Need help quick.

[SilverBullet]

So I've got my X at the dealer for a recall (drivers sear recliner bolt). While it's there, I'm having them change my oil/filter (yes I'm lazy) and to check out a bad front end squeak I have. Also, I haven't had the car serviced since I bought it (27,000 miles ago) and I'm going on two long trips soon, so I wanted them to check things out to make sure everything is okay.

I currently have 56,000 miles on the X, and here is what they say needs to be done:

replace upper and lower ball joints
replace rear sway bar links
flush/replace antifreeze
flush/replace transmission fluid
change fuel filter
induction cleaning

$1900 for all of that...

I know that I could do this myself if I had the time, but I don't right now (moving out of state in less than a month). Is this reasonable? The bulk of the cost is the suspension parts/labor ~~ $1400.

 

[aldive]

Get a second opinion asap.

 

[SilverBullet]

I think what I'll do is just have them do this:

the recall
change oil/filter
flush antifreeze
flush transmission

The rest I could do when I move in less then a month (I'll be unemployed, so I'll have plenty of free time)

 

[Papa]

Get a second opinion asap.

I second that.

 

[SilverBullet]

I second that.

Papa and Al,

When you say get a second opinion, are you referring to what they say needs to be done or the price they are quoting me?

Can the ball joints be replaced themselves, or does the entire control arm assembly have to be replaced?

What about that induction cleaning? is that BS or does it need to be done? Can I just use SeaFoam?

 

[Dan Whitaker]

I'd say they are out for some easy $$$$$$$ :fire:
You can't even trust the dealerships any more.

I would look for a reputable independent shop for a second opinion.

 

[jimcom]

hmmmm, ask if induction cleaning to them means fuel injectors, or like wiping out the throttle body.
I dunno, some places will suprise you with what they try to get away with.
I had a heck of a lot of stuff done a month ago for less than half that price.
I'm guessing the ball joints are what is really going to cost you.
The rest, geez, thats like 400, 500 at the most at a non-dealership shop.
Dealers = Stealers.

 

[SilverBullet]

I'd say they are out for some easy $$$$$$$ :fire:

I think you're right...

The guy said that it's usually $85 for an oil/filter change, but since I brought my own oil/filter they'd "knock some off that, like $20"..

$65 just to change my oil and filter? and I provided it! BS!

 

[SilverBullet]

So let me ask this.. if I leave my ball joints the way the are now, will that cause any serious problems? I am going on a 800 mile round trip this coming weekend, and then a 1500 mile one way trip in less than a month. Can I wait? or should I replace the ball joints now?

 

[410Fortune]

YOU CAN WAIT
you have not even confirmed they need to be replaced.
You are tkaing the dealers word for it = bad idea, especially after $65 for an oil change without the filter.

You can drive for years on bad ball joints, it may not hold alingment, it may make noises, wander on the road, etc but its not going to fail and kill everyone.

 

[jimcom]

I agree, I'm pretty sure mine went bad months ago, along with bearings, and god knows what else.
It's not really a good thing to let go, but if you don't do it, you don't do it.
No one can tell you 100% for sure that you will be fine, just like no one can tell you 100% sure you won't be fine.
But yeah, many people drive with bad ball joints, I hear them in traffic everyday, it's like a mating call, mine makes a squeak, theres makes a squeak. Everybody squeaks together.

 

[UtahX]

I just had my oil and filter change with my own parts, total $10. Definitely have someone else checkout the ball joints, for being a 01, that's pretty fast to go out. A few months ago I had the dealer clean the fuel injectors, throttle body, MAS. Cost $90.

 

[aldive]

When you say get a second opinion, are you referring to what they say needs to be done or the price they are quoting me?

Both.

Can the ball joints be replaced themselves, or does the entire control arm assembly have to be replaced?

Yes, if needed.

What about that induction cleaning? is that BS or does it need to be done? Can I just use SeaFoam?

A can of Sea Foam will usually doi the job.

Stay away from Dealerships .....

 

[Homerexplorer]

YOU CAN WAIT
You can drive for years on bad ball joints, it may not hold alingment, it may make noises, wander on the road, etc but its not going to fail and kill everyone.

Given the price they quoted for the oil change, everything else becomes suspect. Initial impression would definately suggest they are trying to take advantage of you.

As far as the ball joints, it depends on how bad they are. They can cause all of the problems listed above. In addition, THEY CAN FAIL AND/OR CREATE A SITUATION WHERE YOU COULD LOSE CONTROL OF THE CAR. Given the mileage this may be unlikely - or maybe not. If you don't believe me, do a search for "durango ball joints fail on highway." A second shop may be willing to give you an opinion of how bad they are and then it is up to you to make the decision whether or not to fix them. It is impossible (and risky) to tell you whether or not you are safe to make that trip without ever having inspected them. Try to find a shop that a friend trusts.

 

[jimcom]

I remember that about the durangos, the last body style would have wheels come flying off at highway speeds. Talk about needing a clean set of underwear!