Car repair pricing? Leaky shocks and struts, dirty power steering and transmission fluid.?

I went to a general chain to get my oil changed, as the local place was decently rated and priced. I am at 66K miles, and they did what I asked them to but told me that I should take a look at the shocks and struts, power steering fluid, and transmission fluid. I recently had a tune-up at 60K miles by my mom's trusted mechanic...so I am not even sure that what the chain diagnosed may be true. Anyway, I would never do any major auto work outside of oil changes at a chain.

I am just wondering roughly, how much those three items would cost. I am in California.



**Also, are %26quot;leaky%26quot; struts and shocks imperative to get fixed? Or can I wait a little to scrape some money together?



2002 Honda Civic LXCar repair pricing? Leaky shocks and struts, dirty power steering and transmission fluid.?
First, did you pay for diagnosis? If not it was probably a free inspection. Not the same thing. What make / year model is your car? Most chain stores offer free inspection so that they can be the first to tell you (and sell you) maintenance. Most fluid changes are recommended by the manufacturer at specfic intervals. Check with the car dealer service personnel and your owner's maintenance manual for those intervals. Better yet call the customer service 800 number in the back of your owner's manual and ask the manufacturer's representative about %26quot;flushing%26quot; services that were recommended. Call the California Department of Consumer Affairs / Bureau of Automotive Repair (known as BAR) A diagnosis should be a thorough testing of specific components. In CA the estimate should specify what testing was done and what services were done and the price for each one.

A %26quot;tune up%26quot; as known in the automotive industry no longer exsist. It refers to a service performed when ignition and fuel systems required periodic adjustments.

Since the mid 1980's most cars were built with electronic ignition, fuel injection and computers to make the adjustments automatically. Spark plug and filter replacements are all that is needed.The intervals on most spark plugs are 50-60K miles. some as high as 100K.

Because there are no periodic adjustments on newer vehicles a %26quot;tune up%26quot; is not needed.

A %26quot;maintenance service%26quot; is more appropriate terminology and the estimate and invoice should state %26quot; replace spark plugs%26quot; not %26quot;tune up%26quot;.

Get a second opinion, have a dependable local garage inspect your struts.Car repair pricing? Leaky shocks and struts, dirty power steering and transmission fluid.?
I think they're doing some of the work just to make money and not all of it is required. The %26quot;leaky shocks and struts%26quot; sounds very suspicious, since only one might show a leak very rarely on modern cars and not both front and back. I would guess you don't need them. Please take your car to the car dealer and get a second opinion. You might be surprised to learn that you only need a transmission and coolant flush. It's sort of like going to a doctor complaining of a headache when you don't really have one or need to be treated for one. Guess what? He'll treat you for the headache anyways.Car repair pricing? Leaky shocks and struts, dirty power steering and transmission fluid.?
Unless you drive like crazy on roads filled with pot holes there is absolutely NO way you need shocks and struts at 66K. No way!



Forget about the power steering fluid flush at 66K. Wait until 100K.



You can do the tranny fluid at 66K. Find a place where they pump out ALL the fluid, not just drain the pan. Make sure they replace the filter.



Between 75K and 100K the most important thing you need to do with the Honda is change the timing belt. A lot of people change the water pump at the same time since it's easy to do them together.Car repair pricing? Leaky shocks and struts, dirty power steering and transmission fluid.?
Leaky shocks and struts by MEPS standards, are leaking so heavily they leave a spot on the ground. Normal seepage that collects dust is just that- NORMAL. 66k on a Honda? They are reaching in my opinion. The look of wetness on shocks or struts also does not negate an active leak. As far as suggesting flushes on the trans fluid, power steering fluid, coolant, and brake fluid, this is more than likely based on manufacturer's recommendation to INSPECT fluid level and condition at the 60k mileage interval. Your complaint, and my experience with working for Firestone for 9 years makes me feel like this question has Firestone written all over it. Struts are relatively expensive on the Hondas, and the labor doesn't do much good for your wallet either. Pushing for fluid flushes is a Firestone trademark, and reaching for struts that have normal seepage? Was probably a slow day down there for the flat rate guys. keep your money. Your car is fine. As for transmission flushing, as a reputable transmission shop. Even they will tell you that a transmission flush is the worst thing you can ever do to a transmission. Keep your money!Car repair pricing? Leaky shocks and struts, dirty power steering and transmission fluid.?
well i hope i can help. im in texas so prices may vary. as far as the struts and shocks, wouldnt worry until you notice severe tire wear or it becomes difficult to control. to have the fluids flushed on a transmission would generally run about 100.00 the power steering should be about 45.00Car repair pricing? Leaky shocks and struts, dirty power steering and transmission fluid.?
The power steering fluid can wait,the trans should be serviced if only to save money down the road for a very costly trans overhaul.

The struts and shocks are very important to do as they control how the vehicle handles on the road,they affect steering response and braking,and also contribute to premature tire wear.Hope this answers your concerns.