Tie Rod Ends
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 14
Likes: 0
From: Phoenix, AZ
1987 300e
Tie Rod Ends
Just got my car back from the shop, had to have a fuel pump check valve replaced and my bearings regreased. The shop tends to be pretty thorough, and they called to let me know my front end is worn out.
This is my estimate from them:
Most Important (safety concern)
Tie Rod Assemblies (2), center drag link, and idler arm kit: $244
Alignment: $99
Labor: $374
Total $727
Still Important (but not immediate)
Lower Control Arm Bushing Kit: $208
Labor:$340
Total: $548
Apparently not Too Important (although a collapsed transmission mount sounds scary..)
Transmission Mount: $57
Labor: $51
Total: $108
So, if I had $1400 to throw into the car, I probably would. But I don't! SOo....
A) First of all, are these reasonable estimates? I can't imagine this is work I would want to do myself..
B) How much of a safety issue are each of these issues? Front end really isnt' something I know a lot about. I love the shop i'm at but i've heard they get overly concerned about your car so you'll come back quick!
Thanks!
My car would look like Enzo if I didn't have to depend on it to like, you know, run.
This is my estimate from them:
Most Important (safety concern)
Tie Rod Assemblies (2), center drag link, and idler arm kit: $244
Alignment: $99
Labor: $374
Total $727
Still Important (but not immediate)
Lower Control Arm Bushing Kit: $208
Labor:$340
Total: $548
Apparently not Too Important (although a collapsed transmission mount sounds scary..)
Transmission Mount: $57
Labor: $51
Total: $108
So, if I had $1400 to throw into the car, I probably would. But I don't! SOo....
A) First of all, are these reasonable estimates? I can't imagine this is work I would want to do myself..
B) How much of a safety issue are each of these issues? Front end really isnt' something I know a lot about. I love the shop i'm at but i've heard they get overly concerned about your car so you'll come back quick!
Thanks!
My car would look like Enzo if I didn't have to depend on it to like, you know, run.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 1,042
Likes: 1
From: Bellevue, NE
1995 E320 SE, 162,000 Miles (Sold) 2007 CLK350 Cabriolet 2014 ML550
The tie rod ends are the only important safety items I see there, plus the alignment. If the car needs those other front end items to be able to hold an alignment then you will pretty much be forced to do the work. The prices seem about right to me, but I've never paid a shop to do much. I do what I can do at home with basic tools.
The transmission mount has very little weight on it, and doesn't hold the transmission in at all. It just isolates the rear of the transmission. At worst if it is completely shot it could cause a clunk during shifting or a slight vibration. It is an easy DIY if you have basic tools. I wouldn't even worry about it unless you notice a problem.
The transmission mount has very little weight on it, and doesn't hold the transmission in at all. It just isolates the rear of the transmission. At worst if it is completely shot it could cause a clunk during shifting or a slight vibration. It is an easy DIY if you have basic tools. I wouldn't even worry about it unless you notice a problem.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: May 2007
Posts: 6,403
Likes: 140
From: Clearwater Beach, Florida
2016 Cls63s AMG
can you drive a car if it needs front aligment? well i changed my front tie rods and never did the aligment yet cuz i wana change the spring pads and i dont want to align the car 2 times a waste of money i think....
safe no safe?
safe no safe?
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 1,042
Likes: 1
From: Bellevue, NE
1995 E320 SE, 162,000 Miles (Sold) 2007 CLK350 Cabriolet 2014 ML550
^ Agreed. Alignment is not as much a matter of safety as it is preventing uneven tire wear. If the car goes down the road straight then safety is not a concern.
The thing is, many shops like to play the "liability" card and tell you that they will not fix part of the problem because if something happens you could sue them. I think they do this just to make sure you pay them all the money they can get. It's a sales tactic. They could just have you sign a waiver, but they don't do that. A good lawyer could find a way to get that dismissed and they would not be protected.
I had this old Audi for a few weeks that the previous owner had jumped a curb with. The front end was so screwed up The steering wheel was upside down and if you let go when driving it would quickly spin one way or the other. That's unsafe. Yours couldn't be that bad.
The thing is, many shops like to play the "liability" card and tell you that they will not fix part of the problem because if something happens you could sue them. I think they do this just to make sure you pay them all the money they can get. It's a sales tactic. They could just have you sign a waiver, but they don't do that. A good lawyer could find a way to get that dismissed and they would not be protected.
I had this old Audi for a few weeks that the previous owner had jumped a curb with. The front end was so screwed up The steering wheel was upside down and if you let go when driving it would quickly spin one way or the other. That's unsafe. Yours couldn't be that bad.
Thread Starter
Newbie
Joined: Jul 2007
Posts: 14
Likes: 0
From: Phoenix, AZ
1987 300e
At least in my opinion, the car handles well as is (or at least as well as one that old could..) I notice a little trouble keeping it straight going fast on the freeways, but we're talking minute things that I usually attributed to being half awake 
So, if i'm not really feeling much of a problem and the shop says they're worn out, what's the timeline til the car goes totally kablammo??
Also, thanks on the transmission mount, think i'll just forget about that one :P
So, if i'm not really feeling much of a problem and the shop says they're worn out, what's the timeline til the car goes totally kablammo??
Also, thanks on the transmission mount, think i'll just forget about that one :P
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Dec 2006
Posts: 1,042
Likes: 1
From: Bellevue, NE
1995 E320 SE, 162,000 Miles (Sold) 2007 CLK350 Cabriolet 2014 ML550
At least in my opinion, the car handles well as is (or at least as well as one that old could..) I notice a little trouble keeping it straight going fast on the freeways, but we're talking minute things that I usually attributed to being half awake
So, if i'm not really feeling much of a problem and the shop says they're worn out, what's the timeline til the car goes totally kablammo??
Also, thanks on the transmission mount, think i'll just forget about that one :P
So, if i'm not really feeling much of a problem and the shop says they're worn out, what's the timeline til the car goes totally kablammo??
Also, thanks on the transmission mount, think i'll just forget about that one :P
If you jack up the front and move each wheel back and forth you can feel how much play is in the tie rod ends. I would probably check that every 6 months or so.
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Super Member
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 514
Likes: 0
From: So CAli/L.A
88 260 E
You can save yourself alot of money if you perform some of these repairs yourself.
Tie rod & center drag link replacements are easy DIY repairs.
While you're under there change out the steering dampner.
~Cali
Tie rod & center drag link replacements are easy DIY repairs.
While you're under there change out the steering dampner.
~Cali
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