Related story:
I took my 84 Westy in for front end re-alignment (new tires just installed)
and was told the coupling joint at the base of the steering column needs
replacing because there is about 2 inches of "play" in the steering.  VW
dealer wants 195.00 plus labor to order and install the part.  My local
person has an excellent used part, and the entire process won't cost my
sons' inheritance.

SamC
----- Original Message -----
From: "Dave Vickery" <davevickery@HOTMAIL.COM>
To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Sent: Wednesday, April 11, 2007 11:38 AM
Subject: Repair bill reality check?

>I brought my syncro in for alignment to a new place (First place a VW
>dealer
> couldn't get it right).  This guys seems trustworthy from a gut reaction.
> He is an owner/operator and focuses on 4wd rigs.  He said there are some
> issues before it can be alignined.  About 150K on this Arizona van,
> probably
> all original stuff up there but van is in great condition overall.
>
> "Left and right lower ball joints.  Left worse than right, but right not
> far
> behind"  $208/pr plus labor
> "Upper strut bushings & steering rack bushings, $110 plus labor"  I did
> see
> that those look like dry rotted tires.  he said they are very mushy or
> lots
> of play, don't recall specifics.
> Total about $1200 for parts and labor including the alignment.
>
> I asked about using German parts, he said bushing are rubber so it
> wouldn't
> make a difference and the ball joints are Moo or Moot brand or something
> that sounds like that and he said they are superior to OEM.  I asked if he
> was confortable working on a vanagon or should I take it to a VW specific
> shop.  He said it was all pretty straight forward stuff and what he does.
>
>
> Anyone have experience with this or have input before I spend that much $.
>
> Thanks very much,
> Dave in Denver
>
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