96 Cam 2.2L 5S-FE parts costs

[Maulana]

I'm looking for clarification about buying parts myself, based on an auto repair shop estimate (but taking parts to a shop for installation). Based on the difference between online prices at rockauto.com where I can buy direct and the mechanic's estimate, I WONDER IF THERE AREN'T OTHER PARTS THAT NEED TO BE ORDERED ALONG WITH THE MAIN PARTS DESCRIBED ON HIS WRITTEN ESTIMATE. I know a mechanic could not guarantee the parts if I purchased them, that he'd charge me labor to inspect and replace if they failed and I'd have to handle returning/exchanging from whom I purchased.

1- Front sway bar links:
these are the same as stabilizer bar links?
they cost $15-20 a piece online, but mechanic quoted $90/piece (year ago)
he quoted 1/2 hr labor

2- Air tube to throttle body:
this is the same as the throttle body air intake tube?
it cost $52 online, mechanic quoted $167 + $20 in air freight
he quoted about 20 min labor

3- Coolant overflow tank:
it's $74 online, mechanic quoted $113 + $20 air freight
and about 20 min labor
(I haven't been able to ascertain if what I saw online included the sensor part that is attached to the cap and goes in the tank)

I'm trying to save money, but don't want a bigger problem by trying to do that.
Thanks for any clarification and or comments you may have to offer on this.

[Mike Gerber]

The air tube to throttle body and the coolant overflow tank are parts you can install yourself with very basic hand tools. They are also right on top, so there is nothing difficult to installing them yourself. I think all you will need to install the air tube is a 10MM wrench (a 10MM rachet wrench will make the job go quicker, but any 10MM wrench should do) and if it's like my 94, there are no tools required to install the overflow tank.

The sway bar ends links require an allen wrench and also require you to raise the car and support it safely. You will have to remove the tires/wheels to get to them. All in all, IMHO this too is not a difficult job for the average DIY'r. If you are comfortable with this, give it a try yourself. If not, let the mechanic install them.

Definitely install the first 2 items yourself to save more money.

Mike

[Maulana]

Thanks Mike--I might attempt at least the coolant reservoir. So then, there are no other materials I need to install all these parts that would explain the mechanics much higher prices on the parts??

[Mike Gerber]

Most mechanics have a minimum charge for labor. That's probably what he's quoting you on these 2 items. They will take you 5 minutes each. (maybe 2 minutes for the coolant overflow tank) His labor charge on the sway bar end links seems reasonable. Put in the 2 easy items yourself and then ask him if he wil install the sway bar end links for the same 1/2 hour labor if you bring him the parts.

Mike

[Maulana]

Thanks Mike.

When changing out the coolant overflow tank, do I pour the liquid contents from the old one into the new, or discard and refill with fresh coolant and/or water?

[Mike Gerber]

If the coolant is fresh I would just poor it in to the new tank. It will be the same age as what is in the radiator.

Mike