My poor Escort :(

[sapper579]

Took the 'Scort in to get a new starter last week. After getting the starter replaced, the mechanic broke some bad news to me (some of it I already knew) ... Gotta replace the outer tie rod ends, struts, strut mounts, and CV boots on the front of my car. Estimate: $821. It's getting to where repairs on my car are starting to approach the actual value of the car.

[jeffescortlx]

It happends, it does'nt matter how good of a car it is they ware out. I asume it older and has high miles. But usally the repairs are worth it, but it might be worth a second opinion.
The tie rods and CV boot's are important, but sometimes you can let the struts and mounts go with out herting anything or making it dangerious.

[sapper579]

I think the strut mounts need to be changed at least ... One of them is broken and lets the strut go freely up and down, instead of doing it's normal compression ... if i was to hit a bump hard enough, it would probably send the strut through the hood.

[ebritt]

The strut mounts on these cars are about 80-90 bucks apiece I usually go to the bone yard and get a used strut assembly for $25, easy to replace. Tie rod ends are $26 apiece from autozone. As for the cv boots I would go ahead and replace the halfshafts when I had the time, as they are east to replace Napa has them rebuilt for about 100 bucks.

These things are the weak links on the escorts along with the rack and pinions.But I still love the little buggers.