anyone explain this?
Average cost to just check an alternator is about $10.00.
Unless there is a visable crack, it is not possible to tell just by looking that a tie rod end is about to break. You can tell if it is worn, and needs replaced for wear. Like the other guy said, take it somewhere else to get it checked properly. Also, normally you would not replace just one tie rod end. If they are getting worn to the point of needing replacement, it is best to change all four ends,
which should cost about $75 for labor, plus parts. You save money by doing them all at once, because each time you change a part in the steering system, you need to reallign the front end. If you change just one, and then change another a few months later, and so on, you will have to pay for an allignment each time. Do them all at once, and only pay for one allignment.
Inner tie rod end on the driverside can anyone explain this?
Ok, you got screwed on the Alt. checkup. As far as changing an inner tie rod, you didn't say what kind of car you have, I am going to assume a front wheel drive. If that is the case, it should not take any more than one hour start to finish to replace and realign the steering. Ask them though, to allow you to look at it and see why it needs replaced, or take it to an INDEPENDENT shop and ask for a second opinion. Joints like Midas Meinike, and all the chain auto places are only there to sell parts, that is all, not to take care of their customers. If you find an independent shop, he needs people to trust him, so he will be much less likely to screw you over.
Checking the output of you alternator isn't all that difficult process, but a half an hour's labor doesn't seem to be absurd.
Tie rods connect your steering system (depending on what kind of jeep you have, it could be a rack or a relay rod) to the knuckle on the wheel. The tie rod ends are spherical joints called %26quot;ball joints%26quot;. They wear over time and when they break there is nothing to connect your front wheels to your steering system. When it breaks, your left front wheel will steer to the left (most likely) regardless what you do to your steering wheel.
If it breaks, you won't have any control of your Jeep. Depending on when this happens it could be somewhat dangerous. I can't stress strongly enough to replace your tie rod ends as soon as possible.
It depends on what type of Jeep you have. If you have a rack and pinion steering system (which I believe is on 1999 and newer Grand Cherokees and Libertys) or a recirculating ball gear and relay (as is found on all the others, I think). The latter will be less expensive but only marginally so.
You should replace all four joints (two inner, two outer). Ball joints should be between $20 and $75 each. They have to be pressed out of the tie rods.
Figure three hours labor at $70 per hour, $200 or so for four joints, and $75 for an alignment (they need to set toe), so about $500.
i agree with sixfour76 his is right but take it to someone else some people will look @ it and give you a free destgimate at least mine will as long as he does not have to plug it up to a machine.
second of all you should of went to advanced auto parts or auto zone for your alternator they would have done it for free.
buy the way just go there anyway and tell them what the mechanic said and have them look at it and showyou a new one to see what it is and ask them who they would trust to go to IF it needs to be replaced.
The alternator check should be free, they just check for voltage with a hand held meter.
The tie rod problem - the most common %26quot;tie rod%26quot; problem on any Jeep after 1987 is the track bar. It connects from the driver side frame to the pass side axle housing. On the pass side end it has a tie rod type joint that do frequently wear out, more often than tie rod ends. Have it checked by a QUALIFIED Jeep tech. If it is the track bar, they are available from Moog for an OEM type, or I put an extreme duty adjustable one from Rubicon Express on my 1998 Grand Cherokee. It is more money but worth it if you have any plans for suspension upgrades.
You were totaly ripped off for the alternator test. The whole procedure takes less than 5 minutes for someone that knows what they're doing. And a respectable mechanic would NEVER charge for this.
Second, If a tie rod end is not loose, cut, or cracked, there no way to know it is %26quot;about to break%26quot; It would be like saying your garden hose is %26quot;almost ready to start leaking%26quot; when there is no visible dammage.
I would find a new place to get my oil changed and let everyone I know how they treated you. Go to the manager of the service center and see if they will make it right. You have been taken advantage of. Also contact the Better Business Bearu (sp)
