$500 for tie-rod assy...

[1980sd]

I always have a Sears Automotive about 60 miles away from me do my tires and alignments. I've dealt with the alignment tech for years and the guys really sharp and has been at it a long time.

Soooo...

I take the "new" 300SD in for tires/alignment and they find a bent tie rod sleeve. Looks like the PO jumped a curb or something. I figure I'll let them swap the part and do the alignment and be done with it.

Well, after a couple of deliveries of wrong parts they call me today and lay the $500 bill on me I think $90 was labor. This was up from $270 when we started and the supplier couldn't get the parts straight.

I think it was their way of saying they didn't want to fool with it...

[Diesel911]

If they also did an alignment + installed a Tie Rod I do not see how the bill could be $90 labor.

I would make an appointment with the Manager and calmly ask him why the bill was so much.

How about posting a pic of the Bill.

[Junkman]

Look up tie rod price add something for shop mark up, add 1/2 or 1 hr labor + alignment and you have what it should cost. The FSM calls for the front of the tires to be pressed toward the outside when setting the toe. I doubt that Sears has the required tool. Someone else can post alignment details.

[1980sd]

I didn't have them do the job. I had driven up there in the car TWICE and they had the didn't have all the parts (One tie rod end was wonky and They only had the sleeve) They called me before they ordered the parts.

The alignment tech got it as close as he could with the bent sleeve before we started this parts saga.

I'm just gonna order my own parts and do it myself...

They did say $100 labor if I brought in my own parts so I may go that route.


So, you need some kind of spreader bar or something when adjusting toe? I've done my own alignments on old American cars. Just toe and camber, never messed with caster before...

[chasinthesun]

Tie rod ASSEMBLYs with the tie rods ,from the dealer would be $130 .A box parts store $75.Ive worked for a mechanic shop doing the books and running the front desk for 6 months ,they basically double the $ of the part then charge labor at a rate per hr / from $75 to $100 is not out of the range.They can do a search for time on a auto job using Alldata,(a source for mechanics to look up repair procedures and hrs to do the job).If you ask next time what the Alldata gives for hrs and if you can pick up the parts,this may save you some cash .Their is a catch ,they wont warranty the part ,most parts houses will warranty things like alternators ,batteries to a certain point but not tie rods.
Mechanic shops can be a great business to get into ,you just really have to watch your overhead,(tools), and keep a good reputation in being honest with every customer.Good luck to you and your MB.

[Zacharias]

Originally Posted by 1980sd

I think it was their way of saying they didn't want to fool with it...

Nail Head BANG

Similar experience with my 1982 SD. Went to best alignment shop in area, shop would not align it, said strut arms were worn out. Arms been done 18 mos. previous.

Took it back to my shop, which has an alignment hoist. Guys poked and prodded and called the alignment shop back.

I got a refund for their charge to 'check car' but they would not back down. Took it to a small one-bay alignment guy and he gave it a perfect alignment without comment.

Many, many shops don't want to mess with older cars anymore, especially Mercedes. Sad fact and x2 true when the car is older than most of the guys on the shop floor.

[1980sd]

This alignment guy has been around a while and knows MB and VW so I trust him. It's in Warner Robins Ga. which is home to a huge AF base so there have always been a lot of European cars around.

They were going to do it but got the wrong parts X2. The parts were overnighted both times...

I believe it was the hard time finding parts that made them give up

The first time they said they'd give me a free oil change when they got it in. Now they said they'll install my parts and align it for $100. No warranty
on parts.

[JHZR2]

Considering that an alignment can be had from a dealer for $89, why go elsewhere?

[1980sd]

Originally Posted by JHZR2

Considering that an alignment can be had from a dealer for $89, why go elsewhere?

I did not know that...

[JohnM.]

I have never had good luck with Sears Automotive centers. I wouldn't trust them to put the cap back on my water bottle correctly without breaking it in half or starting it on fire.

[1980sd]

Originally Posted by JohnM.

I have never had good luck with Sears Automotive centers. I wouldn't trust them to put the cap back on my water bottle correctly without breaking it in half or starting it on fire.

They got the cap on OK but it leaked some and smelled funny...

[JHZR2]

Originally Posted by 1980sd

I did not know that...

Check out your dealers. I just did it and it was a regular price. At the same time another dealer asks for $149 on "sale".