WHAT DO I DO WHEN THE MECHANIC IS WRONG?

30

Asked by Theresajane Sep 07, 2023 at 02:05 PM about the 2000 Dodge Durango SLT RWD

Question type: Maintenance & Repair

I took my Durango in for an alignment after I just put on new inner & outer tie
rods on both sides, the shop said that they cant align it because of a bad
upper ball joint on the passengers side. Looks like im gonna now have to do
ball joints.
BUT, the mechanic had said that he is 90% sure that I put the outer tie rod in
the steering knuckle upside down! I have spent hours looking through the
internet at pictures, etc. for the tie rods on my 2000 dodge durango & they all
show the outer tie rod ball joint has the threads pointing up in the steering
knuckle, just like I did on mine. The alignment guy has to be wrong!  What do
I do?  
Though I am expecting to replace the ball joints, after they claim just the
upper passenger side ball joint is bad, if I do one im gonna do them all. But
to do this will take a lot of driving around, which concerns me, not about the
ball joints but the alignment issue. Since they didn’t align it, I am worried
what harm could that cause? Is it dangerous? Can something break? It feels
ok driving, but it always had even before the new tie rods. I didn’t even know
the inner tie rods were bad until I took it in to have a few of the lug nut studs
replaced and when up on the rack the mechanic notified me, he said only the
inner ones but I replaced both inner & outer. I have even checked a few
times for bad ball joints when doing the tie rods while up on jacks. I found no
play, only play at 9 & 3 o'clock, indicating faulty tie rods.
Again, what should I be concerned about, if anything driving my durango
being outta of alignment?
Should I get a second opinion? Would it be safe to drive it another shop?
THANK YOU

1 Answer

155,245

Get a second opinion. This guy might be trying to make a few extra bucks. If it's not pulling, shaking, or making noise, I'd be suspicious. Don't tell the second shop about the first shop or the work you did. Let them tell you what they think is going on. You'll want to get an alignment so you don't ruin your tires too. Hope that helps! Jim

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