Thanks everyone for all the useful advice! A few more questions for the ranks. The front two shock absorbers on my 1990 240 (250,000 miles) wagon were replaced about 3 weeks ago and since then they squeek everytime I go over a bump (which is about 500 times a drive, living in New York City). Is this a case of just waiting for them to "break in" or is there something I can do without having to take the car in to the shop? Am I being too fussy?

I've only been the owner of this car for about 4 weeks now and I'd like know how much of a tune up I can do myself. When I had the shocks replaced (and the seal that blew) fixed the mechanic said I would have to get the car tuned up before the end of the season. What exactly does this mean and how much of this can get done on my own...safely? Should I be able to replace hoses and do plugs, fire trap etc...? What constitutes a real "tune up"?

Thanks again----Julian in NYC