Expert: Michael Kakuk - 6/29/2010

Question
I 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!

Answer
MICHAEL....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