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I recently took my car to PepBoys to get an alignment, but I was informed that the alignment "wouldn't hold" because I need at least one new tie rod (the mechanic kept saying one outer one, but it sounds like the inner ones go first). I've noticed a few signs indicative of a bad tie rod, so I'm following the advice to get them replaced.
I've decided that I would really prefer to get all four tie rods replaced when the car goes in--inners and outers, left and right. My car has about 120K miles on it and I don't think much, if any, of the suspension parts have been replaced (until very recently)--we just got new shocks and ball joints for it. So, I've been trying to figure out how much things will cost.
Unfortunately I'm not able to do the work myself. I have a Bentley manual, but that's about it--I have no experience working with the suspension and I'm up at school with no actual place to work. Thus, I'll have to get some mechanic to do it.
My plan is to order the parts off of FCP Groton. I already know that my car has a Cam Gear ("2" for the steering gear on the Service Label in the trunk).
My first question--are four tie rods (2 outer tie rod ends and 2 inner tie rod ends plus 2 boot kits) what I need?
Second, how much should the labor cost?
I've already talked with PepBoys and they're willing to install the FCP parts (or parts from anywhere else reputable, for that matter) on my car. I received an estimate for the labor and it comes out to about $150 for the work on the four tie rods, plus another $55 to get the car aligned. I'm looking at a bill for labor alone of just under $210--is that at all reasonable for tie rod replacement?
Third, any other suggestions for what I should do? Within a few days I'm going to run to a Volvo specialist in the area and see what he has to say and if he would possibly do the work. I've used him before, but I don't think he charges much less than the $79 or so that PepBoys charges per hour of labor.
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'89 244 GL -- 116,600 miles (see profile for info on car)
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