Replacing Outer Tie Rods....

[tjaygrid]

I have a 99 Pontiac Grand Prix with 134800 miles and was given a quote to replace outer tie rod ends and an alignment, parts and labor 405.28. Just wondering if this is pretty standard price?

[BNaylor]

Originally Posted by tjaygrid

I have a 99 Pontiac Grand Prix with 134800 miles and was given a quote to replace outer tie rod ends and an alignment, parts and labor 405.28. Just wondering if this is pretty standard price?

No it is not a standard price but a rip off. Alignment runs around $60. You can get the outer tie rod ends for around $50 - $60 (pair) and do the work yourself. After replacing tie rods ends just get it over for the alignment. You can mark the tie rods before removing and get them back in a close position to drive it to the alignment shop.

[richtazz]

That's not a bad price. A good quality tie-rod is going to run about $40-$50 each retail, and our cars require a 4 wheel alignment, which runs $80-$100 by itself. You have a couple hours labor in replacing the tie rods, so they're not getting you too bad. About the only part that may be high is if they're charging you list price on the tie rods (which is standard industry practice). Many places will not install parts brought by the customer, so you have to pay their mark-up.

[BNaylor]

Originally Posted by richtazz

That's not a bad price. A good quality tie-rod is going to run about $40-$50 each retail, and our cars require a 4 wheel alignment, which runs $80-$100 by itself. You have a couple hours labor in replacing the tie rods, so they're not getting you too bad. About the only part that may be high is if they're charging you list price on the tie rods (which is standard industry practice). Many places will not install parts brought by the customer, so you have to pay their mark-up.

Good price??? Maybe in your neck of the woods but not mine. A 4 point alignment on a Grand Prix is $59.95 at places like Firestone and just about every similar place. Firestone wants $200.00 including parts and labor to replace the outer tie rod ends. So that comes out to $259.95 plus sales tax. The general mechanic down the street said he will replace the tie rods for $80. You can get quality TRW tie rod ends off of EBay for $25.00 each.

Therefore the $405 sounds on the high side to me. Just my two cents worth.

Since he lives in Texas it is a rip off even if he lives in a jerkwater town.

[tjaygrid]

That is why I love this thread site, you get great feedback quickly. Thanks for your replies.

[rubberman]

i had a passenger front outter tie rod replaced last year. parts/labor/alighment cost me $127

[richtazz]

Well Bob, I agree that for those of us capable of doing the work, that's expensive, but many shops won't allow you to bring your own parts, so you have to pay their mark up. Just for grins, I called a couple places and was quoted $325 to $395 for the job, using Delco or Moog parts. Most places here in Michigan charge a minimum 1 hour labor (per side) and labor rates are $70-$100/hour up here. A 4 wheel alignment runs $69.95 to $99.95 at the chain shops. I guess a lot of it has to do with cost of living. Since many up here are UAW workers, they have more money than brains, so that boosts the cost.

[maxwedge]

Yeah and this does not take into account the tie rods are rusted/frozen to the inner tie rod. Common here in upstate NY.

[BNaylor]

Originally Posted by richtazz

Well Bob, I agree that for those of us capable of doing the work, that's expensive, but many shops won't allow you to bring your own parts, so you have to pay their mark up. Just for grins, I called a couple places and was quoted $325 to $395 for the job, using Delco or Moog parts. Most places here in Michigan charge a minimum 1 hour labor (per side) and labor rates are $70-$100/hour up here. A 4 wheel alignment runs $69.95 to $99.95 at the chain shops. I guess a lot of it has to do with cost of living. Since many up here are UAW workers, they have more money than brains, so that boosts the cost.

I agree geographical location is a major factor in prices. However, what one person finds acceptable is not to another. Unless the techs have enginering degrees to include a bunch of certifications their services are not worth $70 - $100 per hour. We are at a range of $40 - $60/hour. Now I see the wisdom of my father moving to the Sunbelt over 40 years ago. At least I don't have to take it up the rear end and then say thank you. Long live DIY!

BTW - Just think what the dealers would charge no matter where you live. In the State of Texas those labor rates would drive them out of business and fall under Deceptive Trade Practices.

[richtazz]

I couldn't agree more Bob. The biggest thing is the shop owner makes more money on the part and the labor than the parts store selling it to him and the tech installing it.

[BNaylor]

Originally Posted by maxwedge

Yeah and this does not take into account the tie rods are rusted/frozen to the inner tie rod. Common here in upstate NY.

Rust? What rust Max. The original poster lives in Texas just like me. We are undergoing a drought and I forgot what rust looks like....lol.

[BNaylor]

When I got home I checked my official Mitchell's Guide and checked the industry standard labor times for replacement of a specific part. For one outer tie rod end on a Grand Prix or just about any GM car for that matter it is .6 hours from start to finish. Total for two would be 1.2 hours.

Keep in mind that this does not include alignment. It is tie rod replacement only.

[maxwedge]

Originally Posted by bnaylor

When I got home I checked my official Mitchell's Guide and checked the industry standard labor times for replacement of a specific part. For one outer tie rod end on a Grand Prix or just about any GM car for that matter it is .6 hours from start to finish. Total for two would be 1.2 hours.

Keep in mind that this does not include alignment. It is tie rod replacement only.

1 out'a 3 here is a problem with being frozen, like any underchassis work!!

[BNaylor]

Originally Posted by maxwedge

1 out'a 3 here is a problem with being frozen, like any underchassis work!!

Oh I don't doubt that Shep. My family is from Atlantic City, New Jersey so I am aware of the situation up North.

However, it is still no excuse to be charging outrageous labor costs.

BTW - I'd hate to see what the shops charge in NYC.

[richtazz]

Common practice up here is to round up labor to the next full hour. So .6 per side turns into 1 per side, 2 total. I love the little lines at the bottom of a repair invoice like shop supplies, tool usage, beer break, etc.... that jacks up the price even higher. That's why I'm glad I can do my own repairs.