Repair scam?

SUTHSW

MEMBER
PONTIAC MONTANA

I just had the front bearings replaced in my Montana. The mechanic says that the "shock towers" were making a "clunking" noise and also need to be replaced. Well, not until he got his hands on the van! Does this sound like he may have "forgotten" to tighten everything and/or could he be looking for more business?

Thursday, June 1st, 2006 AT 7:22 AM

2 Replies

LOSONE

MECHANIC
1,616 POSTS

Shock towers never have to be replaced. There is a bearing on top of the strut that makes some noise. Sounds like a tire store trying to sell a job.

Take it too a different mechanic not a tire or muffler shop. It is typical of their actions. Good luck

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Thursday, June 1st, 2006 AT 3:53 PM

KB42

MEMBER
13 POSTS

But when he said front bearings, were those the shock tower bearings, or the wheel bearings/hubs.
You can only replace the entire hub in the wheel.
Also many aftermarket strut bearings are pure garbage. You have to make sure you get a full replacement, as I replaced them on my Grand AM and they rubbed causing the clunking noises when you turn the wheels in say a parking lot. That's because the springs are being stressed, if the bearing does not work right. Not a fun job as you have to compress the springs to disassemble the strut tower. A very dangerous task if not done properly, you can kill yourself or cause serious injury.
:shock:

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Monday, September 17th, 2007 AT 12:49 AM