QuestionWe have a few problems with our 2000 Ford Winstar SE. It died on Friday. The mechanic has a list of things wrong. I hate to get taken because I am a woman, so here are a few questions that if you could answer, I won't look like a complete idiot when I talk to the mechanic tomorrow.
1) What is a tire rod? I have a broken one.
2) How much does a new starter usually cost?
3) Do you usually have to replace a timing belt when you relace a starter?
4) What is a brake master cyllinder? Can it cause a leak in the brakes, the brake light to go on, and the brakes to loose pressure?
The mechanic is talking $1000.00 for a 7 year old van.Is this reasonable?
I know I asked too many questions, if you just answer 1 I am very thankful!
Sincerely,
Eileen
AnswerEileen-
Well, since you asked your questions in order I suppose I'll answer them that way.
1. Tie rods are a pretty simple suspension piece that is located right around the brakes. It's not all that unusual for them to break. On a 7 year old van I'd expect them to last a little longer, but it depends a lot on the area where you drive and the road conditions.
2. A starter itself usually isn't terribly expensive (although they can be). If you're talking about replacing the starter it's going to be quite a bit more expensive, especially on a front wheel drive vehicle because everything is packed much tighter under the hood. I haven't priced Winstar starters in...well...ever, so I can't really quote an exact price for the part itself. Check out a site like www.carparts.com for a ballpark idea. Then remember that shops will always mark up part prices (it's where they make a good deal of their money).
3. No, there is no connection between a starter and a timing belt. I can think of a couple scenarios that would require replacing them both (or it could just be coincidence), but for the most part they are totally independent of each other.
4. A brake master cylinder is basically a fluid resevoir that pumps fluid to all of the brakes. When you press down on your brake pedal it releases fluid to the brakes. A lot of things can cause it to leak like bad seals, cracks, and the like.
Whether or not $1,000 is reasonable or not is really up to you. If that's what your mechanic is charging to fix all of the parts listed (parts and labor), I'd say he's not trying to take advantage of you. It seems like a fair price for the work as a whole. As to whether or not your car actually needs all of the parts, it's impossible for me to say without seeing it. But in my experience if someone is trying to screw you on unneeded work they'll also try and screw you on the price. Just my 2 cents. Hope this helps.
Steve
