OT - Car Repair Question

[TheBeav815]

Back from Sears with bad news. Took the 99 Accord (EX sedan if it matters) for alignment. They couldn't do it, said I need a front wheel bearing and lower ball joint replaced. Recommended half shaft replacement, but said it wasn't crucial.

They quoted $566.81 to do both. $452 of that is labor.

Sounds like a safety issue, we're planning to drive to Omaha next week (from Chicago). Does that price sound fair?

Thoughts on whether Sears is trustworthy?

TIA

 

[HuskerOH]

Back from Sears with bad news. Took the 99 Accord (EX sedan if it matters) for alignment. They couldn't do it, said I need a front wheel bearing and lower ball joint replaced. Recommended half shaft replacement, but said it wasn't crucial.

They quoted $566.81 to do both. $452 of that is labor.

Sounds like a safety issue, we're planning to drive to Omaha next week (from Chicago). Does that price sound fair?

Thoughts on whether Sears is trustworthy?

TIA

 

[HuskerOH]

Ive had luck with Pep Boys and you can go online and get 10% off coupon.

 

[Bugeater]

Sears stands behind their work and they have ASE mechanics so I'm sure they would do a good job. You could try a small independent and see what they would estimate for the same labor and parts. Sounds like there is about 5 to 5.5 hours of work for the price. You might get a bit lower labor from someone else, maybe in the $50-$90 range.

 

[litespeedhuskerfan]

If that price of $566 includes the eventual alignment you went in for originally, that is a great price. If it doesn't, it's still very fair and not worth the hassle of a trip elsewhere IMO.

So many ball joints are replaced with entire control arms anymore that I wonder if you're getting more that you think anyway. Either way, square deal.

 

[The Mean Farmer]

I have always liked the work Sears has done for me. For the work you're getting done its a good price IMHO. There is some specialty work that goes into replacing a wheel bearing, like hydraulic presses. Stuff not everyone has in their garage.