Re: I'm in some trouble

[Rich Deede----TOOL FAN <rdeed@UDel.Edu>]

The tie rod ends are worn out,  the lower control arms are loose, he said
the the alternator is attached to the car tightly and it's going to
eventually shake very annoyingly.  Don't get me wrong because I do trust
my mechanic very much and I am probably not describeing the problems
exactly like he did to me.

Rich

On Tue, 16 Dec 1997, Jim Buck wrote:

> Rich Deede----TOOL FAN wrote:
> > 
> > Hey everyone,  I just got my car back from my mechanic and I am now
> > officially bummed out over what he told me.  I was expecting myabe $500
> > dollars to get my car running close to perfect but what he told completely
> > killed me.  He said for starters it is going to cost between $1000-1500
> > dollars to get my car in proper order. 
> 
> 
> > He said I need new tie rods, 
> 
> Why?  Are they Bent?  Worn out ends?
> 
> lower control arms
> 
> Was the car in a wreck?  It takes a hell of a lot of impact to trash
> just 1 control arm.  Are they bent or cracked?  What's the matter with
> them?  They have no moving parts.
> 
> > and cv boot.  
> 
> OK, I can buy that.  The car is older and that happens.  You can
> visually verify a ripped CV boot yourself.
> 
> >He also said that whoever owned the car before me, ripped some hoses out and just never replaced them. 
> 
> What hoses?  What does that affect?  What did they go to?
> 
> >He also said that my alternator that I just had put in wasn't installed properly, 
> 
> So?  Does it work properly?  Are the belts aligned?  What does he mean
> exactly?  Have him show you, then do it yourself.
> 
> >and I have a leak in my muffler, 
> 
> Is it really loud?  If you're on a tight budget, get one off a wrecked
> car.  
> 
> >and I'll need a new timimg belt very soon. 
> 
> You need that timing belt changed NOW.
> 
> The mechanic said he can't understand how the dealer that I bought it
> form was allowed to sell this car that would absolutely not pass PA
> state inspection.  I don't know if I should sell it or try and repair
> everything.  Any advice would be greatly appreciated.
> 
> Here's my suggestions:
> 
> 1. Buy the Bentley manual for your car.  $40
> 2. Verify what parts you actually need.  timing belt AND tensioner,
> hoses, cv boot, tie rods, etc.
> 3. Order them from Adirondack, Potterman, ND, etc. to get the best
> price.  (trust me, they will be WAY under dealer price)
> 4. Determine what repairs you can make yourself and DO them, like
> replace hoses, etc.
> 5. Have your muffler welded on at a mom & pop muffler shop $20.
> 6. Have the timing belt (and tensioner) replaced.  If your "bosch
> certified" mechanic doesn't bring up replacing the tensioner (the reason
> most timing belts fail), it's a good time to find another mechanic.    
> 
> 
> I could see you doing all this for around $500 if you're resourceful.  I
> know you want to get in that car and GO!  But if you possibly can, take
> the time to learn, find deals, and before you know it, your 'rocco will
> be roccin.
> 
> -- 
> Jim Buck,
> ES #99
> 1997 Solo II Points Champion,
> E-Stock Champion,
> Fort Wayne Region, SCCA 
> 1987 Scirocco 16 valve
> 1982 Rabbit Convertible
> 1996 Jetta GLS
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