Change Tie rods, ball joints, stabilizers & shock absorbers?

Tiny
ONYEMA
  • MEMBER
  • 1997 TOYOTA RAV4
  • 131,000 MILES
Tie rods, ball joints, stabilizers & shock absorbers are all wheel parts. How does one know when they are bad? How are they changed? These Nigerian mechs are ripping me off. After changing my rear shock I hear a squeaky rotary noise while driving. If I climb or pass a gallop the sound from the rear is like a thud sound.
Thursday, May 3rd, 2012 AT 8:57 PM

2 Replies

Tiny
CARADIODOC
  • MECHANIC
  • 33,871 POSTS
The place to go is a tire and alignment shop for an inspection. I can share how to identify worn or defective parts but to type all the descriptions would wear off my fingerprints! A constant high-pitched squeal, especially at low speeds, can be due to a worn axle seal even though it's not leaking. If the squeal changes when applying the brakes, a wear indicator on a brake pad could be responsible.

For safety and insurance, most shops will not allow customers in the work areas, but often a mechanic is allowed to escort you to your car to show you worn parts. If that happens, remember how they made the defect show up, then post that information here.
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Thursday, May 3rd, 2012 AT 9:27 PM
Tiny
DJCL
  • MECHANIC
  • 767 POSTS
Re check all bolts that mount the shock. To check all front end parts you will need to shake the front wheels side to side and up and down. Small movement in some front end parts is considered normal.
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Thursday, May 3rd, 2012 AT 9:27 PM

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