LX40 Front Suspension

[tsdevane]

I am looking to replace my Tie Rod Ends, and afterwards get an Alignment. I spoke with a well regarded, reputable shop and will set an appointment after getting feedback from this thread. I was told that due to liability, management will only allow simple Tie Rod End changes if it does not involve removing Air Bags and Shocks. When I asked about a Front End Alignment, I was told there was "no such thing..., the rears had to be set and then the front calibrated, etc..."

The Alignment quote was $270.00. If they were able to change the Tie Rod Ends, the cost for that would only be one hour labor. (I forgot the hourly rate).

I would think the costs are in line. Can someone please offer me insight as to whether or not changing the Tie Rod Ends is "simple or complex." If there are questions I need to be asking, or anything else I am overlooking, please tell me. Thanks for your help with this.

Timothy

[1984Lodge]

Originally Posted by tsdevane

I am looking to replace my Tie Rod Ends, and afterwards get an Alignment. I spoke with a well regarded, reputable shop and will set an appointment after getting feedback from this thread. I was told that due to liability, management will only allow simple Tie Rod End changes if it does not involve removing Air Bags and Shocks. When I asked about a Front End Alignment, I was told there was "no such thing..., the rears had to be set and then the front calibrated, etc..."

The Alignment quote was $270.00. If they were able to change the Tie Rod Ends, the cost for that would only be one hour labor. (I forgot the hourly rate).

I would think the costs are in line. Can someone please offer me insight as to whether or not changing the Tie Rod Ends is "simple or complex." If there are questions I need to be asking, or anything else I am overlooking, please tell me. Thanks for your help with this.

Timothy

Seems more than reasonable. Tie rod end replacement is generally not a bad job. The last couple I have done, I have had to remove the entire unit to get the ends loose, and I just did this for the Newell as well. I would think a well equipped shop should have no problem doing this job.

So I am confused, they quoted you to do an alignment but said there was no such thing? Maybe I am reading it wrong. There generally has to be toe alignment on the steer and castor. Camber is generally set and cannot be adjusted.
For those that may not understand the terminology, think of your feet and legs. Toe alignment would be if you pointed your toes inward or pointed them out.
Caster would be if you leaned forward or leaned backward.
Camber would be if you bowed your legs in or out.
Not sure if that makes things more confusing or less!

So then they can also align the rear axle and the tag axle generally so that they are parallel to the frame and they are not skewed causing you to crab to one side or the other.

[tsdevane]

Originally Posted by 1984Lodge

Seems more than reasonable. Tie rod end replacement is generally not a bad job. The last couple I have done, I have had to remove the entire unit to get the ends loose, and I just did this for the Newell as well. I would think a well equipped shop should have no problem doing this job.

Originally Posted by 1984Lodge

So I am confused, they quoted you to do an alignment but said there was no such thing? Maybe I am reading it wrong. There generally has to be toe alignment on the steer and castor. Camber is generally set and cannot be adjusted.
For those that may not understand the terminology, think of your feet and legs. Toe alignment would be if you pointed your toes inward or pointed them out.
Caster would be if you leaned forward or leaned backward.
Camber would be if you bowed your legs in or out.
Not sure if that makes things more confusing or less!

So then they can also align the rear axle and the tag axle generally so that they are parallel to the frame and they are not skewed causing you to crab to one side or the other.

I agree, Jeff, no complaints about the cost. Perhaps I did not state that as well as I should have. I was told that the Front End and Rear End had to both be aligned, not just the front.

Timothy

[lcondosta]

Tim. Josams Alignment in Orlando Fl. did the alignment and removed my sway bar. About 500.00 drove much better was always pulling to the right. I thought it was worth the money.

[tsdevane]

Originally Posted by lcondosta

Tim. Josams Alignment in Orlando Fl. did the alignment and removed my sway bar. About 500.00 drove much better was always pulling to the right. I thought it was worth the money.

Lee:

I heard of nothing but positives about Josams. The bus always drove good to me. After the Safe-T-Plus Steering Control was installed, it tracked straight(er) with ease. I figured it was best to have an alignment after the new Tie Rod Ends were changed. I appreciate your comments.

Timothy

[isp2952]

Originally Posted by tsdevane

Lee:

I heard of nothing but positives about Josams. The bus always drove good to me. After the Safe-T-Plus Steering Control was installed, it tracked straight(er) with ease. I figured it was best to have an alignment after the new Tie Rod Ends were changed. I appreciate your comments.

Timothy

You know what they say Timothy, "If it ain't broke don't fix it." From your description it sounds like maybe you are good to go. Just my opinion and you know what they say about that

[tsdevane]

Originally Posted by isp2952

You know what they say Timothy, "If it ain't broke don't fix it." From your description it sounds like maybe you are good to go. Just my opinion and you know what they say about that

I get that, Jim. I just thought an Alignment was prudent after front end parts replacement.

Timothy

[Randy Dupree]

Originally Posted by tsdevane

I get that, Jim. I just thought an Alignment was prudent after front end parts replacement.

Timothy

If it drives good now,then just get the toe set and let it be.
IMO

[1984Lodge]

Originally Posted by Randy Dupree

If it drives good now,then just get the toe set and let it be.
IMO

Agreed! They may go mucking around and you may not like the results.
At least when I do it I know what I did and and I can un-do it, maybe...

I've had this done with a car, had an alignment done and it was worse when I brought it in. Not a happy camper.

[tsdevane]

Originally Posted by isp2952

You know what they say Timothy, "If it ain't broke don't fix it." From your description it sounds like maybe you are good to go. Just my opinion and you know what they say about that

Originally Posted by Randy Dupree

If it drives good now,then just get the toe set and let it be.
IMO

Originally Posted by 1984Lodge

Agreed! They may go mucking around and you may not like the results.
At least when I do it I know what I did and and I can un-do it, maybe...

Originally Posted by 1984Lodge

I've had this done with a car, had an alignment done and it was worse when I brought it in. Not a happy camper.

How many WOG Members does it take to... Thanks Guys.

Timothy