QuestionI recently hit a curb with my front right wheel with my 2005 VW Golf. The wheel liner fell off and I brought it into a dealership to see what repairs it might need. After looking at it and performing a wheel alignment, they asked if I would like to have the wheel liner replaced for $300 and the sway bushings lubed for $150 to stop a creaking noise. Are these unreasonably prices and do I/should I have them done?
I really appreciate your help. I'm a new teacher and strapped for cash and time so your advice will be GREATLY appreciated!
AnswerMICHAEL....I WOULD CONTACT MY INSURANCE COMPANY AND ASK THEM FOR AN ESTIMATE.
THERE IS NOT A WHEEL LINER THAT COSTS THAT MUCH. ASK TO SEE THE ALIGNMENT SPECS TO SEE IF YOUR CAR
CAME WITHIN FACTORY SPECS. THERE IS A MINIMUM READING AND A MAXIMUM FOR EACH ANGLE INDICATED.
YOU SHOULD BE WITHIN THE GUIDELINES.
IF A LINER NEEDS TO BE REPLACED GO TO A LOCAL BODY SHOP AS THE LABOR RATE IS 1/2 OF WHAT THE MECHANICAL RATE IS. YOU WILL SAVE SOME CASH DOING THAT.
IF THE ALIGNMENT IS GOOD AND YOU HAVE A BODY SHOP INSTALL A LINER IT IS THE MOST COST EFFECTIVE APPROACH. PLEASE ASK THE BODY SHOP TO GIVE YOU A WRITTEN ESTIMATE ON THE LINER.
THE SQUEAKING NOISE IS A SIMPLE LUBE JOB....SWAY BAR BUSHINGS CAN BE SPRAYED WITH A BELT DRESSING COMPOUND TO REDUCE THE NOISE. THE BUSHINGS TYPICALLY DO NOT MAKE NOISE HOWEVER IT IS NOT UNHEARD OF.
MIKE
