[beckham]

Hello all!

I put my 2003 Envoy SLT in to a Goodwrench garage for inspection this morning. I knew I had an oil leak and suspected a bearing needed replacing. Here's the list of problems their guy told me over the phone (I didn't see the official report yet):

1. Alternator belt cracked - needs replacing.
2. Front right bearing.
3. Stabilizer bar link/bushing.
4. Lower right ball joint is loose.
5. Leak from Rack and Pinion.
6. Transmittion seal is leaking.
7. Read brake disc and pads - need replacing.

I can do the brakes myself, but what about the others? He said to do everything now will cost about $4000 CAD, which is out of the question. What do you think needs doing now, and what can I delay?

Thanks for your help!

:tiphat

 

[beckham]

Thanks for the reply. I will get a second opinion... I just need to find a mechanic I can trust! Some answers below:

1) Get it into an independent garage for a second opinion.

2) You didn't say how bad the leak was, but mechanics often use the work "leak" when we would say "seep" or "slight sheen from wetness caused by one drop per month leakage". Where is the leak that bothered you and how many drops a day did you get out of it?
Towards the front left of the engine bay. Several big drops a day are leaking.

3) If you can change your oil, you can change the serpentine belt for $30.
I changed the belt last year which is odd. I'll see what Mechanic #2 says.

4) If you can do brakes, you can do the wheel bearing. Is it making noise?
Yes, it is making noise - the faster the louder! I checked the Haynes manual, and replacing it seems tricky as well as requiring special equipment.

5) You can do the stabilizer bar end links, too. Are they clunking, or loose enough to notice yourself?
What do you mean by clunking? How would I know if they are loose?

6) He must have three kids in dental school at the same time to quote $4000.
Lol

We can't help you prioritize the issues without knowing what you do about severity. Brakes are a safety item. The serpentine belt is trivial to change. Everything else needs to be prioritized by the amount of leakage or noise they make. Data we don't have. And all can be addressed by an independent mechanic who knows GM. No need to go to the over-priced dealer for simple things like this.

 

[beckham]

Do you have a written quote you can scan and post? Sounds like three kids in dental school and a high maintenance ex-wife

I'm picking it up tonight, along with the truck. I'll try and scan it for you to take a look.

you say you changed the belt last year... did YOU do it- or some shop?
changing the belt is so easy.
Witha a ratchet, the belt- (and maybe a breaker bar) it can be done in 5 minutes.
It will take you longer to stand in line and get the part from the parts guy.

I did it.