02 Impala - Left Front wheel issues

[luvmy02impala]

I just had my 02 Impala looked at and I need to replace the left wheel hub & inner/outer tire rods. The mechanic said it is a common issue for the Impalas.

What is he talking about left side issues?

That is a $850 job and I want to know more about it before I think about doing it.

Thanks for the information.

-Tom
02 Impala
06 Impala

[maxwedge]

What do you want to know? Did you ask him what he is talking about? How many miles on the car?

[richtazz]

The hub bearing is a pretty common issue, although not limited to just the left side. Tie rod ends are not as common an issue, so I'd get a second opinion before forking out that kind of money for repairs you may not need.

[57chevyragtop]

I agree with richtazz on that. Tie rod ends sound suspicious. Plus quote is crazy high but that is my opinion.

[luvmy02impala]

My 02 Impala has 118k miles on it. I am actually bringing it to another shop this week for a 2nd opinion (I have heard the first shop likes to add new parts on for repairs).

I did not ask him about the common issue because I was in shock about all the work the car needs (besides the left front hub, inner & outer tire rods). I also need 4 rotors, pads, 4 struts and alignment (becasue of taking the front end apart). I knew brakes were ready and the struts were due. Just want to make sure that I am not getting more than I need. The second shop has a better reputation and more honest shop owner.

-Tom

[57chevyragtop]

Well Tom, I wish the best of luck on the 2nd opinion thing, Brakes and rotors are not really all that hard to do ones self, struts are another story entirely. Consider the the most important first which to me is the brakes, stuts can wait as it seems an early failure in my opinion unless one travels extreme road conditions all the time....rotors run around 30 each and best pads for front 40-50 standard pads for rear 25-30 (pads in pairs) If you want to do this yourself and need guidance, let it be known.
This cold weather really sucks lest you have a warmed garage to work in....plus time is an issue if you still are a working man....

Dave~

[luvmy02impala]

I had it all fixed by the garage who gave me the 2nd opinion. They told me that I did not need other stuff (that the 1st shop said - no mentioned here in the posts).

The struts were completely shot, all four where in real bad shape. The left hub was shot, grinding away towards failure. It only needed a left outer tie rod (had a right outer tie rod put on - because it made sense to me) with an alignment. The steering shaft was kaput (excessive play and cracked). The rear needed sway link bushings and rear brakes.

I would have liked to done it myself, but I have no warm garage and it was a snowy/rainy mess that day in NJ.

Just wanted to post a followup-up. Thanks for all the info!

[57chevyragtop]

Wow, I am surprised that so many things went like that...Any one of those might have contributed to failure of the others. I am just guessing here of course. Glad you posted your result and fix solution....

[luvmy02impala]

The shop that did the work said the failure of the struts and the constant abuse cause the damage to mostly everything else (except the brakes - they were replaced with cheap parts by prior shop).

The steering link was a failure on the part of GM, Impalas have this issue with the steering shaft clunking. Again, with the constant bouncing/bumping of my daily compute cause it to really take it hard (causing it to crack, basically lucky to have it checked when I did).

I like to post the repairs here, so others can see what was the fix if they were having the same issue(s). I have 118k miles on it and I will keep it to beat the record of my old car - 88 Olds Delta 88 with 188k miles. I want this Implala to break 200k !!!