98GS400GUY

iTrader: (1)

My mechanic was a Lexus tech for 15 years that now has his own shop. He's gonna hit me @ 3 hours @ $78 an hour, does that sound about right. He's letting me make payments with no interest. This will probably take him about 1.5 hours, he's fast. Then it's off to Firestone to get an alignment. Car has 142k miles, suspension all original.

SidhuGs300

iTrader: (2)

if the guy is trying to do you a favor....then no, not a good deal..

98GS400GUY

iTrader: (1)

He's in the business to make money but he's alot cheaper than the stealership.

mrzingh

Are you doing the complete caster arms or just the caster bushings?

pinoiryder

iTrader: (5)

that's sound fair..

98GS400GUY

iTrader: (1)

Complete caster arms. Ended up costing me $213 total. Then when I got home and looked at the alignment spec sheet I noticed the bone head at Firestone aligned it to 96-97 1GS specs. I'm going back tomorrow to have them redo it. He said it was just a slip of the button. Everytime I go there I have some kind of problem with them.

j stuff

iTrader: (5)

not bad

dealership wanted 6 hours at the same rate... labor only + tax

ONLY for the balljoints

j stuff

iTrader: (5)

I agree but hes not a friend hes this guy's mechanic. There is a difference.

My friend did my lower balljoints not for money but for the tool (forget the name of the tool, the pulling thing) and it cost me $30 bux

jeepandlex

U know it....I got buddies who get pissed when I don't call'em when I am working on my cars.....ofcourse, it "is" air tools and free beer.

jeepandlex

Sounds pretty fair.....especially replacing the caster arms. I think i have to do that in wifey's 300....but I will try it first...If I mess it up, then I will have it done..

Infamous 1

iTrader: (20)

Should have done the ball joints yourself to save some cash.

lunatyk

iTrader: (20)

Try save ~$100 and do it yourself? The lbj and outer tie rods are simple since they are connected to each other. I have never done the caster arm before though, can't imagine it's that difficult.

fldreamer

Did you end up getting this done? or did you DIY? Since joining this forum I'm definitely all about DIY! I'm about to embark on changing the LBJs, UCAs and shocks (and probably a few bushings too). These guys around here make DIY too easy. Very inspiring (thanks guys). I'm saving thousands of $ by DIY. Unbelieveable!