Expert: Sean Halliday - 5/21/2009

Question
QUESTION: Hi, I took my truck in to a local mechanic and they called me back with a repair estimate of almost $3000!  The biggest issue, they said, is that the Carrier Bearing needs to be replaced, and they quoted $300 for the part and 8 hours of labor.  I looked online and some people are saying it's way cheaper to replace the whole drive shaft and to use one from a 2001 Frontier, since they started making them in one piece after 2000.  In addition to the bearing, they are telling me I need a/c and alternator belts, front brakes and calipers, spark plugs, distributor cap and rotor, O2 sensors, fuel filter and something called a "4x4 service".  I'm concerned that they might be telling me things I don't really need or that the prices they're quoting are very high, and I'm on a limited income.  Can you give me any advice about whether or not this sounds realistic?  Especially the carrier bearing quote?  I would appreciate any help you could give.  Thank you very much...

ANSWER: The driveshaft is usually cheaper to replace as a unit and if you search online,you will find one for much less.This story i have heard many times by shops who tell you your car is falling apart when really there is nothing wrong with it.On the O2 sensors,the check engine light will tell you if you have a problem with them.The calipers and pads i would get a second opinion as the calipers usually last for many years.Unless they are leaking.Pads are routine and usually last 3 years.Belts also are routine service parts and need replaced as they wear.The cap,rotor,filters can be bought anywhere for a fraction of the dealer cost so look around online and get a better price.In short,the O2 sensors,calipers,and the carrier bearing may not be needed so get a second opinion.Im wondering why they want to replace the carrier bearing,if it is worn you will hear it.Do you have any problems with this car?Any drive ability problems?Noises?A 4x4 service is basically change the fluid/filter.Spark plugs cost $3 each average.Take this car to a different shop and ask for a tune up/service estimate.

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thanks for the thorough response!  As far as drivability, I sometimes experience a "clunking" noise when I shift into 1st or 2nd gear, although it doesn't seem to affect performance (it still goes into gear fine and accelerates fine).  I've notices a rattling sound that happens just in the lower gears and it sounds very much like a "tinny" rattle, as opposed to heavier metal.  That has been happening for several months.  Just this past weekend (and what prompted me to go to a shop), I suddenly noticed that when I would turn around a corner, there was a "squealing" sound, mostly when I turned right.  I had a friend stand in a parking lot to listen while I drove around, and she said it sounded like it was coming from the rear of the truck.  Other than that, no problems. I was just freaked out by the noise and rattle.  I will get a second opinion on the other issues, though.  I think this shop saw me coming...one other question, though.  Is it a mistake to have the driveshaft that's in my truck rebuilt?  I found a shop that said they could do that (which would replace the u-joints too) for $300, and the labor to take it out and put it back would only be $60.  They thought 8 hours labor to replace the carrier bearing was outrageous.  They didn't think modifying this truck with a drive shaft from a newer model was a good idea...?  Thanks again, for you generous help and expertise.  I feel better, just hearing from you on this.

Answer
Its not a really good idea to rebuild a d/shaft as they can be bought new or used, a lot cheaper.Like i said,shop online and you will find one on ebay or many online parts stores.Yes,8 hrs is way too long to change a shaft,i can do one in less than 2 hrs.Clunks from the car could be motor mounts or the rattle could be the heat shield.Check rear wheel bearings also.Lastly,dont modify anything as it is just as easy to get the original part.