How much should repairs for control-on bushings be ona 2002 Dodge Stratus?

B

Blondie23

New member
PLEASE HELP!

This car place near me says that my control on bushings need fixed. (Keep in mind, everytime I go to this place to change my oil, some new expensive fix needs done, of course). It is a 2002 Dodge Stratus. Do you have any estimates on how much this should cost (including how long labor should take?) They said it would cost $600 total for labor and parts

He also says that the timing belt should be changed just because I reached 60,000 miles that would cost $340 (which I havent done that with other cars, but whatever) and that my fluids need changed which would cost $240.


Do any of these prices seem outrageous?
No, the car does not rattle at all while driving. Two places I have called said it would cost around $575...which is way over what you say it should cost! The guy said that it would not pass inspection, but maybe its just because he wants his money!
 
You can always get a quote from your car dealer's service shop for the same service (sometimes over the phone) to keep those independent shops honest. After all, who's better qualified to work on a Dodge than your Chrysler dealer where the technicians are trained to work just on Chysler vehicles? If the price is about the same at the dealer, I'll take the dealer every time!! You'll probably get a better warranty and they use original equipment parts. Try another dealer if you don't like the one you've tried before.
The dealer will know if your car has an "interference" type engine that suffers major $$$ damage if the timing belt breaks. I don't think either the 4 or 6 cylinder engine is an interference engine, and IF it isn't, you can just keep driving until the timing belt breaks and then get it fixed without worrying about damage to your engine.
 
leave that shop best answer for first reason most car able to go 100,000 miles or longer even without replacing timing belt my car has 300,000 on it never been done yet an dthen you can call three shops and ask for price to replace control arm bushing which wouldnt be 600 bucks an dit shouldn't take but a few hours best not to go there for sure and learn how to keep car up an d running type name of car and maintenancee
 
Stratus should be fine to at least 100,000 miles on its timing belt. ask them if its cracked, if no then hold off! or get a second opinion as these kind of places are known for ripping people off.

As for your control ARM bushings, does the car/wheel rattle every time you hit a bump or pothole? If so then you need control arm bushings. If not then don't worry about it. Unless they are SEVERELY in need of replacement they pose no danger. They're also designed to last about life of the car.
The job should be between 200-300 depending on the shops labor rate and upcharge.
I'd recommend a second opinion.
 
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