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2000 Merc. Grand Marquis Idler Arm Question
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janetlee64
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Jun 16, 2011, 7:11 PM
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2000 Merc. Grand Marquis Idler Arm Question
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We just had new tires put on the Mercury this evening after shopping for the best deal. Pepboy's beat out Firestone. However, we only found out that the tires needed replacing last week when we took it to Firestone for a checkup since the car was pulling to the left when braking. FS told us then that we needed new tires because the tires were dry-rotted but that we ALSO needed the following (as printed on the recommended services list):
SWAY BAR LINK KITS
K200165 SWAY BAR FM BUSH/KIT
REMOVE & REPLACE F STABILIZER BAR
CONTROL LINK-BOTH SIDES
The price quoted for this is $102.08
Since Pepboy's was where we were buying our tires, I asked them to check the "stabilizer bar".
After installing our tires, they gave me the following info:
Needs Idler Arm Replaced
The price for the part and labor and warranty is $211.74
So as a dumb ol' girl, that seems to be quite a price difference to me, which leads me to ask: Is an idler arm the same thing as a stabilizer bar? Are these two separate problems? Pepboy's was closing as I was paying for the tires, so I really didn't have time to pose these questions. Whether I have this done at PB's or FS' (assuming it is the same problem), PB will still do an alignment on my car after the repair is done.
Any help would be appreciated!
Thank you ahead of time!
janet
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Hammer Time
Ultimate Carjunky
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Jun 16, 2011, 7:16 PM
Post #2 of 9
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Re: 2000 Merc. Grand Marquis Idler Arm Question
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Two totally different parts and I'd be surprised if you needed either one.
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We offer help in answering questions, clarifying things or giving advice but we are not a substitute for an on-site inspection by a professional.
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janetlee64
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Jun 16, 2011, 7:24 PM
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Re: 2000 Merc. Grand Marquis Idler Arm Question
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May I ask why you feel that way?
thanks!
janet
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Hammer Time
Ultimate Carjunky
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Jun 16, 2011, 7:27 PM
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Re: 2000 Merc. Grand Marquis Idler Arm Question
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Both of those places have a reputation for add on sales. If the links were bad, you would be getting rattling noises and if the idler were that bad, Firestone would have seen that. I'm just highly suspicious since they didn't find the same issues.
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We offer help in answering questions, clarifying things or giving advice but we are not a substitute for an on-site inspection by a professional.
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janetlee64
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Jun 16, 2011, 8:15 PM
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Re: 2000 Merc. Grand Marquis Idler Arm Question
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Your reasoning certainly makes a lot of sense! I had actually thought the same thing. I guess I'll have to go to my brother-in-law's mechanic for an unbiased opinion. I do realize that these auto chain stores are out for the money!
It's really hard since my mom's on social security and I'm on disability. My bro-in-law's mechanic seems to be an honest guy, but he's on the opposite side of town. I don't know who to trust any more (except folks like you that have no stake in
it!)
I really appreciate you help. It means a LOT!
janet
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Hammer Time
Ultimate Carjunky
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Jun 17, 2011, 2:55 AM
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Re: 2000 Merc. Grand Marquis Idler Arm Question
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You're very welcome and I think you have the correct strategy.
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We offer help in answering questions, clarifying things or giving advice but we are not a substitute for an on-site inspection by a professional.
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zmame
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Jun 17, 2011, 6:46 PM
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Re: 2000 Merc. Grand Marquis Idler Arm Question
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they are knowen for sway bar bushings to wear out they are a one piece bushing (ford one are anyways) and requires you to remove the sway bar to replace them.. depending what climent you live in the links can sometime rust and become hard to remove, so somtimes I will call links if I know they can't be easily removed.
sway bushings are not big deal if they only have little bit of play they can become annoying once the bushing wears further.
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janetlee64
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Jun 18, 2011, 5:25 AM
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Re: 2000 Merc. Grand Marquis Idler Arm Question
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Thanks! We live in Florida. The climate is very HOT and HUMID! That is why our tires had to be replaced. Although the tread was still excellent, they were dry-rotted.
janet
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Hammer Time
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Jun 18, 2011, 6:19 AM
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Re: 2000 Merc. Grand Marquis Idler Arm Question
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Yes, I'm also in So Florida. 4 years is about all you get unless it's garaged.
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We offer help in answering questions, clarifying things or giving advice but we are not a substitute for an on-site inspection by a professional.
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