So my shop wants to do all this work on my truck.

[bluebombersfan]

I am getting very sick and tired of mechanics wanting to do other stuff on my truck that don't need it. they say that my outer tie rod end has exessive play along with both bearings. I don't know much about this stuff but for me I figure if you can raise the vehicle and feel any kind of play in the bearings or tie rods then you change it.
They almost made me change my clutch, that was two years ago now and it still works good as new. Also another time one told me my diff fluid was almost empty that I needed new seals blah blah new bearings, I came home checked the fluid level myself and added like a couple table spoons. I don't understand how that can be considered (almost empty). So anyways again I don't really feel like spending another 1/2 grand on my front end if I don't really need it.
sheesh, I wish I paid more attention in shop class and could just do all this myself.

 

[4x4junkie]

I would suggest you go to a different mechanic if the one you've been going to has a history of doing this.

And FWIW, having taken a shop class isn't necessary to change the stuff you mention. However a good service manual for your truck (and of course the tools needed) would greatly help.
If you've changed your own oil before, you've already made your first turn onto the right road... Now you just need to keep on going down that road (the road to independence from crooked mechanics lol).

 

[statley chubs]

I would suggest you go to a different mechanic if the one you've been going to has a history of doing this.

And FWIW, having taken a shop class isn't necessary to change the stuff you mention. However a good service manual for your truck (and of course the tools needed) would greatly help.
If you've changed your own oil before, you've already made your first turn onto the right road... Now you just need to keep on going down that road (the road to independence from crooked mechanics lol).

+1
Along with a truck manual a friend who has done the stuff before could be very helpful when learning and save you a fourune down the road.

 

[BRUTUS_T_HOG]

I am getting very sick and tired of mechanics wanting to do other stuff on my truck that don't need it. they say that my outer tie rod end has exessive play along with both bearings. I don't know much about this stuff but for me I figure if you can raise the vehicle and feel any kind of play in the bearings or tie rods then you change it.
They almost made me change my clutch, that was two years ago now and it still works good as new. Also another time one told me my diff fluid was almost empty that I needed new seals blah blah new bearings, I came home checked the fluid level myself and added like a couple table spoons. I don't understand how that can be considered (almost empty). So anyways again I don't really feel like spending another 1/2 grand on my front end if I don't really need it.
sheesh, I wish I paid more attention in shop class and could just do all this myself.

so are the tie rods and bearings actually sloppy or are you just complaining about the other stuff?

 

[Will]

Hey, vehicles are much better than they ever were. In the past at 80,000 miles you were going to buy a new car and some kid was going to squeeze the last 10,000 out of the old Pontiac. Honestly, cars are so good now that there is no formula that tells you when to change things. Potentially, a steering part could last for 500,000 miles or fail in 20,000--depending on conditions. My best friend worked for Arvin from the 50s to the 90s selling parts to shops. I have a lot of insight into the history of the repair industry, and hear a lot of anecdotes about same.

The best way to avoid a screw by a shop is to be sewing up a huge wound in your upper arm as you discuss the work.

Just a tip.

 

[Psychopete]

The best way to avoid a screw by a shop is to be sewing up a huge wound in your upper arm as you discuss the work.

I think I would rather just do the work =/ LOL

I am lucky though, I have a few shops to choose from that are run by family members. I take shit to them that I don't want deal with or don't have the tools and it's a rare problem that the tools would compare to the cost of labor.

 

[kryptonitecb]

Sounds like you know how to check these things yourself. So all you need to next is fix them yourself. Bearings, tierods, and seals are easy. If I had the money I would have a mechanic change a clutch also, but only after it started to slip.

Sent from road while ignoring traffic

 

[cdawall]

If you know things aren't bad ignore the mechanic. I have had ones tell me brand new balljoints were bad with the 2 miles inbetween home and the alignment shop on them. It is their job to make money. As long as they do good work I would ignore the stupidity.

 

[kryptonitecb]

Happens more often to the women of my family but they just tell mechanics no. Then they get someone else to verify. I've had shops try to tell me I needed new knuckles, t-case rebuilds, one I actually laughed at cause he recommended new brakes a day after I pad slapped it. Just chuckle and tell them thanks but I'll do it at home this weekend when I'm bored.

Sent from road while ignoring traffic

 

[mp3deviant721]

You seem to know what you are doing already. Just ignore them and stop taking it to a shop. Do your own basic work on it. If something comes along that you don't know how to do or don't have the tools for it, go ask a friend. Simple as that.


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