OT - Car Repair Question

TheBeav815

All-American
Feb 19, 2007
18,955
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Back from Sears with bad news. Took the 99 Accord (EX sedan if it matters) for alignment. They couldn't do it, said I need a front wheel bearing and lower ball joint replaced. Recommended half shaft replacement, but said it wasn't crucial.

They quoted $566.81 to do both. $452 of that is labor.

Sounds like a safety issue, we're planning to drive to Omaha next week (from Chicago). Does that price sound fair?

Thoughts on whether Sears is trustworthy?

TIA
 
Dec 4, 2007
2,397
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Back from Sears with bad news. Took the 99 Accord (EX sedan if it matters) for alignment. They couldn't do it, said I need a front wheel bearing and lower ball joint replaced. Recommended half shaft replacement, but said it wasn't crucial.

They quoted $566.81 to do both. $452 of that is labor.

Sounds like a safety issue, we're planning to drive to Omaha next week (from Chicago). Does that price sound fair?

Thoughts on whether Sears is trustworthy?

TIA
 

GeorgeFlippin

Heisman
May 29, 2001
38,264
35,217
113
Sears stands behind their work and they have ASE mechanics so I'm sure they would do a good job. You could try a small independent and see what they would estimate for the same labor and parts. Sounds like there is about 5 to 5.5 hours of work for the price. You might get a bit lower labor from someone else, maybe in the $50-$90 range.
 
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Aug 27, 2006
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If that price of $566 includes the eventual alignment you went in for originally, that is a great price. If it doesn't, it's still very fair and not worth the hassle of a trip elsewhere IMO.

So many ball joints are replaced with entire control arms anymore that I wonder if you're getting more that you think anyway. Either way, square deal.
 

The Mean Farmer

Redshirt
Jun 20, 2001
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I have always liked the work Sears has done for me. For the work you're getting done its a good price IMHO. There is some specialty work that goes into replacing a wheel bearing, like hydraulic presses. Stuff not everyone has in their garage.