My experience is mostly with Chrysler products which are usually much easier to work on than other brands. An inner tie rod end takes about an hour to replace on those, then the vehicle must be aligned. Most shops need to charge at least $100.00 per hour to pay all the bills and comply with massive government regulations and taxes. The amount you listed would be more in line if it included the tie rod end and the alignment. Your estimate could also include alignment aids that are installed once in the life of the vehicle to make some angles adjustable. Those parts generally aren't too expensive but it can take additional time to install them. That is not part of the standard charge for a four-wheel alignment.
The dollars you listed don't sound unreasonable but we don't normally get involved with costs here because there's too many variables. If you're in doubt, get an itemized list of exactly what you are going to be charged for and if they included things that MIGHT be needed so they don't have to surprise you with additional stuff in the middle of the job. Sometimes those parts end up not being needed and the bill will be lower than the estimate. Once you know exactly what they quoted you for, you can get a second estimate from another shop for the same things.
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Sunday, July 14th, 2013 AT 4:41 PM
