Suggestion regarding Strut , Lower Control Arm change ?

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vivekian - 03 Mar 2007 16:52 GMT

Hi,

Recently while getting wheel balancing done for a Toyota Corolla 99
model, the technician recommended getting the struts checked. The
Pepboys auto suggested the following repairs :

1. Replace Front Struts -- $ 90 each
2. Replace Lower Control Arm -- this was loose -- $ 370
3. Replace Inner Tie Rod Ends -- $ 66 * 2

Along with some other supplies and the wheel alignment the total cost
comes out to be $ 1300.

Was just wondering if all these are absolutely essential ? m guessing
the struts would need to be changed for sure. Any advice or pointers
would be helpful.

Thanks in advance,
vivekian

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Ph@Boy - 03 Mar 2007 17:40 GMT

> Hi,
>
[quoted text clipped - 15 lines]
> Thanks in advance,
> vivekian

If you are replacing the front struts because they are worn out, the
determining factor replacing the lower control arm (I'm guessing
bushings only if they can), and tie rod ends, will be if after strut
replacement when alignment will not be able to meet and or maintain
specification; meaning that whenever you replace front struts the
vehicle will require an alignment to specification. I would also suggest
that the upper strut bearings be checked as well. You did not mention
the vehicle's mileage, road driving conditions (dirt roads, ect.). I
would also suggest that you obtain several diagnosis and pricing.
Thirteen hundred dollars seems a bit high IMHO. Good luck.

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Ray O - 03 Mar 2007 18:21 GMT

> Hi,
>
[quoted text clipped - 15 lines]
> Thanks in advance,
> vivekian

If the struts actually need replacement and you have them replaced at a
Toyota dealer with genuine Toyota parts, you will have a lifetime parts AND
labor warranty for as long as you own the car, honored at any Toyota dealer
in the U.S. or Canada. Check Pep Boy's warranty - many places offer a
lifetime replacement on parts but the warranty does not include labor or
associated parts like nuts and bolts.

You did not mention mileage or road conditions that the vehicle is usually
driven on, but lower control arm and tire rod end problems are not common on
Corollas so I would get another opinion.

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Ray O
(correct punctuation to reply)

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vivekian - 03 Mar 2007 18:55 GMT

> > Hi,
>
[quoted text clipped - 17 lines]
>
> If the struts actually need replacement

Yes, thats the question. Have a feeling they might have over
exaggerated a bit. Is there a way to find out on ones own e.g. any
signs of wear and tear etc ? The steering wheel tends to shiver /
shake at speeds greater than 60 miles per hour.

> and you have them replaced at a
> Toyota dealer with genuine Toyota parts, you will have a lifetime parts AND
> labor warranty for as long as you own the car, honored at any Toyota dealer
> in the U.S. or Canada. Check Pep Boy's warranty - many places offer a
> lifetime replacement on parts but the warranty does not include labor or
> associated parts like nuts and bolts.

I will keep that in mind.

> You did not mention mileage or road conditions that the vehicle is usually
> driven on, but lower control arm and tire rod end problems are not common on
> Corollas so I would get another opinion.

The car has been driven mostly on freeways and city roads in Houston,
TX. So no major dirt road driving as such. The car has travelled
around 139540 miles. Not too sure about the mileage but as an
approximation i refill around 9 gallons after around 200 miles of
driving.

Thanks,
Vivekian

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Ray O - 03 Mar 2007 19:51 GMT

>> > Hi,
>>
[quoted text clipped - 21 lines]
> signs of wear and tear etc ? The steering wheel tends to shiver /
> shake at speeds greater than 60 miles per hour.

There are several things that can make the steering wheel shake. Unbalanced
wheels are the most common cause. Other possibilities are a tire problems
like a broken belt or uneven tire wear; bent wheel; and loose rack ends,
which are sometimes referred to as tie rod ends. Worn struts can make the
steering wheel shake, but I would put them at the bottom of the list of
likely suspects.

If you bounce on the front bumper, the car should stop moving after 1 or 2
bounces. If it does, then the struts are probably OK. Check the struts for
leaking oil. Check the tires for uneven wear, a scalloped appearance on the
outer tread, and bumps or bulges on the tread or sidewalls. Check the
wheels for obvious dents or deformation. As an aside, I recommend that you
do not get your car serviced by someone who calls a wheel a "'rim" because
IMO, they do not know what they are talking about or at the least, do not
how to properly convey information about the wheels.

>> and you have them replaced at a
>> Toyota dealer with genuine Toyota parts, you will have a lifetime parts
[quoted text clipped - 20 lines]
> Thanks,
> Vivekian

By "mileage," I meant the odometer mileage, not fuel economy. ;-)

I would imagine that the roads in Houston are much kinder to tires and
suspensions than the roads in the snow belt. 140,000 miles may be near the
mileage life of struts although it is not uncommon for them to last longer,
especially when the vehicle is driven on mostly smooth roads.

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Ray O
(correct punctuation to reply)

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vivekian - 06 Mar 2007 13:59 GMT

> >> "vivekian" <vivekli...@gmail.com> wrote in message
>
[quoted text clipped - 77 lines]
> Ray O
> (correct punctuation to reply)

Ray O : Thanks.

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Ray O - 06 Mar 2007 19:50 GMT

> Ray O : Thanks.

You are very welcome!

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Ray O
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